Safety

Emergency?

Call 911 or notify a park ranger

 

Duration:

3 minutes, 35 seconds

 

Find Out More

• Laws & Policies
• Winter Safety
• Swimming Safety

Summary: Yellowstone National Park is a wild and awe-inspiring place, home to boiling hot springs, incredible wildlife, and rugged landscapes. In such a unique place, some of the hazards here may be unfamiliar to you. While your safety can’t be guaranteed, following these simple regulations and guidelines will help you avoid common accidents and enjoy a safe, unforgettable visit. Protect your park, protect yourself!

---

 

   

Driving

Traffic-related accidents are the most common cause of injury and death in the park. Don't let the scenery distract you—drive cautiously and watch for animals. 

Observe the speed limit

The speed limit in Yellowstone is 45 mph (73 kph) unless posted otherwise. Pack your patience: winding roads and traffic often make drive times much longer than expected. Other road hazards include soft shoulders, potholes, and frost heaves.

Don't park in the road

Don't block traffic to take pictures. Use pullouts to watch wildlife and let other cars pass by making sure all of your wheels are completely, and safely, off the road. Stay with your vehicle if you encounter a wildlife jam.

 

   

Thermal Areas

Burns from thermal features are a common cause of serious injury and death in the park. The ground surrounding these features may look solid, but it can be just a thin crust with super-heated water below.

Stay on boardwalks

Always walk on boardwalks and designated trails. Keep children close and do not let them run on boardwalks.

Don't touch thermal features or runoff

Even thermal runoff can be extremely hot and cause burns. Hot springs also contain algae, bacteria, and fungi found nowhere else in the world; coming in contact with these life forms can destroy them. Resist the temptation to touch!

Swimming or soaking in hot springs is prohibited

More than 20 people have died from burns suffered after they entered or fell into Yellowstone’s hot springs. For your safety and for the protection of thermal features in Yellowstone, it is illegal to swim or bathe in any water that is entirely of thermal origin.

Pets are prohibited in thermal areas

Pets are not allowed in thermal areas or on boardwalks, even if they're on a leash or carried in arms, strollers, or backpacks. This policy exists to protect our pets from being burned or killed in hot springs.

Trained service animals that perform tasks directly related to a person's disability are allowed throughout the park and in all park facilities. They must be leashed at all times. 

If you feel sick, leave the thermal area immediately

Toxic gases may accumulate to dangerous levels in some hydrothermal areas. If you begin to feel sick while exploring a geyser basin, leave the area immediately.

 

   

All Wildlife

Animals in Yellowstone National Park are wild and dangerous. Follow these regulations and guidelines to keep yourself, and the wildlife you may encounter, safe.

Never approach wildlife

The animals in Yellowstone are wild and unpredictable, no matter how docile they may appear to be. The safest (and often best) view of wildlife is from inside a car. Always stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears, wolves, and cougars, and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all other animals, including bison and elk. If an animal moves closer to you, back away to maintain a safe distance. It's illegal to willfully remain near or approach wildlife, including birds, within any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal.

Binoculars and telephoto lenses always give you a better view than approaching the animal would. Lenses with focal lengths of 300mm or greater are recommended for adequate reach. 

Never feed wildlife

Never feed wildlife, even birds and squirrels. Animals that become dependent on human food may become aggressive toward people and have to be killed. Animals also carry diseases that can be transmitted to people.

Stay with your stuff

Don't leave packs, bags, or coolers containing food unattended, even for a few minutes, as animals can learn new food sources quickly. Store these items in vehicles or bear-proof storage lockers, if available. Ravens have also learned to unzip or unfasten many different kinds of zippers and buckles to get to food.

Report all wildlife conflicts

If you're involved in a conflict with an animal, regardless of how minor, contact us or report it to a park ranger as soon as possible. If cell service is available, dial 911. The lives of other people, and the animal, may depend on it.

 

   

Bears

All of Yellowstone is grizzly and black bear country, from the trails in the park’s backcountry to the boardwalks and parking lots around Old Faithful. Your safety cannot be guaranteed, but you can play an active role in protecting yourself and the bears people come here to enjoy.

Stay at least 100 yards away from bears

 Keep at least 100 yards (91 meters) from bears at all times and never approach a bear to take a photo. Although surprise encounters do happen, it's your responsibility to maintain this distance.

