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Grand Teton National Park & John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial ParkwayBlack Bear with mountain ash berries, photo by Rebecca Wiles
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Grand Teton National Park & John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway
Roadside Bears
A black bear walks through the sagebrush.

NPS Photograph

A black bear walks through the sagebrush.

Bears and roadsides are not a good combination. Bears feeding along roads quickly become habituated to vehicles and people, increasing their chances of being hit by motor vehicles. When people stop for a closer look or to take pictures, habituated bears may become bold and approach cars or people. Habituated bears may learn that it is acceptable to frequent campgrounds or picnic areas, where they may gain access to human foods. When bears obtain human food, a very dangerous situation develops that may lead to human injury and the bear’s death. Please resist the temptation to stop and get close to roadside bears.

 

  • Use designated pullouts when viewing bears and stay with your car
  • Follow direction from National Park Service Staff
  • Use binoculars or spotting scopes for safe viewing
  • Approaching wildlife is prohibited by law
  • Do not leave food, garbage, or coolers in the open bed of a truck or the exterior of any vehicle
  • Never feed a bear!

 

BE BEAR AWARE

  • When stopping to view wildlife, pullover in a designated turnout – do not stop on the roadway.
  • Help keep bears wild and humans safe - Never feed or approach bears!
  • Do not leave food, garbage, or coolers in the open bed of a truck or the exterior of any vehicle.

Wildlife Viewing Safety>> 

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Never approach a bear.

Never feed a bear.

Stay 300 feet (1 football field) from bears at all times.

Tetons from Hurricane Pass, KF  

Did You Know?
Did you know that Grand Teton National Park was established in both 1929 and 1950? The original 1929 park protected the mountain peaks and the lakes near the base. The boundaries were later expanded in 1950 to include much of the adjacent valley floor.

Last Updated: July 09, 2009 at 19:58 EST