Bear Jams and Wolf Pups in Yellowstone National Park Reports

Yellowstone National Park released reports on the health and activities of its large predator populations.

Reports were released on grizzlies and wolves, recording the number of visitor sightings and incidents, and the overall health of their populations. While bear-human conflicts were sparse in 2018 – only one person in the park was injured by a bear during the entire year – there was an increase in “bear jams” – visitors causing traffic stops as they photograph grazing bears along the roads. Large bear jams pose a significant management problem for park rangers, particularly during the height of tourist season in July.

Wolves continue to maintain a decade of stable populations, although there was a drop in the number of wolf pups born. The reason for the drop is unknown, but likely has to do with the simultaneous stability of Yellowstone’s elk populations.

Both reports will allow better management of Yellowstone’s predators and the other local wildlife in the future.