Bear Safety in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
What Every Visitor Needs to Know Before Exploring Bear Country
Montana and Wyoming are home to two of the most iconic wildlife destinations in North America: Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. These stunning landscapes are not only known for their geothermal wonders and jagged peaks, they’re also prime grizzly and black bear habitat.
Whether you're hiking deep into the backcountry or simply pulling off to photograph wildlife from the road, understanding bear behavior and practicing proper safety protocols is essential, not just for your safety, but for the well-being of the bears themselves.
Understanding Bear Country
Both Yellowstone and Grand Teton support healthy populations of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and black bears (Ursus americanus). Grizzlies tend to be more aggressive and are typically found in higher elevations or remote areas, while black bears are more widely distributed and are generally more tolerant of human presence, but both species can be dangerous if surprised or provoked.
In Yellowstone, bear sightings can happen anywhere, even in busy areas like Lamar Valley or Canyon Village. In Grand Teton, popular trails like Cascade Canyon, Paintbrush Divide, and the area around Jackson Lake are all prime bear territory.
Tips for Staying Safe in Bear Country
1. Carry Bear Spray and Know How to Use It
Bear spray is your number one line of defense. It’s non-lethal, easy to use, and highly effective at deterring aggressive bears.
Keep it accessible at all times. Not buried in your pack! It should be on a belt loop or chest harness.
Practice removing the safety and aiming quickly.
Know the range: bear spray is most effective within 30 feet.
2. Hike in Groups
Larger groups make more noise and are less likely to surprise a bear. If possible, hike in groups of three or more. Solo hikers are at a greater risk of unexpected encounters.
3. Make Noise
Clapping, calling out, or talking loudly, especially in dense vegetation or near streams, can alert bears to your presence. This is particularly important in early morning, late evening, or low-visibility conditions, when bears are most active.
4. Stay Alert and Observe
Watch for fresh tracks, scat, diggings, overturned logs, and animal carcasses—signs a bear may be nearby.
Never wear earbuds or headphones while hiking in bear country.
What to Do If You Encounter a Bear
If the bear hasn’t noticed you:
Stay calm.
Slowly back away without making sudden movements.
Keep an eye on the bear, but don’t stare directly into its eyes (a sign of aggression).
Do not run.
If the bear does notice you:
Speak calmly in a low voice.
Let the bear know you’re human and not a threat.
If it approaches, stand your ground and have your bear spray ready.
If the bear charges:
Many charges are bluff charges.
Stand your ground and use your bear spray when the bear is within range.
Only play dead if physically attacked by a grizzly. Lie on your stomach, protect your neck, and remain still.
Do not play dead if attacked by a black bear; try to escape or fight back, aiming for the bear’s face and snout.
Backcountry Camping Tips
Use Bear-Resistant Canisters or hang food at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from tree trunks.
Cook and eat at least 100 yards from your sleeping area.
Never store food, toiletries, or scented items in your tent.
Clean up all food waste and trash immediately.
Both Yellowstone and Grand Teton have strict regulations regarding backcountry food storage, violations can result in fines or expulsion from the park.
Bear Safety and Photography
As a wildlife photographer, it’s tempting to get closer for the perfect shot, but safety and ethics must come first.
Always use a long lens (400mm or more) for bear photography.
Stay at least 100 yards (91 meters) away from bears at all times.
If a bear changes its behavior because of your presence, you are too close.
Remember: a bear habituated to humans is a bear at risk. Responsible viewing helps keep these majestic animals wild and alive.
How Wildscape Adventure Prioritizes Bear Safety
At Wildscape Adventure, the safety of both our guests and the wildlife we encounter is our top priority.
On all of our wildlife photography tours and night sky adventures in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, we actively practice and teach bear safety protocols, including:
Mandatory bear spray: Our guides will always carry bear spray during tours, and we provide instruction on how to use it properly.
Group travel: Our tours are designed to keep participants together to minimize surprise encounters, especially during pre-dawn or nighttime outings.
Respectful distancing: We always maintain the minimum distance of 100 yards from bears, using long lenses for close-up photography without intruding on their space.
Wildlife awareness training: Before each tour, we brief guests on how to spot bear signs, react appropriately to sightings, and store food and gear safely.
No solo wandering: Especially on night sky sessions, participants stay close to the group with a guide at all times.
By combining proactive safety practices with a deep respect for the environment, we ensure that our tours are as safe and enriching as they are unforgettable.
Seeing a bear in the wild is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can enjoy these encounters safely and help preserve the natural behavior of bears for generations to come.
At Wildscape Adventure, we believe that a little preparation goes a long way toward a safe, respectful, and awe-inspiring journey into America’s wild places.
Our Wild Yellowstone and Wild Tetons photography tours are designed to give you the best chance of observing and photographing bears, alongside bison, elk, wolves, moose, and more, all while following responsible wildlife viewing practices. Whether you're capturing the golden morning light on a grizzly sow or scanning the tree line for black bears, you'll be guided by a professional who puts safety, respect, and education first.
Stay aware. Stay respectful. Stay safe.
