Grand Teton National Park, nestled in the breathtaking Teton Range of Wyoming, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The park’s pristine wilderness and diverse ecosystems provide a home to a wide array of wildlife species, including the iconic and majestic bears.
If you’re planning a visit to Grand Teton National Park, you may be wondering about the presence of bears and the thrilling opportunity to see them in their natural habitat. We’ll explore the world of bears in Grand Teton National Park and offer insights into their behavior and the precautions to take when venturing into their territory.
The Bears in Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is home to two species of bears: the magnificent grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) and the smaller black bear (Ursus americanus).
These bears have long captivated the imagination of visitors, with their powerful presence and distinctive characteristics.
Grizzly Bears in Grand Teton National Park
Grizzly bears, known for their humped shoulders and silver-tipped fur, are an iconic symbol of the American West. They are larger in size compared to black bears and can weigh up to 600 to 700 pounds.
Grizzlies are omnivorous, with a diet consisting of berries, roots, insects, fish, and occasionally larger mammals.
While they primarily inhabit the park’s remote backcountry, it’s not uncommon to spot them in meadows or along riverbanks, especially during the summer months when they forage for food.
We spotted the grizzly bear pictured above when we were leaving Grand Teton via Highway 191. It was foraging in an open meadow. (The photo was taken from afar and zoomed in for effect.)
Black Bears of Grand Teton National Park
Black bears, despite their name, can come in a range of colors, including black, brown, cinnamon, and even blonde. They are smaller in size compared to grizzlies, with males typically weighing around 200 to 300 pounds.
Black bears are also omnivorous, feeding on a variety of vegetation, insects, small mammals, and berries. These adaptable creatures can be found throughout the park, including forested areas and lower-elevation habitats.
On the same, July trip to Grand Teton National Park we spotted a mother black bear and her two cubs. They crossed right in front of my five-year-old daughter on the trail up to Inspiration Point.
The mother led her two cubs out of the bushes pictured below and across the trail to the next set of bushes. While we were carrying bear spray, we learned the hard way that we need to keep our kids close to our sides on the trails. We hope you will do the same!
This trail heads up the mountain from Jenny Lake. Bears, like other animals, can often be found near water sources.
Bear Safety and Responsible Wildlife Viewing in Grand Teton
Encountering bears in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience, but it’s essential to prioritize safety and respect for the animals and their environment. Here are some key guidelines to ensure responsible wildlife viewing and minimize potential conflicts:
Maintain a Safe Distance
It’s crucial to keep a safe distance of at least 100 yards (91 meters) from bears. This distance is necessary to ensure the safety of both humans and bears.
Use Binoculars or a Telephoto Lens
Binoculars or a telephoto lens allow you to observe bears from a safe distance without approaching them closely. If you are travelling to Grand Teton with the hope of seeing a bear, we strongly recommend that you invest in a scope. Here is a good, relatively inexpensive travel option.
Make Noise
Bears have an excellent sense of hearing. When hiking or exploring the park, make noise by talking, clapping, or using bear bells to alert bears of your presence and avoid surprising them.
While I don’t like to bother other hikers with bells, I do tend to use a bear bell in addition to carrying bear spray when I am hiking alone in the mountains.
Fortunately, on our close encounter with the black bears in Grand Teton, they were very clear that we were present. I do speculate that bears in heavily trafficked parks are more aware of people and less threatened by their presence. Having said that, it is always necessary to be prudent.
Carry Bear Spray
Bear spray is a highly effective deterrent and should be carried by all visitors exploring bear country. Familiarize yourself with its proper use and ensure it is easily accessible.
It is also advisable that each hiker carries their own can of bear spray. This does not apply to young children, but teens that are capable of the responsibility may be ready to carry this spray.
Read more for what you should know about bear spray.
Keep Young Children Close!
Please do not make the mistake that we made!
If my daughter had accellerated to a skip or if she had been two feet further down this highly trafficked trail, her bear encounter could have ended differently. Please try to keep your children by your side, at least within arm’s reach.
Store Food and Trash Properly
Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be attracted to human food and garbage. Properly store all food and scented items in bear-resistant containers or lockers to avoid enticing bears into campsites or picnic areas.
It is also advisable to keep food and scented items out of your vehicle. There have been some bear break-ins in Yosemite and Rocky Mountain National Parks. They like to taste what guests have left locked in their cars!
Stay Informed
Before embarking on your adventure in Grand Teton National Park, check with park authorities or visitor centers for current bear activity and any temporary trail closures. Most visitor centers will have whiteboards advising guests of bear activity within park regions and throughout park trails.
Heed the rangers’ warnings, and search for your bear-spotting opportunities from safe distances!
Respecting Bears and Their Habitat
While the idea of encountering bears in Grand Teton National Park is undoubtedly exciting, it’s crucial to remember that they are wild animals and deserve our utmost respect. Admiring bears from a safe distance and observing their natural behaviors allows us to appreciate their beauty and contribute to their conservation.
By following bear safety guidelines and being responsible stewards of the park, we can ensure the well-being of both bears and visitors.
