[music throughout]
Narrator: It is an area of incredible natural beauty,
sprawling across more than 2.2 million acres
of temperate pine forest and volcanic plateaus.
With iridescent hot springs welling up from
beneath the ground, crystalline lakes fed
by icy mountain streams, and plunging waterfalls
flowing into dizzying canyons.
Nowhere else will you find such astonishing
scenery gathered together in one place.
Welcome to Yellowstone, the world's first
national park, home to a remarkable diversity
of mammals, birds, and fish; and one of the
world's foremost wildlife sanctuaries.
With over 1000 miles of trails, stretching
throughout the park, you have the opportunity
to fully explore one of the world's greatest
natural landscapes, and discover the park's
remarkable backcountry. Visiting these beautiful
and challenging areas of the park requires
knowledge of backcountry safety, planning
for unexpected events, and being fully aware
of inherent risks of backcountry travel.
There is no guarantee for your safety, but by
planning ahead you can make your trip safer
and more enjoyable, and minimize your impact
on park resources so that future generations
can continue to enjoy them as you have.
[sound of footfalls in dirt - music]
As you venture throughout the parks
deep pine forests and broad grasslands,
you will see that some of Yellowstone's
backcountry trails are marked with orange
metal tags on trees or posts.
Park Ranger: These signs are here both for
your guidance and to protect these
natural resource. If you happen to lose the
trail look for cut logs or markers on the trees,
until you find the trail again.
In order to prevent erosion and other
harmful impacts on vegetation please
stay on the trail, hike single file, and
don't be tempted to cut corners on switchbacks.
If for some reason you have to
hike off trail, like these guys, then spread
out in order to prevent repeated trampling
of rare plants. Trampling on delicate
species will kill them and can lead
to erosion. Hiking on resilient surfaces
such as rock, snow, gravel, or dry
grasses can reduce the impacts on vegetation.
However, we don't recommend off trail
travel due to the increased personal risk,
and the potential dangers of surprising
a bear, or other wildlife, at close range.
[sound of an electronic flash charging]
Narrator: Observing wildlife can be a great
thrill when you are in the backcountry.
But, remember animals in the park are not
pets, they are wild, and should be treated
with due caution and respect.
Park Ranger: When you are out on the
trail please refrain from feeding or
harassing the wildlife, no matter how
docile, or cute, they appear. Even normally
calm animals can act unpredictably
and aggressively. For your safety you
are required to stay at least 100
yards, the length of a football field,
away from bears, and at least
25 yards away from all other large animals
such as deer, moose, bison and elk.
[sound of footfalls in dirt]
Because Yellowstone is one of the largest
intact temperate ecosystems remaining on
the planet; it provides the perfect habitat
for some of the rarest, and most exciting
of animals. The park is home to both Black
and Grizzly bears, who provide a crucial
part of a healthy ecosystem as both predator
and scavenger. Bears may look playful,
and docile, but they are wild, and can be
dangerous. Although most backcountry hikers
will never see a bear, visitors have been
injured, and killed, by bears in the past.
Trails marked with â??Bear Frequenting Area'
signs usually means we have numerous
sightings or reports of bear activity in the area.
Be extra vigilant in these locations.
But remember wildlife, such as bears, can be
anywhere at anytime. So always be alert.
Most bear-caused injuries happen when hikers
surprise a bear. To avoid such unwelcome
encounters try to always hike in groups,
more people means more eyes looking
for bears and the increased noise of a
larger group may allow bears to avoid you.
Solo hiking is not advised. Make noise
while hiking; clap, talk, or sing, especially
when encountering blind spots on the trail
such as thick vegetation, or cresting a hill.
Try to avoid hiking at dawn, dusk or at night;
bears are more active at these times and
your visibility is greatly reduced.
[music]
Park Ranger: While on trails, look for
signs of recent bear activity, such as
scat, or tracks. Look for overturned rocks
or logs, which could indicate that a bear
has recently been searching for food.
Be especially aware around carcasses,
and in transition areas between meadow
and forest where bears could be nearby.
Narrator: Even if you do everything in your
power to avoid surprising a bear it can happen.
If it does, there are a number of things
that you should take into consideration.
Park Ranger: Check how far away the
bear is, whether the bear is a mother
with cubs, or if it is feeding.
Be aware of whether the bear has
noticed you or if it is acting defensively.
