What is the best time of year to see bears in Yellowstone?

Hands down the best time of year to see bears in Yellowstone is between mid-April and the first week of June. We have had days in the springtime when we have seen a dozen bears. Yes — as in twelve! The weather plays a factor too.



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Female Grizzly Bear in Yellowstone steal from humans, so you have to work a bit harder to find them, but once you do bears show much more natural behavior. They are active throughout Yellowstone in spring, summer and fall then hibernate all winter, emerging sometime in March or early April.

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It's perfectly possible to spot a bear any time of day in the Park, especially in cooler weather, but mid-summer you are unlikely to see bears out in the heat of the day, when they tend to nap in the forest. You don't need to go hiking into the backcountry to see bears.

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Bearmuda Triangle. Located around Tower Junction, the “Bear-muda” Triangle of Yellowstone is an area known for bear activity (grizzly bears and, more commonly, black bears). This is one of the few areas in the United States where black bears coexist with grizzly bears.

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According to the National Park Service (NPS), eight people have been killed by bears at Yellowstone National Park since it was established in 1872.

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Take the Encounter Seriously Bear encounters, however, are still relatively dangerous, as both grizzly and black bears, the two species of bear found in Yellowstone, can act aggressively if they feel threatened. If you see a bear, the best course of action for you is to avoid the bear to your best ability.

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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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For 27 years, Jackson Hole Grizzly 399 has been strolling into human, biological and conservation history in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Unbeknownst to her, she's become the most famous living wild bear on Earth.

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Yellowstone hosts two bear species: grizzly bears and black bears. Of the two, black bears are more prevalent, making grizzly bear sighting less common.

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Yellowstone National Park can get very crowded during peak season (June, July, and August). The best months to visit Yellowstone are April, September, and October. These “off season” months provide more chances to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife and enjoy thinner crowds.

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Best Times to Visit Yellowstone for Wildlife March and April are the best months to view bears, while the winter months are best for wolves and bighorn sheep. Elk, moose, bison, and mountain goats can be spotted during the summer, which is also the park's busiest season.

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