Wildlife Safety

Wildlife Safety

Wildlife are wild. It's important to keep them that way. They’re also unpredictable. Protect yourself and them by following a few simple rules.

Never approach wildlife. Always stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from all other animals, including bison and elk.

Never feed wildlife. Animals that become dependent on human food may become aggressive toward people and have to be euthanized. Keep all food, garbage and other scented items packed away when not in use. Also follow all bear safety food storage guidelines when camping so you don’t attract bears to your campsite. This is very important.

Never park in the road or block traffic to view wildlife. Use pullouts to watch wildlife and let other cars pass. Stay with your vehicle if you encounter a wildlife jam.

BEAR SAFETY

It’s important to keep your distance from bears and know how to react if you do encounter one. Always check for current bear safety guidelines at visitor centers, make noise while hiking to avoid surprise encounters, carry bear spray and know how to use it. If you spot a bear, stay calm, back away slowly and never run. Learn more about bear safety and what to do in an encounter on the National Park Service's Bear Safety page.

BISON SAFETY

Bison are an iconic part of Yellowstone National Park, but it’s important to respect their space for both your safety and theirs. These animals can be unpredictable and run three times faster than humans, so always stay at least 25 yards away. If you encounter a bison near a trail, campsite or developed area, give it plenty of space and change direction if needed. Signs of agitation—such as bluff charging, head bobbing or snorting—mean you’re too close. Never stand your ground; instead, back away or leave the area, using bear spray only if the animal follows you.

For more information on the wildlife in Yellowstone Country, visit our Wildlife Watching page.

For more on wildlife safety, visit the National Park Service's Wildlife page.