First bear sightings of 2018 in Yellowstone National Park

The first grizzly bear sightings of 2018 occurred in Yellowstone National Park last week.

On Tuesday, March 6, staff observed an 11-year-old male grizzly bear wearing a radio collar in the west-central part of the park, and then on Wednesday employees reported seeing a grizzly bear in the east-central part of the park.

Male grizzlies come out of hibernation in mid-to-late March while females with cubs emerge in April to early May.

Yellowstone officials said when bears emerge from hibernation, they look for food and often feed on elk and bison that died over the winter. Sometimes, bears will react aggressively while feeding on carcasses.

All of Yellowstone National Park is bear country. Your safety cannot be guaranteed, but you can play an active role in protecting yourself and the bears by following these guidelines:

Prepare for a bear encounter. Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and make 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 away from black and grizzly bears. 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.

While firearms are allowed in the park, the discharge of a firearm by visitors is a violation of park regulations. 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.