Yellowstone National Park is easily the most iconic national park in the United States, providing visitors with 2.2 million acres of stunning geothermal areas, geologic wonders, and unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities in an intact ecosystem. It’s home to the nation’s largest bison population on public land, a growing population of gray wolves, and a robust population of bears.
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of the few places south of Canada where both black bears and grizzly bears coexist. The park’s grizzly bears are a more popular sight for tourists, with around 150–200 grizzlies having home ranges wholly or partially in its boundaries, but the black bears are much more common.
There isn’t much known about Yellowstone’s black bear population. They have few natural predators, though they’re occasionally killed by others of their own species or by large carnivores while competing for food (wolves, cougars, grizzlies). The removal of nuisance black bears and vehicle deaths aren’t common either.
Black bear attacks on people are very rare, but it’s still important that people stay plenty away from these animals. Approaching close, especially to a mother bear and cub as these people captured on camera along a roadside in Yellowstone National Park do, is dangerous to both the bears and the people.
Yellowstone National Park requires that all animals be given at least 25 yards of space at all times, but both bears and wolves need to be given at least 100 yards. Stay well away use a telephoto zoom camera lens to capture good photos. The guy in the blue jacket has a very high zoom lens on his camera, but still for some reason felt the need to get up close to the bear. Do not be that guy. Read more about bear safety below.
Yellowstone National Park Bear Safety:
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.
- Help us spread the word! Share posters from our “A Bear Doesn’t Care” campaign.
If you’re involved in a conflict with a bear, regardless of how minor, contact us or report it to a park ranger as soon as possible. If cell service is available, dial 911. The lives of other people, and the bear, may depend on it.
