Yellowstone Nationwide Park is dwelling to two species of bears, grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and black bears (Ursus americanus). The 2 species shared a typical ancestor greater than 3.5 million years in the past earlier than their evolution diverged and their habitats solely started to overlap about 13,000 years in the past. Yellowstone’s grizzly bears are sometimes bigger than the black bears however black bears outnumber grizzlies by a large margin.
As a result of their sheer prevalence, Yellowstone vacationers are much more more likely to encounter a black bear than a grizzly bear however the identical security guidelines apply for each species. Yellowstone coverage is to at all times preserve not less than 100 yards from any bear and actively approaching one is strictly prohibited.
Whereas there may be ample signage across the park letting guests know the right distance to maintain from bears, some select to willfully disregard park guidelines and threat their properly being for the sake of images.
Such was the case for this huge group of vacationers who huddled on the finish of the Yellowstone River Bridge to get a detailed up view of black bear because it emerged from the Yellowstone River Banks. Fortunately a park ranger was on the scene and gave the group clear and concise instructions to respect the bear’s house and vacate the realm.
Whereas this park ranger sounded very very similar to a kindergarten trainer yelling at naughty kids, these vacationers had been fairly juvenile of their actions and wanted to be scolded. Bear in mind of us, Yellowstone just isn’t a petting zoo and regardless of how calm they look like the resident animals are wild and unpredictable. Be protected, be respectful and comply with park guidelines always. Study extra about Yellowstone Nationwide Park bear security beneath.
Yellowstone Bear Security Pointers:
All of Yellowstone is bear nation, from the paths within the park’s backcountry to the boardwalks and parking heaps round Outdated Devoted. Your security can’t be assured, however you’ll be able to play an lively position in defending your self and the bears folks come right here to take pleasure in.
- Give bears house. Preserve not less than 100 yards (93 meters) from bears always and by no means strategy a bear to take a photograph.
- Carry bear spray and know how you can use it. We advocate every particular person carry one can of bear spray in a readily accessible location like a quick-draw holster (not stowed away in your backpack).
- Hike in teams and make noise. Since 1970,91% of the folks injured by bears in Yellowstone had been mountain climbing alone or with just one mountain climbing companion. Solely 9% of the folks injured by bears had been in teams of three or extra folks. Whereas mountain climbing on a path, periodically yell “Hey bear!” to alert bears of your presence. Study extra about backcountry security.
- Respect closures. Don’t journey in areas closed for bear administration.
- By no means feed bears. Bears that turn into depending on human meals might turn into aggressive towards folks and shall be killed.
- Keep along with your stuff. Don’t go away packs or luggage containing meals unattended, even for a couple of minutes, as bears be taught new meals sources rapidly.
- If a bear approaches or touches your automotive, honk your horn and drive away. We need to discourage this habits for the bears’ security and yours.
- Assist us unfold the phrase! Share posters from our “A Bear Doesn’t Care” marketing campaign.
If you happen to’re concerned in a battle with a bear, no matter how minor, contact us or report it to a park ranger as quickly as doable. If cell service is accessible, dial 911. The lives of different folks, and the bear, might depend upon it.
