The 2.2 million acres that make up Yellowstone National Park are full of stunning views of unique geothermal areas, stunning geologic wonders, and some of the best wildlife opportunities in the country. The park is home to a vast variety of wildlife, including elk, bison, and, of course, bears.
The landscape of Yellowstone is home to two types of bears. The most iconic, and most dangerous, is the grizzly bear, with around 150–200 living entirely within the park. The number of black bears within the park is unknown, but they are pretty common. While black bears are significantly less agressive to people than grizzly bears, they do still have the ability to injure (or do worse) humans if they feel threatened.
Approaching any bear is never a good idea, no matter the location. Harassing a feeding black bear in Yellowstone National Park, as these tourists do, is a true recipe for disaster.
Like any wildlife, bears in Yellowstone National Park need to be given space. Yellowstone guidelines require that all bears be given at least 100 yards, or 300 feet, of space at all times. These people were lucky that nobody got hurt and the bear mostly ignored them, but the consequences had the bear decided to attack could have been deadly. Read more on Yellowstone National Park bear safety below.
Yellowstone National Park Bear Safety Guidelines:
All of Yellowstone is grizzly and black 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.
- Stay at least 100 yards away from bears.
- Carry bear spray (and know how to use it).
- Hike in groups of 3 or more people.
- Know what to do if you encounter a bear.
- Respect closures and restrictions.
- Honk if a bear approaches your car.
- Deter bears while camping.
