Yellowstone National Park is a premier destination for experiencing North America’s wild landscapes and diverse inhabitants. Among the most sought-after wildlife sightings are the park’s bears, which roam its vast forests and open meadows. Understanding the different bear species and how to behave in their presence is an important part of a Yellowstone visit.
Bear Species of Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park is home to two primary bear species: the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) and the black bear (Ursus americanus). Grizzly bears are generally larger, with males typically weighing between 216 and 717 pounds and females between 200 and 428 pounds, standing about 3.5 feet at the shoulder. Their diet is highly varied, encompassing plants, berries, roots, insects, fish, and small to large mammals, including elk calves and carrion.
Black bears are comparatively smaller, with males usually weighing 210 to 315 pounds and females 135 to 160 pounds, reaching about 3 feet at the shoulder. Black bears are omnivores, consuming grasses, fruits, tree cambium, eggs, insects, fish, and carrion. They often exhibit less aggressive behavior than grizzlies and frequently rely on their tree-climbing abilities to escape perceived threats.
Identifying Yellowstone’s Bears
Distinguishing between a grizzly and a black bear in Yellowstone requires observing physical characteristics, as fur color alone is unreliable; both species can range from black to brown, cinnamon, or blonde. One telling feature is the shoulder hump present on grizzly bears, a prominent muscle mass above their front shoulders used for digging. Black bears lack this hump, and their highest point when on all fours is typically the middle of their back or their hindquarters.
Grizzlies often have a “dished” or concave facial profile from between their eyes to the tip of their nose, while black bears typically exhibit a straighter, more dog-like profile. Grizzly bears have smaller, more rounded ears in proportion to their heads, whereas black bears possess larger, more pointed ears that appear more erect. Grizzlies have long, gently curved claws (2-4 inches) suited for digging, while black bears have shorter, more sharply curved claws (less than 2 inches) that aid in climbing trees.
Staying Safe Around Bears
Safety around bears in Yellowstone involves adhering to guidelines to minimize encounters and ensure a safe experience. Visitors should always carry bear spray in an easily accessible location, such as a quick-draw holster, and understand how to use it. If a bear charges, aim the spray slightly downward at the charging bear when it is 30 to 60 feet away, creating a cloud the bear must pass through.
When hiking, travel in groups of three or more people and make noise, especially in areas with limited visibility, by talking or periodically calling out “Hey bear!”. Park regulations require staying at least 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves. Proper food storage is important: all food and scented items must be kept in bear-resistant containers or hung from trees. Never feed bears, as this can lead to aggressive behavior and habituation.
In the rare event of a bear encounter, remain calm and avoid running, as this can trigger a chase response. Slowly back away while speaking in a low voice. If a grizzly bear makes physical contact during a surprise attack, playing dead by lying face down, protecting your neck, and leaving your backpack on is often the recommended response. If a black bear attacks, or if any bear attack seems predatory or prolonged, fighting back aggressively may be necessary.