Grizzly bears sometimes vocalize when agitated or nervous. These sounds of huffing, jaw-popping (heard at :35 and :57 seconds in), and low growls are warnings that you're too close. If you hear them while you're out in the park, back away calmly (never run), leave the immediate area, and give the bear more space. You must stay at least 100 yards/91 meters away from bears (about the length of a football field). And just a reminder, we recommend that everyone hike in groups of three or more, make lots of noise while hiking, and carry bear spray.
These sounds were recorded with a cell phone by an experienced Bear Management Technician, Dan Bergum, during recent fieldwork involving capture. The bear was recorded during the few moments that it was contained inside a large, culvert-sized trap. Rest assured, no bears, scientists, or mobile devices were harmed while recording!
Credit / Author:
NPS/Dan Bergum
Date created:
10/14/2020
Grizzly Bears Roar
Two grizzly bears feed on a bison carcass, pausing to roar at each other.
Credit / Author:
NPS & MSU Acoustic Atlas/Jennifer Jerrett
Date created:
10/14/2020
Grizzly Bear Eating
A grizzly bear uses its strong jaws to break through bones in a dead bison.
Credit / Author:
NPS & MSU Acoustic Atlas/Jennifer Jerrett
Date created:
10/14/2020
Grizzly Bear Eating
A grizzly bear gorges on the innards of a bison carcass.
Credit / Author:
NPS & MSU Acoustic Atlas/Jennifer Jerrett
Date created:
10/14/2020
Grizzly bear (eating)
During the spring thaw, bison sometimes get stuck and drown in the newly melted-out Blacktail Pond. Late one night in March 2015, a grizzly bear guarded and fed on a bison carcass there. This is a recording of the grizzly eating: snapping bones and all.
Credit / Author:
NPS & MSU Acoustic Atlas / Jennifer Jerrett
Date created:
10/14/2020
Grizzly bear (eating)
During the spring thaw, bison sometimes get stuck and drown in the newly melted-out Blacktail Pond. Late one night in March 2015, a grizzly bear guarded and fed on a bison carcass there. This is a recording of the grizzly eating: snapping bones and all.
