An Introduction to
Yellowstone's GrizzliesIn Yellowstone National Park, March is the month that
begins to bring hints of spring and the upcoming summer. Although the snow is still deep
in the park during March, mild sunny days can become common this time of year. March is
also the time of year when the grizzlies of Yellowstone may begin to exit their dens from
hibernation in search of water and food. The males and poorly conditioned bears exit
earlier than sows with cubs. After exiting the den, bears seek large quantities of water,
and will eat snow if no water is readily available. Although they are not immediately
interested in food, the bears will feed lightly on herbs and roots to clear the kidneys
and digestive tract. Eventually, the bears will seek out new vegetation and
winter-kill carcasses.
Some areas within Yellowstone National Park are closed
to backpacking during the months of March, April, May, and June due to bear
activity. During the spring months, bears utilize certain areas in their search for
food (winter-kill carcasses, spawning fish, and new spring grasses). In an effort to
reduce the probability of a human-bear conflict, park rangers close certain areas (to
backpacking, camping in tents, etc.) that have higher degrees of bear activity. Locations
around Yellowstone Lake are often closed to off-road human activity during the spring
months due to bear activity. There are also other specific locations within the park that
may be closed due to bear activity in the spring. The visitor's center at Mammoth
Hot Springs will have more specific information on bear activity for any given time.
Spring is also the time of year when sows will
introduce their newborn cubs to the outside world. It is very important to remember that
bears will aggressively defend their cubs from any perceived threat. A female grizzly or
black bear with cubs can be extremely dangerous. Never approach a bear, especially one
with cubs! The best way to avoid a bear attack is to take precautionary steps.
First, always respect any closure sign that may be
posted. These signs are posted for your safety and the benefit of the bears.
Second, when you do go hiking or backpacking, always
remember to make noise (talking, singing, whistling, etc.) to let any bear in the area
know of your presence. If a bear detects your presence, it will usually leave the area
immediately. However, if you surprise a bear, the chances of an attack are much
greater. Another rule to remember is when camping, hang your food from a tree
(inaccessible to grizzly bears) preferably 100 yards away from the campsite. Never store
food in your tent or close to where you will be sleeping. Bears can smell food from miles
away even if it is packaged or sealed in a container. The sense of smell for bears ranks
among the keenest in the animal world. A bear has been known to detect a human scent more
than fourteen hours after the person passes along a trail. At any rate, bears have an
extremely keen sense of smell and are always seeking food.
In short, when in Yellowstone, obey the trail closure
signs, follow the rules of bear country use, and exercise some common sense. The grizzly
bear is one of the many awesome and beautiful animals that can be found in Yellowstone
National Park. If you have the opportunity to see one on your visit to the park, consider
yourself fortunate since these animals are elusive and not commonly seen by visitors.
When you visit Yellowstone, stop by the visitor's
center in Mammoth. The park rangers will be able to provide you with more information on
current bear activity, the rules to follow in bear country, and defensive measures to take
should you have a close encounter with a bear.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GRIZZLY IN YELLOWSTONE
AND
BEYOND
Main Yellowstone Net Grizzly Page
Where are the Bears?
Ralph Maughan's Grizzly Reports
Bear Sighting
Reports (by National Park Service)
Kevin Sander's Bear Information Page (by
the "Bearman")
The American Grizzly Bear (by James
Musgrove)
The Great Bear Foundation (Non-profit)
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