Yellowstone National Park officials have confirmed the first signs of grizzly bears waking up from hibernation for spring 2025. Park staff observed grizzly bear tracks in the northern part of the park on March 9th. As Yellowstone starts to thaw out, more grizzlies will be emerging from hibernation and Yellowstone is already urging the importance for guests to Be Bear Aware.
Yellowstone’s grizzly population typically enter their dens from late October to December and emerge after 4 to 6 months. Males generally emerge in early March followed by females without cubs in late March to the middle of April. Females with cubs in appear later towards the end of April into early May.
As a reminder for tourists planning to visit our America’s oldest national park “All of Yellowstone National Park is bear country, from the deepest backcountry to the boardwalks around Old Faithful.” Keeping this in mind visitors are recommended to take several precautions including carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it, staying alert and making noises to avoid surprises, hiking in groups and staying on designated trails. Learn more about bear safety at Yellowstone National Park 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.
