Grizzly bear at Grand Teton National Park/NPS

The Signal Mountain Summit Road and area in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming have been temporarily closed to all visitors including motorists, cyclists, and hikers, due to heightened bear activity.

The area was closed for a period last month after reports of visitors feeding grizzly bears. What species of bears were being feed by several visitors wasn't known, but park visitors and staff were bluff charged by a female grizzly with two cubs along the Signal Mountain Summit Road. 

On Friday the road was closed again, for human safety and the protection of the bears. Park rangers will monitor the situation and will reopen the road when conditions allow. The road could be temporarily closed through the weekend or longer. The park did not specify what bear species was active in the area.

Rangers remind visitors to “Be Bear Aware,” as these animals are active throughout park. 

Bears are protective of their feeding areas. All visitors are required to maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and always carry bear spray, as well as make noise and travel in groups. You also should report any bear activity or human-bear interactions to a nearby park ranger or visitor center.

Park regulations require that all food, garbage, toiletries, pet food, coolers, food containers, and cookware be stored in a hard-sided vehicle with the windows rolled up or in a bear-resistant food locker when not in immediate use or attended to.

Grizzly and black bears thrive in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. Visitors may encounter a bear anywhere and at any time. Some of the most popular areas and trails pass through excellent bear habitat.