Yellowstone’s first bear sighting of 2021

Information Launch Date: March 16, 2021

Make contact with: Morgan Warthin, (307) 344-2015

MAMMOTH Hot SPRINGS, WY – On Saturday, March 13, a pilot supporting park wildlife scientific tests noticed the to start with grizzly bear of 2021. From the air, the pilot viewed the bear interact with wolves at a carcass in the northern component of the park. This is the initial sighting of a grizzly bear in the park this yr, even though tracks have been seen on a number of occasions in the last two months.

The initially bear sighting of 2020 happened on March 7.

Male grizzlies appear out of hibernation in early March. Ladies with cubs arise in April and early Might. When bears arise from hibernation, they search for food items and normally feed on elk and bison that died over the winter season. In some cases, bears will respond aggressively even though feeding on carcasses.

All of Yellowstone National Park is bear state: from the deepest backcountry to the boardwalks about Old Trustworthy. Safeguard oneself and the bears folks come listed here to delight in by adhering to these tips:
 

• Prepare for a bear face.
• Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and make absolutely sure it is accessible.
• Remain alert.
• Hike or ski in groups of three or much more, stay on managed trails, and make noise. Steer clear of hiking at dusk, dawn, or at night time.
• Do not operate if you come across a bear.
• Remain 100 yards (91 m) away from black and grizzly bears. Use binoculars, a telescope, or telephoto lens to get a closer search.
• Retail store food, garbage, barbecue grills, and other attractants in challenging-sided autos or bear-proof food items storage boxes.
• Report bear sightings and encounters to a park ranger instantly.
• Understand additional about bear safety.

“When bears to start with emerge from hibernation, they glimpse for carcasses at lower elevations and spring vegetation in thermal meadows and south-dealing with slopes for nourishment,” said Kerry Gunther, the park’s bear management biologist.

When firearms are authorized in the park, the discharge of a firearm by visitors is a violation of park restrictions. Bear spray has verified effective in deterring bears defending cubs and food stuff sources. It can also cut down the amount of bears killed by people in self-protection.

The park restricts selected customer activities in areas exactly where there is a superior density of elk and bison carcasses and a lot of bears. Limits started in some bear management parts on March 10.