Visiting an area like Grand Teton National Park requires awareness and actions to keep grizzly bears wild and people safe. All of Teton county is occupied grizzly bear habitat, and both residents and visitors need to stay vigilant to keep safe.
In 2007, Grand Teton National Park created the primarily-volunteer staffed Wildlife Brigade to assist in “wildlife jams” (when animals create a traffic jam along the road) and patrol picnic areas and campgrounds for unsecured food. They both promote ethical viewing practices and work to educate visitors about bear safety, but tourists should still come with an understanding of proper behavior around wildlife.
The below video shows why poor behavior during a bear jam can have such dire consequences. Grizzly 610 was on one side of the road with one of her cubs while her other 2 cubs were eating berries across the street. As people began getting out of the car to see the animals despite wildlife management’s warnings, the mother bear ran towards her cubs in an act of protection. While nobody was attacked it’s not hard to see how this situation could have ended with injury or worse.
If you come across a bear jam in Grand Teton National Park, it’s important that you take extra care and listen to the Wildlife Brigade and park staff. Never approach animals and always give both bears and wolves at least 100 yards of space at all times. Read more on wildlife safety in Grand Teton National Park below.
Grand Teton National Park Bear Safety Guidelines:
• Do not approach the animal. Enjoy the moment from a safe distance: minimum 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other animals.
• Never park in front of a crossing animal. Give wildlife the space they need.
• Follow directions from park staff. The Wildlife Brigade is trained to observe animal behavior. A safe spot one minute may not be safe the next.
• Stay flexible and alert. These are dynamic situations, and guidance may change quickly.
• Expect crowds. Wildlife sightings draw a lot of attention—especially bears.
• Watch for traffic. Stay out of travel lanes and remain right of the white line where applicable. That applies to viewing on foot and in stopped vehicles.
• Some jams may be shut down. If safety becomes a concern, we may need to clear the area.
• Different rules in developed areas. In places like campgrounds or lodges, our goal is to help the animal move on—not to manage a viewing opportunity.
The Wildlife Brigade’s goal is always to create a safe, educational, and respectful experience for all. Your patience and cooperation help keep both people and wildlife safe.