Remember, a bear's behavior is not always
predictable and often depends on your
reaction to the bear. The best thing
you can do is to remain calm and keep
the following things in mind:
If the bear is at a distance from you,
do not be tempted to approach it for a
better look. Assess what the bear is doing,
wait for the bear to move on, detour around
If you encounter a bear at close range,
it or turn around and leave the area.
try to appear non-threatening.
Most attacks by bears are thought to be due
to bears perceiving hikers as a threat.
So remain calm and talk to the bear
in a calm voice. Slowly back away and
increase the distance between you and
the bear. NEVER RUN â?? bears can reach
speeds over 30 miles an hour, and running
may provoke a bear to chase.
If you are carrying bear pepper spray,
be prepared to use it.
[music]
Narrator: Even if you follow these steps
you may still aggravate a bear or the bear
may charge; especially a mother with cubs
or bears guarding their food.
Woofing, huffing, clacking teeth, jaw
popping, head down, neck stretched out,
and ears laid back are all signs of a nervous,
distressed bear, reacting defensively.
AGITATED BEARS MAY CHARGE.
[sound of a bear growling]
Park Ranger: If a bear charges you, stand
your ground. Do not run. Most bear charges
are bluff charges, which means the bear
will stop or veer off before reaching you.
Again, try to stay calm, and use your
pepper spray if you have it.
In the unlikely event that a bear makes
contact, keep your pack on.
Drop to the ground and play dead.
Lay flat on your belly with your arms
protecting neck and head. Remain still,
and stay silent to convince the bear that
you are no longer a threat. Wait for the
bear to leave before attempting to get up.
Narrator: In exceptionally rare circumstances
a bear may come to view humans as prey.
This is often hikers' biggest fear, but this
type of encounter is extremely rare.
If, and only if, you feel that a bear has been
following or stalking you, act firm and aggressive,
look big, yell, throw rocks or sticks, and it
it attacks fight back with any resource you
have available. And use bear spray to
show that you are not easy prey.
While you are at the backcountry permit
office, review topo maps, check for potential
hazards such as stream crossings.
And check reports of trail conditions.
Ask about bear activity and any information
which might help you prepare for your trip.
Always plan your itinerary with the ability
of all group members in mind, and know your
limitations. Be sure to pay attention to
daily hiking distances and elevation changes.
While in the backcountry there is
no substitute for proper planning.
Even minor problems can become major
ones when you are miles from help.
To help make your backcountry adventure
safer and more enjoyable we suggest that
you take along the following essential items:
extra food and clothing, water purification,
first aid kit, rain gear, a minimum of
30 feet of rope, bags for trash, water containers,
matches, and headlamp or flashlight.
Before locking and leaving your car,
don't forget to place the windshield
tag in a visible location. And put all
valuables out of sight.
[sound of rain and thunder]
Park Ranger: The high mountain climate
in Yellowstone can be very unpredictable.
Even on days as clear as this, summer
storms can occur at any time and
are often accompanied by lightning.
If you are caught in a storm descend from
ridge top to a safe location to wait it out.
Cold, wet weather is not uncommon here
in Yellowstone, and snow may fall at any
time of year. It is very important that you
stay warm and dry to prevent hypothermia,
which can be life threatening. Having
adequate rain and wind gear, carrying
extra clothes, and drinking plenty of
fluids to stay hydrated will all help.
Narrator: In addition to the possibility
of wet weather, during the spring runoff,
which in some places can last until late July,
high volumes of water can create dangerous
river and stream conditions. Crossing streams
with swift currents and deep water can be
dangerous. Even slow currents can be overpowering.
Before you attempt to cross a river scout
for the easiest route, and don't cross if it
the river looks unsafe. Unbuckle the waist
strap on your backpack before entering the
water. Always wear shoes or sandals for
stability, and link arms for added support.
[sound of footfalls in water]
[sound of an erupting geyser]
Park Ranger: Yellowstone is known for its
beautiful and unique thermal features.
However, hiking through these areas can be
very dangerous. Always stay on marked trails,
Although the ground around them may
seem safe, thin crusts may hide scalding
mud and water underneath. People have
died by falling into thermal features.
[clip-clop sound of horses' hooves]
Narrator: While you are in the backcountry
you may encounter parties with stock.
If you do, step quietly off the trail, preferable
to the downhill side and allow the stock party
to pass. If you are travelling with stock
you will receive additional information
from backcountry office staff.
