Help Bears

We all have a role to play in helping to ensure the future of bears across the United States. You can do your part in parks by staying safe while exploring the outdoors. You can help bears from home by making your home bear-friendly and minimiing the potential for conflicts. Learn more about how to help bears below.

A young visitor checks out the exhibits at the Denali National Park and Preserve visitor center.

NPS Photo

At a Park

Visiting a national park provides the perfect opportunity to learn more about how you can get involved in protecting bears. Remember that safe traveling in bear country begins before you get on the trail or in the campsite. Learning about bears before you come to a national park can help you have a safer and more enjoyable visit. When you arrive at the park, check with the nearest visitor center or backcountry office for the latest bear safety information and ranger program availability. Here are some ways you can learn about and help bears in parks.

• Join a ranger program to discover the role of bears in an ecosystem or seek out a wildlife-viewing area to try your luck at observing a bear in the wild.
• Get tips on how to view bears in the wild.
• Learn how to stay safe in bear country.
• Learn what to do if you encounter a bear.
• Know how to store food properly while in bear country.

At Home

Bears aren't restricted to living in parks — their home range can span a few square miles up to several hundred! As they move, they cross park boundaries into neighboring lands and gateway communities. Learn how you can help bears from home.

Help Bears From Home

Conservation at Home