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Yellowstone Bears: What to Know Before You Go

are there bears in Yellowstone?

yes

There are bears in Yellowstone National Park! So if you'd like to see one in the wild, Yellowstone could be your chance!

since there are bears in this park, it's important to be

"bear aware"

there are two species of bear in yellowstone:

Do you know what they are?

1

black bear

2

grizzly bear

knowing the difference is harder than you may think:

• Color  (🚫 reliable)

• Size  (🚫 reliable)

• Tracks (somewhat reliable)

• Face & Ears (more reliable)

• Humps & Rumps (more reliable)

• Statistics (most reliable)

...there are MANY more black bears than grizzlies in the park

best time of day to spot bear?

Bears are "crepuscular" meaning, they are most active around dusk and dawn

yellowstone bear safety:

• Stay AT LEAST 100 yards away

• Make noise while on trails

• Travel in groups (4+ is ideal)

• Stay alert, looking for/listening for animals around you

Do NOT run from a bear; slowly back away

• Carry bear spray

black bear

Where are good places to see...

• Forest areas between Mammoth Hot Springs and Tower-Roosevelt

• Near the northeast park entrance

Grizzly bear

Where are good places to see...

• Yellowstone Lake

• Fishing Bridge area

• Near the east park entrance

• Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center (West Yellowstone)

• Near the east park entrance

nationalparksmom.com

Spotting bears in the wild at Yellowstone is an experience your family will never forget