YELLOWSTONE BEAR COUNTRY GUIDE

Hiking in Yellowstone's Bear Country

Yellowstone is home to not only black bears but grizzlies as well. Although the risk of an encounter with a bear is low, there are no guarantees. It is best to play it safe and follow the rules when visiting Yellowstone National Park.

If by some chance that you should come across a bear do not run. Bears can run over 30 miles per hour Running may educe an attack from otherwise non-aggressive bears. If the bear is oblivious of you, deviate away from the bear. If the bear is aware of you and nearby, but has not acted in a hostile way, slowly back away.

Do not leave packs containing food unattended, even for a few minutes. Allowing a bear to obtain human food - even once - often results in the bear becoming aggressive about attaining such food in the future. Hostile bears present a threat to human safety and ultimately must be destroyed or removed from the park.

If you are hiking in the backcountry, make loud noises such as shouting or singing. This reduces the chance of abrupt encounters. These types of encounters are the cause of most bear-caused human injuries in the park. Hike in groups and use caution where vision is obstructed. Do not hike after dark. Avoid carcasses; bears often defend this source of food.