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Skiers See the First Grizzly Bear of 2024 in Yellowstone National Park

By: Author Bram Reusen

Posted on Last updated:

This news story about the first grizzly sighting in Yellowstone of 2024 is based on a March 13, 2024, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here.

Early March is usually when the first grizzly bears begin emerging from hibernation in Yellowstone National Park. This was also the case this year, when the first grizzly of 2024 was seen by skiers on March 3.

Skiers See the First Grizzly Bear of 2024 in Yellowstone National Park

“Visitors skiing on the Specimen Ridge Trail in the north-central part of the park observed the first grizzly bear of 2024,” the national park said in a statement.

Male grizzlies come out of hibernation in early March. Females with cubs emerge in April and early May. When bears emerge from hibernation, they look for food and often feed on elk and bison that died over the winter. Bears will react aggressively to encounters with people when feeding on carcasses.

Grizzly bear sow with cubs near Norris, Yellowstone National Park
Grizzly bear sow with two cubs near Norris in Yellowstone National Park. (This image is just an illustration; it is not the bear that was spotted on March 3.) – Image credit: Bram Reusen

All of Yellowstone National Park is bear country: from the deepest backcountry to the boardwalks around Old Faithful. Protect yourself and the bears people come here to enjoy by following these guidelines:

  • Prepare for a bear encounter by carrying bear spray, knowing how to use it, and making sure it’s accessible.
  • Stay alert.
  • Hike or ski in groups of three or more, stay on maintained trails and make noise. Avoid hiking at dusk, dawn or at night.
  • Do not run if you encounter a bear.
  • Stay 100 yards (91 m) away from black and grizzly bears. Approaching bears within 100 yards is prohibited. Use binoculars, a telescope or telephoto lens to get a closer look.
  • Store food, garbage, barbecue grills and other attractants in hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof food storage boxes.
  • Report bear sightings and encounters to a park ranger immediately.
  • Learn more about grizzly bear safety.

Bear spray has proven effective in deterring bears defending cubs and food sources. It can also reduce the number of bears killed by people in self-defense. While firearms are allowed in the park, the discharge of a firearm by visitors is a violation of park regulations.

When Do Grizzlies Come Out of Hibernation in Yellowstone National Park?

The first grizzly sightings of any year typically occur in the first half of March. In the past five years, these were the dates when the year’s first grizzly bear has been spotted in the park:

You can learn all about grizzly bear hibernation in this article.