Carry bear spray (and know how to use it)

Bear spray is a non-lethal tool specifically designed to deter bears as a last line of defense. It is proven to be highly successful at stopping aggressive behavior in bears. The active ingredient will iritate a bear's nose, eyes, and lungs to cause significant, temporary pain. Unlike pepper spray intended to deter humans, bear spray reaches substantially further and comes out as a cloud instead of a stream. Using bear spray eliminates the need to have precise aim and effectively defuses situations without permanently harming or killing bears.

How to Use Bear Spray

• Each person in your group should carry one can of bear spray where it can be reached quickly, such as in a waist holster or chest holster. Do not carry it inside your pack or in other hard to reach areas. When traveling through thick vegetation or other areas of poor visibility, remove your bear spray from the holster and carry it in your hand.

• If a bear charges: remove the safety clip, aim slightly down, adjust for crosswind, and spray when the bear is 30-60 feet (9-18 m) away to create a wall between you and the bear. Bears can run up to 40 feet (12 m) per second, so creating a cloud in front of you provides time for the spray to affect the bear before it reaches you. Keep spraying until the bear changes direction. Quickly leave the area, but do not run.

• Bear spray is a deterrent, not a repellent. Do not apply bear spray to your body or gear.

Important Notes

• Make sure your bear spray is EPA-approved and check the expiration date on the can.
• Bear spray can explode if it reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). Don't store it in the passenger compartment of vehicles or near any heat sources.
• Bear spray cannot be taken on airplanes and may cause injury if thrown away. Check locally for locations where bear spray canisters may be recycled.

Where to Buy Bear Spray

Bear spray is sold at gift shops, outdoor stores, service stations, and bookstores inside the park, as well as in local communities. Always select an EPA-approved product that is specifically designed to stop bears. 

Renting Bear Spray

Bear spray is also available for rent at Canyon Village in the kiosk located near the Canyon Visitor Education Center and at Old Faithful in the Yurt located south of the Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center. For more information, visit Bear Aware.

Hike in groups of 3 or more people

Since 1970, 91% of the people injured by bears in Yellowstone were hiking alone or with only one hiking partner. Only 9% of the people injured by bears were in groups of three or more people. While hiking, it's also important to:

• Make noise. Avoid surprising bears by periodically yelling “Hey bear!” to alert bears of your presence.
• Be alert. Look for fresh tracks, scat, and feeding sites (signs of digging, rolled rocks, torn up logs, ripped open ant hills).
• Hike during daylight hours. Avoid hiking at dawn, dusk, or at night when grizzly bears are most active.
• Stay on maintained trails. Research in Yellowstone has shown that people are more likely to be attacked by a bear when hiking off-trail.
• Avoid carcasses. Bears will guard and defend carcasses against other scavengers or humans. Dead ungulates will attract and hold many bears near the carcass site. If you find a fresh carcass, leave the area immediately by the same route you approached. Report all carcasses to the nearest ranger station or visitor center.

Know what to do if you encounter a bear

If you’re involved in a conflict with a bear, regardless of how minor, contact us or report it to a park ranger as soon as possible. If cell service is available, dial 911. The lives of other people, and the bear, may depend on it.

Surprise Encounters

Although surprise encounters do happen, it is your responsibility to maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards (93 meters) from bears at all times. If you do have a close encounter with a bear, keep your group together and slowly back away. Do not run or make sudden movements. Draw your bear spray from the holster, remove the safety tab, and prepare to use it if the bear charges.

Charging Bears

If a bear charges, stand your ground, and deploy your bear spray when the bear is 60 feet (18 meters) away or less. If the bear leaves, immediately leave the area. Walk, don’t run.

If the bear makes contact, drop to the ground on your stomach and “play dead.” Keep your pack on to protect your back and hold onto your bear spray. Clasp your hands over the back of your neck with your elbows protecting the sides of your face. Remain still and quiet to convince the bear you are not a threat. After the bear leaves, wait several minutes before moving. Listen to make sure the bear has left the area, then immediately leave the area. Walk, don’t run.

Curious or Predatory Bears

Unlike defensive bear charges, a curious or predatory bear may slowly but persistently approach. If you're approached by a curious or predatory bear, grab your stuff, especially food, and move to the safety of a car or building. Walk, don’t run.

If retreating is not an option, group up with other people and yell at the bear. Deploy your bear spray when the bear is 60 feet (18 meters) away or less. If the bear leaves, immediately leave the area. Walk, don’t run. If you’re attacked by a curious or predatory bear, fight back as if your life depends on it, because it does. Use any weapon you can find, like rocks and sticks. Predatory attacks usually persist until the bear is scared away, overpowered, injured, or killed.

