As a premier destination for wildlife observation, many of the tourists who pass through the legendary gates of Yellowstone National Park do so in hopes of experiencing an intimate moment with North American mega-fauna. Known as “America’s Serengeti” Yellowstone is the home to many large mammal species including moose, mule deer, bison, elk, wolves, and healthy population of black and grizzly bears.
Yellowstone’s bears generally prefer to avoid humans thanks in large part to the park’s effective management practices but close encounters are possible at anytime throughout the park and sometimes they are quite dramatic like this intense scene that played out right next to a boardwalk near West Thumb Geyser Basin.
This family of tourists spotted a elk in distress running in their direction and soon found out why it was racing towards them. Hot in pursuit of the elk was a bear. Although the bear was focused on elk and ambivalent towards the presence humans, the concern on their faces is evident as the apex predator came within feat of where they stood.
Yellowstone visitors need to be aware that all bears are potentially dangerous and park regulations require that people stay at least 100 yards from bears (unless safely in your car as a bear moves by). Indeed all of Yellowstone is bear habitat, from the deepest most remote corners of the backcountry to the highly trafficked boardwalks around Old Faithful. Learn more about Yellowstone bear safety below.
Yellowstone National Park Bear Safety Guidelines:
All of Yellowstone is bear country, from the trails in the park’s backcountry to the boardwalks and parking lots around Old Faithful. Your safety cannot be guaranteed, but you can play an active role in protecting yourself and the bears people come here to enjoy.
- Give bears space. Keep at least 100 yards (93 meters) from bears at all times and never approach a bear to take a photo.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it. We recommend each person carry one can of bear spray in a readily accessible location like a quick-draw holster (not stowed away in your backpack).
- Hike in groups and make noise. Since 1970,91% of the people injured by bears in Yellowstone were hiking alone or with only one hiking partner. Only 9% of the people injured by bears were in groups of three or more people. While hiking on a trail, periodically yell “Hey bear!” to alert bears of your presence. Learn more about backcountry safety.
- Respect closures. Observe all closures and restrictions in active bear management areas.
- Never feed bears. Bears that become dependent on human food may become aggressive toward people and will be killed.
- Stay with your stuff. Do not leave packs or bags containing food unattended, even for a few minutes, as bears learn new food sources quickly.
- If a bear approaches or touches your car, honk your horn and drive away. We want to discourage this behavior for the bears’ safety and yours.
