Bear Sounds

Explore our sound gallery and listen to some of the bear sounds captured in parks.

  • Grizzly Bear (vocalizations)


    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

  • Bear with Cubs Audio Recording


    A mother grizzly bear investigates a recording station microphone while her two cubs play nearby. Recorded by the Toe of the Ruth Glacier Sound Station.

    Credit / Author:
    NPS Media / Chad Hults
    Date created:
    10/14/2020
    Audio Transcript

  • 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

  • Bear with cubs


    Sound recording of mother bear and cubs, Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska.

    Credit / Author:
    NPS
    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

Last updated: May 1, 2023

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