Respect closures and restrictions

For both your safety and the bears' safety, observe all closures and restrictions in active bear management areas.

Honk if a bear approaches your car

If a bear approaches or touches your car, honk your horn and drive away. Report this behavior as soon as you're able to. We want to discourage this behavior for the bears’ safety and yours.

Deter bears while camping

Choose Your Campsite

• Never camp where you see signs of bears (digging, tracks, scat). 

Store All Food & Attractants

• Use provided food lockers available at some campsites to store all food, garbage, and smelly items. 
• If no food locker is available, hang food and scented items using provided food poles or in a tree. You'll need at least 35 feet (11 m) of rope to hang everything at least 10 feet ( m) above the ground and 4 feet ( m) away from tree trunks.
• Only hard-sided bear-resistant food containers approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) may be used in lieu of hanging food and scented items. Make sure all food and scented items will fit into the container before starting your trip. The container must be properly secured on the ground at the base of the food pole, or at the cooking area when a food pole isn't present. Containers that are not listed on IGBC’s Certified Bear Resistant Product list are not allowed for food storage in Yellowstone. For more information, contact Yellowstone's Central Backcountry Office at [phone] or e-mail us.
• Aside from food, the following items are common and must also be stored properly: beverage cans (full or empty), coolers, stoves, uncleaned cooking clothes and utensils, lip balm, sunscreen, bug spray, lotion, toothpaste, wash basins, garbage, pet food, certain medications, and menstrual products.
• While there is no statistical evidence that known bear attacks have been related to menstruation, it is recommended that you use only unscented or lightly scented menstrual products and pack out all used items—don't bury or burn them.

Cook & Clean Up Properly

• Strain food particles from dishwater, properly store or pack out garbage, and scatter all liquids at least 100 yards (91 m) from your tent site.
• Remove any food scraps and garbage from fire pits.

Secure Your Sleeping Area

• Sleep at least 100 yards (91 m), preferably upwind, from the area where you cook, eat, and store your food.
• Never cook in your tent or sleep in clothes worn while cooking.
• Double-check that all scented items are properly stored with food away from your sleeping area.

Encountering Bears In Camp

• If you see a bear approaching your camp, make sure your food is secure and make noise to discourage the bear from entering your camp.
• If a bear enters your camp, grab packs and food that isn’t hung, then slowly back away. Do not let a bear gain access to your food.

 

   

Bison

Bison may appear tranquil, but these large animals have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. They are unpredictable and can run 3x faster than humans, making it very important to give them plenty of space. 

Stay at least 25 yards away from bison

Keep at least 25 yards (23 meters) from bison at all times and never approach a bison to take a photo. If need be, turn around and go the other way if a bison walks within 25 yards.

Run away if a bison charges

If approached too closely, bison may respond by bluff charging, head bobbing while staring at you, pawing, bellowing, or snorting. These are warning signs that you are too close and that a charge is imminent—do not stand your ground! Immediately walk or run away from the animal. If the bison follows you, spray bear spray as you are moving away, and seek cover behind nearby trees or cars. 

Drive carefully around bison

Plan extra time when driving through Yellowstone—the speed limit is 45 mph, unless posted otherwise, and you're likely to encounter a "bison jam". If bison are on the road, be patient, drive slowly, and stay in your vehicle. Wait for bison to move along; do not honk your horn or drive aggressively toward them. 

The size and dark coloration of bison means you should be especially careful when driving at night or anytime visibility is poor.

 

   

Elk

With their large antlers, it's easy to see why bull (male) elk are dangerous, but cow (female) elk are just as dangerous when protecting their calves in the spring.

Stay at least 25 yards away from elk

Keep at least 25 yards (23 meters) from elk at all times and never approach an elk to take a photo. If need be, turn around and go the other way if an elk walks within 25 yards.

Run away if an elk charges

In an elk charges, get away! Find cover in a building, vehicle, or behind a tall, sturdy barrier as quickly as possible.

Be especially cautious in the spring and fall

Cow elk are especially fierce and protective around their calves in the spring (May - early July). To protect their young, they may run towards you or kick with hard hooves, even if you're more than 25 yards (23 m) away. Around Mammoth Hot Springs, they often hide calves near cars or buildings—be cautious when exiting buildings or approaching blind corners.

During the fall (September - October), bull elk battle for access to cows and challenge other males during the mating season commonly referred to as rut. They are highly stressed and unpredictable during this period and may charge cars and people who get too close.

 

   

Wolves & Cougars

While wolves and cougars (mountain lions) are skilled predators, they are not normally a danger to people, and very few documented confrontations with humans have occured in Yellowstone. It's still important, however, to know what to do if you encounter them. 

