The first grizzly bear of the spring season was spotted in Yellowstone National Park on March 9. The bear was observed by Yellowstone biologists working in the northern part of the park and was scavenging on a bull bison carcass at the time.
The sighting is consistent with the timing of previous years. The first reported grizzly bear sighting of 2025 occurred on March 14. In 2024, it occurred on March 3, and in 2022 and 2023, March 7.
When bears emerge from hibernation, they look for food and often feed on elk and bison that died over the winter. The National Park Service notes that bears may react aggressively to encounters with people when feeding on carcasses. Male grizzlies come out of hibernation in early March, and females with cubs emerge in April and early May.
All of Yellowstone is grizzly and black bear country. Visitors can protect themselves and the park’s bears by following the guidelines set forth by the Park Service:
- Prepare for a bear encounter by carrying bear spray, knowing how to use it and making sure it’s accessible.
- Stay alert.
- Hike or ski in groups of three or more, stay on maintained trails and make noise. Avoid hiking at dusk, dawn or at night.
- Do not run if you encounter a bear. Stay 100 yards (91 m) away from black and grizzly bears. Approaching bears within 100 yards is prohibited. Use binoculars, a telescope or telephoto lens to get a closer look.
- Store food, garbage, barbecue grills and other attractants in hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof food storage boxes.
- Report bear sightings and encounters to a park ranger immediately.
- Learn more about bear safety.
Bear spray has proven effective in deterring bears defending cubs and food sources. It can also reduce the number of bears killed by people in self-defense. Firearms are allowed in the park, but the discharge of a firearm by visitors is a violation of park regulations.
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