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Can you carry a gun in Yellowstone?

Yes, guns are permitted in Yellowstone National Park Park visitors are able to openly carry legal handguns, rifles, shotguns and other firearms per a federal law approved by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama in February 2010. Concealed weapons are allowed by state statute.



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Driving off roads is not permitted. Defacing park features, collecting natural or archeological objects, picking wildflowers, and littering are illegal. Store your valuables securely and lock your vehicle. Report thefts or accidents promptly to a ranger.

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Pocket Knives designated as weapons under 18 U.S. Code § 930: Possession of Firearms and Dangerous Weapons in Federal Facilities are not permitted into the park. A pocket knife is considered a weapon if: The blade is longer than 2.5 inches or 6 centimeters in length.

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Sorry, but if you're attacked by a grizzly in Yellowstone, it is against the law for you to shoot it. Reaching for bear spray could be your best legal option as you can't even point a firearm at wildlife there.

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If you do any hiking or camping in Yellowstone, you SHOULD bring bear spray. Generally, you don't need bear spray when visiting the popular and crowded geyser areas and villages, such as Old Faithful and Canyon Village.

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As of February 22, 2010, a federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park.

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Remember, always carry bear spray when hiking in Grand Teton, practice with inert cans often, and be bear aware! Stay safe out there and enjoy yourself while recreating responsibly in Grand Teton.

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Hot springs have injured or killed more people in Yellowstone than any other natural feature. Keep your children close and don't let them run. Animals that become dependent on human food may become aggressive toward people and have to be killed. Keep all food, garbage, or other smelly items packed away when not in use.

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Always stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all other animals, including bison and elk. Hot springs have injured or killed more people in Yellowstone than any other natural feature. Keep your children close and don't let them run.

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Bear Attacks Attacks are rare—nobody has been killed or seriously injured by a bear in Yosemite. If a black bear approaches, always follow the above guidelines. If a black bear attacks while you're in Yosemite, fight back.

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If visitors spot a bear while in the park, it is a black bear-not a brown or grizzly bear. The last known grizzly bear was shot outside the Yosemite region in the early 1920s; the species no longer exists in California despite its presence on the California state flag.

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If you have bear spray, have it out and ready to use.
  1. If you have bear spray, have it out and ready to use.
  2. Do not run. This could trigger a chase response from the bear.
  3. Remain calm.
  4. Slowly back away from the bear.
  5. Say, It's okay bear, or I'm leaving bear, to let the bear know you are a human.


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