We will provide training on the use of bear spray. You can watch this video to gain some insight. Always have your bear spray readily available. It doesn’t do much good to have it stashed away in your pack.
All of the areas we fish are bear habitat, even the boardwalks around Old Faithful (and other thermal areas).
Never pursue a bear to take its picture. When viewing bears along roads, use pullouts and stay in or near your car.
Keep all food, garbage, and other scented items stored in bear-proof containers when not in use.
If a bear approaches or touches your car, honk your horn and drive away to discourage this behavior.
Follow the best practices for hiking in bear country: be alert, make noise, hike in groups, do not run, carry bear spray and know how to use it.
If you see someone hurt by a bear, witness aggressive bear behavior, or see a bear obtain or try to obtain human food or garbage, call 911 immediately or notify any park ranger.
Kinda Puts Things Into Perspective
The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) sedates, tags or collars, and then releases grizzly bears as a part of the management of the bear population in Yellowstone. It is hard to comprehend just how big grizzlies are until you see a picture like this. Read more about Yellowstone grizzly bears HERE.
Safety in Bear Country
Someone always asks if it is alright to take energy bars and other snacks along while fishing. The short answer is yes. But keep them wrapped up tight and in a zip lock bag. Also, keep the wrappers in a plastic bag after something is eaten. Try not to leave crumbs.
The best defense against bears is prevention. Walk in a group of 3 or more. While on the trail... talk, make noise and generally make yourself known.
Some wear a bell, the same kind that you might put on a dog when hunting. The last thing you want is to surprise a bear on the trail, especially one with cubs.