Yellowstone National Park‘s 2.2 million acres provide visitors with unparalleled opportunities to view stunning geothermal areas, geologic wonders, and remarkable wildlife in an intact ecosystem. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including the largest bison population on public land in the U.S. and a steadily growing wolf population.
While the grizzly bear is often considered the most iconic animal in Yellowstone, black bears are also commonly seen throughout the park. There’s very little known about the park’s black bear population. They face few natural predators though they are occasionally killed by other black bears or large carnivores such as wolves, cougars, or grizzlies in competition for food.
Encounters between humans and black bears are rarely aggressive, though they can be quite thrilling. This black bear was recently filmed sprinting across the Yellowstone River Suspension Bridge along Hellroaring Trail when it spotted multiple hikers on the other side, forcing it to turn around. Fortunately the hikers were aware of its presence and wisely decided a temporary delay crossing the bridge was a better option than confronting the bear on the span.
Black bear attacks are very rare but they are still possible. As such, Yellowstone National Park requires they be treated with respect and caution. Like grizzly bears they should be given at least 100 yards of space at all times. Bear spray should be carried in a readily accessible location in case of an encounter. Read more on 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.
- 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.
