Slowly back away. If a bear charges, stand your ground as running may lead to chasing. Most charges are bluffs.
People Also Ask
Possibility of Being Attacked (or Killed) by a BearJust because you may see a bear does not mean that it will attack you. The average amount of bear attacks in Yellowstone is 1 per year. Yellowstone receives over 4 million visitors per year, so the odds of an attack are minuscule.
Yellowstone Bear SafetyWhether you're heading to Yellowstone National Park to go hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or simply to take photographs, it is critical that you carry bear spray (and know how to use it!) The video below shows you the best practices when carrying and using bear spray.
Bears are generally more visible this time of year and potentially more aggressive, which makes them even more of a safety concern for visitors. If you are out hiking, whether it is a tenth of a mile or a backcountry adventure, it is essential to carry bear spray for your safety.
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.
Grizzly bears are active primarily at dawn, dusk, and night. In spring, they may be seen around Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge, Hayden and Lamar valleys, Swan Lake Flats, and the East Entrance.
Take an active role in protecting yourself and the bears people come to Yellowstone to see: carry bear spray and learn how to use it! Bear spray is a non-lethal deterrent designed to stop aggressive behavior in bears.
Solo hikers are at a higher risk of dangerous animal encounters. Anyone exploring the region's backcountry should do so with at least one other person, though groups of three or more are best. Accidents like sprained ankles can and do happen, and there are portions of Yellowstone with little or no cellular service.
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.
Yellowstone Bear SafetyWhether you're heading to Yellowstone National Park to go hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or simply to take photographs, it is critical that you carry bear spray (and know how to use it!)