Bears & Bear Safety
Nothing is quite as thrilling as spotting a bear in the wilderness as you tour the Grand Tetons and experience all this land offers in the way of wildlife.
- View some black bears and grizzlies on your visit to the Grand Tetons
- Bears can run up to 25 miles per hour
- You’ll see black bears in forested areas
- Grizzlies will be found in open meadows and valleys
- Stay safe by following some safety tips on bears in Grand Teton
Overview
In Grand Teton National Park, black bears frequent the forests and valleys, and you may also spot some grizzlies.
A bear isn’t hard to recognize, with its furry body, massive head and short, thick legs. These powerful animals usually inhabit the thickly forested lands that provide them with food, water and shelter.
Interesting Facts
- Bears may appear clumsy, but can run up to 25 miles per hour.
- The winter sleep of a bear is not true hibernation, and you’ll often find they come out of their den to walk about on mild days.
- The female bear gives birth to 1 to 4 cubs in a single litter, delivering every 2 years.
- Bears are short-tempered and can kill a human with one swipe of its paw.
Best Place for Viewing Bears
Bears in and around Grand Teton can be found almost anywhere, but you will more likely spot a brown bear in a forested area, near the edge or in a clearing. Grizzlies can be viewed most often in large and open meadows and in valleys.
Respecting Wildlife
Stay safe when traveling through the Grand Tetons. Follow these tips:
- Always make noise when hiking or walking about. Talk or sing so you won’t surprise a bear in the woods.
- Be extra cautious when you see signs of bears such as torn apart logs, claw marks on trees or excavated mammal burrows.
- If you see a bear, never approach it.
- Don’t feed the bears. They get aggressive when used to human food.
- If you come upon a bear, don’t run or move abruptly. Slowly back away.
- If a bear knocks you down, curl into a ball and protect your stomach and neck.
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