Bears

You may encounter a bear anywhere at anytime.

Plan Around Bears

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Bears Details

Watch our video podcasts about food storage and which bear did I see. Protect Wildlife, Keep Your Food Safe: http://tinyurl.com/bpmwqap Which Bear Did I See? http://tinyurl.com/c3ogggx Black bears and grizzly bears thrive in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. You may encounter a bear anywhere at anytime. Some of the most popular trails pass through excellent bear habitat. Bears will usually move out of the way if they hear you approaching. Please review the following bear safety information before hiking or camping in the park. Make Noise Do not surprise bears! Make noise when you are hiking or away from your vehicle. Bears will usually move out of the way if they hear you approaching. Calling out (such as 'Hey Bear') and clapping your hands at regular intervals are the best ways to make your presence known. Bear bells are not sufficient. Some trail conditions make it difficult for bears to hear, see, or smell approaching hikers. Be particularly careful near streams, when it is windy, in dense vegetation, or in any circumstance that limits line of sight (such as a blind corner or rise in the trail). Be aware of your surroundings. The use of portable audio devices is strongly discouraged. Hike in Groups If possible, hike in groups of three or more people. Typically, larger groups of people make more noise and appear more formidable to bears. Keep your group together and make sure your children are close to you at all times. Avoid hiking when bears are more active; early in the morning, late in the day or when it is dark. Trail running is strongly discouraged; you may startle a bear. Bear Spray Bear spray is extremely effective to deter bear attacks. Bear spray is a non-toxic and non- lethal means of warding off aggressive bears. It temporarily affects the bear's respiratory system and mucus membranes. Keep bear spray immediately available on your belt or your pack's waist strap, not in your pack. Use only bear spray; personal self-defense pepper spray is not effective. Bear spray is not a repellent. Bear spray should never serve as a substitute for standard safety precautions in bear country. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Know how to use it, and be aware of limitations, including the expiration date. For your protection, do not remove the safety clip unless you are preparing to use the spray. It may accidentally discharge. Never store the bear spray in a vehicle. It may explode due to heat. Keep out of reach of children. Ask a ranger for additional information. Stay with Your Food DO NOT leave backpacks, coolers, or anything with an odor unattended for ANY length of time. Your food should always be within arm's reach or properly stored. DO NOT allow bears to obtain human food. Allowing a bear to obtain human food, even once, often results in aggressive and dangerous behavior. The bear is then a threat to human safety and must be relocated or killed. If approached by a bear while eating, put food away and retreat to a safe distance. Never abandon food because of an approaching bear. Always take the food with you. Never throw your pack or food at a bear in an attempt to distract it.

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