Wildlife Grizzly Bear
Around 700 grizzly bears call the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem home. They live between alpine environments (1900+) feet and valley floors (6,000-7,000) feet. It's best to respect their space and steer clear. But if you can't, be prepared.
Behaving in Bear Country
- Plan your route wisely and stick to paths
- Travel in packs
- Make noise on the trail
- Always carry bear spray
- Secure your food with bear boxes
Grizzly Bear Encounters
If the bear hasn't seen you
Detour quickly and quietly when the bear isn't looking your way. Do not run. Do not make noise that draws attention.
If the bear has seen you
Do not run. Talk to the bear calmly — let it know you are human. Back away slowly. Avoid direct eye contact, which grizzlies read as a challenge.
If the bear is following you
Make yourself look as large as possible. Yell and wave your arms. Get your spray ready. Do not run — this triggers a chase response.
If the bear charges at you
Deploy spray when the bear is within range. If contact is made: face down, hands laced behind your neck, legs spread to resist being flipped. Stay still until the bear leaves completely.
Wild Facts
Grizzly bears run up to 35 mph. Humans only run 8 mph. Stay at least 100 yards away.
All of Teton County is now occupied grizzly habitat. There is no zone in Jackson Hole where grizzlies cannot appear.