Park rangers in Yellowstone National Park have spotted grizzly bear tracks in the northern part of the park, according to a post on the park’s social media earlier this week.
While it’s possible to see both grizzly and black bears any month of the year, spring is when they officially come out of hibernation.
The park’s post emphasized, “All of Yellowstone National Park is bear country: from the deepest backcountry to the boardwalks around Old Faithful.”
As bears emerge, they are understandably hungry and immediately search for food. Luckily, there is typically plenty of food to be found, from spring growth to winter carcasses.
This is also when newborn cubs will first explore their new world. Cubs are typically born in January and remain in the den with their mothers until the snow begins to thaw. By the time they step out of the den, they’re about five pounds and ready to start learning the basics of bear survival from their mothers.
Bear Safety at the National Parks
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.
If you’re involved in a conflict with a bear, regardless of how minor, report it to a park ranger as soon as possible.
