Bears
Grizzly bear sow and yearling on boardwalk near Daisy Geyser; Jim Peaco; May 15, 2014
Black bear sow with cub near Tower Fall; Neal Herbert; May 19, 2015
Black bear sniffing dumpster near Ice Box Canyon; Jim Peaco; June 14, 2015
About
Yellowstone is home to two species of bears: grizzly bears and black bears. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of few areas south of Canada where these two bear species coexist. Grizzly bears are more aggressive than black bears and more likely to rely on their size and aggressiveness to protect themselves and their cubs from predators and other perceived threats. Their evolution diverged from a common ancestor more than 3.5 million years ago, but their habitats only began to overlap about 13,000 years ago.
People who visited Yellowstone prior to the 1970s often remember seeing bears along roadsides and within developed areas of the park. Although observing these animals was very popular with park visitors, it was not good for people or bears. In 1970, the park initiated an intensive bear management program to return the grizzly and black bears to feeding on natural food sources and to reduce bear-caused human injuries and property damage. The measures included installing bear-proof garbage cans and closing garbage dumps in the park.
Visitors should be aware that all bears are potentially dangerous. Park regulations require that people stay at least 100 yards (91 meters) from bears (unless safely in your car as a bear moves by). Bears need your concern, not your food; it is against the law to feed any park wildlife, including bears. All of Yellowstone is bear habitat – from the deepest backcountry to the boardwalks around Old Faithful. (National Park Service)
Helpful Links
- Bear Ecology, National Park Service
- Bear Management, National Park Service
- Bears of Yellowstone, National Park Service (video)
- Characteristics of Bears in Yellowstone, National Park Service
- Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST), USGS
From the Archive
Bear Safety—Bear Spray
Bear spray is an effective tool for stopping aggressive bears. It is important to carry it with you whenever you hike in Yellowstone National Park because a bear can be on or near trails at any time.
Library Resources
Library of Congress Subject Headings
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