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What to do if you run into a bear in Yellowstone?

Slowly back away. If a bear charges, stand your ground as running may lead to chasing. Most charges are bluffs. Link arms with others and try to look as large as possible to dissuade the bear from attacking.



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Slowly back away. If a bear charges, stand your ground as running may lead to chasing. Most charges are bluffs.

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Possibility of Being Attacked (or Killed) by a Bear Just 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.

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If you see a bear, the best course of action for you is to avoid the bear to your best ability. Walk away slowly in the direction from which you came, moving sideways if possible. Do not run away from the bear because this will encourage the bear to chase you.

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Grizzly and black bears thrive in the Grand Teton and Yellowstone ecosystem. You may encounter bears anywhere in the Jackson Hole area and National Parks. Bear Spray costs $40 to $60 per can, are non-refundable, and cannot be taken aboard airplanes.

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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.

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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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Protect Your Park; Protect Yourself 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.

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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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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.

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