[music]
Park Ranger: Within the park small
signs bearing the campsite number,
identify backcountry campsites.
Upon arriving at your designated campsite,
locate the food storage and preparation area,
and pit toilet if provided. Check your
backcountry permit to make sure you're at
the correct campsite and be sure to check
any special restrictions for the site.
Sleeping areas are not designated at
backcountry campsites. But we recommend
that you select an area 300 feet or more
from the food storage and cooking area.
Try to locate your camp up-wind if possible
and away from streams, lakes, rivers, and
trails as these are corridors for wildlife.
[sound of a bear sniffing the air]
Park Ranger: Remember most Bear encounters
can be avoided if your party makes an
effort not to surprise bears. You can also
avoid bear encounters by not attracting
bears to you and your camp. Bears may be
attracted to products with strong odors
such as toothpaste, deodorant or other
scented items. A stronger attractant for
bears is the smell of food and trash.
All of Yellowstone's backcountry
campsites have food poles, like the ones
behind me. Preventing bears from associating
people with food is critical in reducing bear
inflicted injuries. Therefore, it is very
important that you hang all of your food,
trash, utensils, cooking gear, and all
odorous items that might attract bears.
Hang them at least 10 feet above the
ground and about 4 feet out from the
trunk or side supports. You should
bring a minimum of 30 feet of rope
and be prepared to hang your food via
another method in case pole is broken.
You should hang your food at any
time you're not using it or carrying it.
Remember, never leave your food
unattended whether it's in a campsite or
on the trail, even if it's in your backpack.
You should prepare your food by the fire
pit, or by the designated food storage area.
You can also minimize odors by not burning
trash in the fire pit and disposing of waste
water well away from sleeping areas.
A few campsites have food storage boxes.
Keep them latched and keep them clean.
Any bear entering your tent at night
does not have good intentions and if it
attacks fight back with any resource
you have available.
Show that you are not easy prey.
[sound of a crackling fire]
Narrator: Campfires are not allowed at all
backcountry campsites. Check your permit and
the Backcountry Trip Planner to see if your site
allows fires. If fires are allowed at your site
a fire pit will be located near the food pole.
All food preparation and cooking
should be done in this area,
in order to keep odors to a minimum.
Please keep your fires small, and within
the fire ring. Use only down and dead wood,
broken to a burnable size, wrist size
or smaller. Don't burn garbage or food
scraps in the fire as their odor may act
as a bear attractant. Before leaving your
campsite please remember to completely
extinguish your fire, and if necessary
remove any trash from the cold ashes.
[sound of dishes being washed]
After you have finished cooking
be sure to wash dishes on land,
not in lakes and streams.
Strain and broadcast waste-water
well away from your sleeping area,
and any food scraps should be placed
in your trash. Don't throw food or
trash into pit toilets. It doesn't
decompose. Before leaving your
campsite be sure to check for,
and pack out, all trash.
[sound of water boiling and whistling steam]
Park Ranger: Streams like this look crystal
clear but they can contain giardia, bacteria or
viruses that can cause serious intestinal problems.
All water in park lakes or streams
should be treated before drinking.
You can treat water by boiling it,
using chemical purification, such as
iodine tablets, or by using a water filter.
[sound of a flushing toilet]
Narrator: While bathing, use soap sparingly
or not at all. And again, do so on land.
If a pit toilet is not available, bury waste
in a cat hole 6 to 8 inches deep
and 200 feet away from campsites, .
trails and water sources. If you use
toilet paper, dispose of it in a pit toilet
or pack it out.
Urinate on rocks or hard surfaces so
animals won't dig or eat vegetation
trying to get the salt and minerals
found in urine.
Park Ranger: In addition to our backcountry
regulations, we would like to remind all hikers
that pets, firearms, weapons, or wheeled
vehicles are not allowed within the
backcountry. If you, or someone in your
party is disabled, please discuss using
wheelchairs or service animals in the
backcountry with the staff at the
backcountry permit office.
We hope that you found the information
in this film helpful. Further details
can be found in this brochure,
â??Beyond Roads End'.
Help us keep Yellowstone National Park
the beautiful and exhilarating place that
it is, by treading lightly on the land,
and respecting all wildlife and visitors.
I hope to see you here soon, exploring,
enjoying, and preserving your heritage here,
in Yellowstone National Park.
[music]
[Editor's Note: A new law regarding
firearms in national parks went into
effect Feb. 22, 2010.
See our website for more information.]