Millions of visitors come to #Yellowstone each year to see andexperience wild animals in their natural environment, andexceptionally preserved hydrothermal features. This guide aimsto help you enjoy and make the most of these opportunities.
Trip Planner
2015
Yellowstone National Park
Bear safety
Vacationing in bear country takes
appropriate preparation. Be sure to
learn what to do if you encounter a
bear unexpectedly. Your safety can-
not be guaranteed.
If you see a bear while driving, do
not stop, and do not block the road.
Keep moving to the next paved
pullout and park safely. If the bear
is within 100 yards, watch and take
photographs from inside your car.
Visitors are required to keep all food,
garbage, and scented items stored in
a bear-proof manner. Tents, truck
beds, unattended packs, and picnic
tables are not secure.
Bear spray is proven to be
highly successful at stop-
ping aggressive behavior in
bears.
Hiking in Bear Habitat
• Be alert for bears,
watch for fresh tracks
or scat.
• Make noise in areas with limited
visibility.
• Carry bear spray and know how
to use it.
• Avoid hiking alone—hike with
three or more people.
• DO NOT RUN.
Bear Encounters
Check at local
visitor centers or
ranger stations for
recent bear activ-
ity and respect all
bear management
closure areas.
Bears and other wildlife rely on
carcasses for food and will protect a
food source aggressively. Bears with
cubs are especially dangerous.
• If you encounter a bear (most
common)—Back away slowly. Do
not run.
• If a bear charges at you (rare)—
stand your ground and use bear
spray.
• If a bear charges and makes
contact with you (very rare)—fall
onto your stomach and “play
dead.â€
• If a bear persistently stalks you,
then attacks (extremely rare)—
fight back.
• If a bear attacks you in your tent
(extremely rare)—fight back.
Report all bear encounters and
wildlife incidents to a park ranger
immediately.
www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/
bearsafety
Explore Yellowstone Safely
Stay on boardwalks
You must stay on boardwalks and
designated trails around hydrother-
mal features. Delicate formations
and the crust surrounding them are
thin and break easily, and often over-
lie scalding water. Visito