Grizzlies Sighted in Yellowstone
Written by Andrew-Rossi on March 14, 2018
The first grizzly bears have emerged from hibernation in Yellowstone.
Last Tuesday, March 6, Park staff observed an 11-year-old male grizzly bear wearing a radio collar in the west-central part of the park. On Wednesday, March 7, employees reported seeing a grizzly bear in the east-central part of the park.
Biologists say that male grizzlies come out of hibernation in mid-to-late March, while females with cubs emerge later, in April to early May. 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.
Park officials caution residents that if you are planning to recreate in the backcountry, you should prepare for a bear encounter by carrying bear spray and know how to use it; stay alert; and be sure to hike or ski in groups of three or more, stay on maintained trails, and make noise. Also, make sure to store food, garbage, barbecue grills, and other attractants in hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof food storage boxes.
