Where are you most likely to see bears in Yellowstone?

Grizzly bears are most commonly observed in Lamar Valley, Swan Lake Flats, Gardiners Hole, Dunraven Pass, Hayden Valley, and in the wet meadows along the East Entrance Road from Fishing Bridge to the East Entrance of the park.



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It's one of the best places in the world to observe wild bears. Inhabited by both black bears and grizzly bears, Yellowstone is a bear-watcher's paradise. For many people, seeing bears is one of the main reasons they come to Yellowstone. It's possible to see ten or fifteen bears in one day in this vast preserve.

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Spend a lot of time looking in the Lamar Valley, and your chances at a great wolf or grizzly sighting increase exponentially. The whole drive from Mammoth to the northeast exit at Cooke City, Montana, is great predator country. Black bears are commonly seen in the Tower area and meadows around Mammoth.

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1. Lamar Valley. Without doubt, Lamar Valley is the best place in Yellowstone to see wildlife. Carved by glaciers and fed by the Lamar River, the grasslands that cover this valley are easily accessible on Highway 212 and attract the biggest land species in the park—bison, elk, moose, and bears.

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Where to See Wolves: In Yellowstone, the most frequently spotted wolf packs roam the Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley, Canyon area and Blacktail Deer Plateau. In Grand Teton, see them in Willow Flats. Dawn and dusk are best.

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We have the proper optics and equipment, so you can witness and film bears out in the field. Hands down the best time of year to see bears in Yellowstone is between mid-April and the first week of June.

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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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But even with a guide, seeing the elusive Canis lupus isn't guaranteed. Normally, you have a 50/50 percent chance of seeing a wolf, says Varley. But this year odds have climbed as high as 90 percent. These consistent sightings are mostly thanks to the Junction Butte pack.

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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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Bear Safety
  1. Keep at least 100 yards (93 m) from bears at all times and never approach a bear to take a photo.
  2. Never feed bears. ...
  3. If a bear approaches or touches your car, honk your horn and drive away to discourage this behavior.


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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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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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Wolves in Yellowstone sit at the core of a larger population connected throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In general, wolf numbers have fluctuated between 83 and 123 wolves since 2009.

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About 800 moose inhabit the southern part of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park and surrounding national forests. Moose are most heavily concentrated in Grand Teton Park. Look for them at Willow Flats, Christian Pond (near Willow Flats) and around Oxbow Bend.

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Approximately 150–200 with home ranges wholly or partially in the park. As of 2021, 1,063 estimated in greater Yellowstone.

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For example, no wolf has attacked a human in Yellowstone National Park since wolves returned in 1995. Yellowstone receives 4 million visitors per year, including tent campers.

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