Stay at least 100 yards away from wolves & cougars

Keep at least 100 yards (91 meters) from wolves and cougars at all times and never approach them to take a photo.

Stand your ground if a wolf is nearby

If you’re concerned about a wolf because it’s too close or not showing any fear of people, stand tall and hold your ground. If the wolf approaches you, wave your arms, yell, and flare your jacket. If that doesn’t discourage it, throw something at it or use bear spray. Group up with other people, continue waving and yelling, and tell a ranger as soon as possible.

Stand your ground if a cougar is nearby

Stay in a group; carry small children; make noise and ready your bear spray. Do not run, do not bend down to pick up sticks. Act dominant—stare in the cat’s eyes and show your teeth while making noise.

Don't handle wolf scat

Wolf scat may contain tapeworm eggs that can cause hydatid disease in humans.

 

   

Ticks & Mosquitoes

Always check for ticks

Ticks can spread bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause human diseases. From mid-March to mid-July, grassy, brushy, low elevation areas (4,000–6,500 feet) are ideal tick habitat in Yellowstone. Wear repellent even on shoes, socks, cuffs, and pant legs. Tuck your pant legs into your socks and your shirt into your pants. Check your clothes and your body often.

Help prevent mosquito bites

Mosquitoes can spread germs that make humans sick. During June and July, mosquitoes may be widespread around lakes and streams, especially in wet areas. Mosquitoes tend to diminish in mid-to-late August. Repellents, netting, and wearing clothing with long pants and sleeves are the best options for enduring insects in Yellowstone.

 

   

Environmental Conditions

 

Expect thunderstorms in the summer

Calm, sunny mornings can abruptly turn into fierce, stormy days. Gusty, south-to-southwest winds are common in the afternoon, and rain and lightning often follow. If you’re hiking or boating when storms approach, get off the water, ridges, and open places. Thick forests of equal height offer better protection from lightning than meadows.

Prepare for winter weather any time of year

Yellowstone can experience winter-like weather any time of year. Depending on elevation, summer nighttime temperatures may even fall into the 20s with a light freeze. 

Rain, wind, snow, and cold lake/river water make hypothermia a year-round risk. If proper precautions aren't taken, it can be deadly. Always bring rain gear and extra clothes for warmth. To avoid hypothermia: stay dry, stay out of the wind, and avoid getting chilled. Put on rain gear before you get wet and warm clothes before you start shivering. Most hypothermia cases happen in air temperatures of 30–50° F (-1-10° C). Wear a hat and gloves to conserve body heat.

If you cannot stay warm and dry, assess and alter your plans. Remember that you are only as strong as the weakest person in your group. Persistent or violent shivering is a clear warning that someone is on the verge of hypothermia. Other symptoms include slow/slurred speech, loss of dexterity, exhaustion, incoherence, and drowsiness. When someone is hypothermic, find shelter and make camp. Get out of wind and rain. Remove wet clothing. Get into dry clothing and a sleeping bag. Provide warm, non-alcoholic drinks.

Protect yourself from the sun

Intense sun exposure at high elevations can lead to sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. Protect yourself by wearing a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and SPF lip balm. Drink plenty of water—at least one quart per hour of activity—and take breaks in the shade when possible.

Don't drink untreated water

As a safeguard against Giardiasis, other parasites, and bacteria, we recommend that you boil, filter, or chemically treat all drinking water that isn't from a clearly marked potable water source. Waters may be polluted by animal and/or human waste and intestinal infections from drinking untreated water are increasingly common.

Be careful crossing streams

Few of Yellowstone’s rivers or streams have bridges, and many cannot be crossed until July or later. Even in late summer, water levels can rise quickly after rainstorms or from snowmelt in the high country on warm afternoons. The water can be cold, fast, and more than thigh-deep, making any attempt to cross perilous. Trying to ford deep, swift water has resulted in loss of gear, injury, and death.

Carefully check your itinerary on a topographic map for stream crossings, and ask about river conditions at a ranger station before beginning your trip. Don’t be afraid to turn around if conditions are dangerous. Before you ford a river, make sure everyone in your group is comfortable doing so.

Know the signs for altitude sickness

Most of Yellowstone lies more than a mile above sea level, making visitors susceptible to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) while enjoying an easy hike or even a leisurely drive. AMS is a generic label applied to symptoms commonly experienced by people visiting high altitudes: headaches, increased breathing, rapid pulse, nausea, loss of appetite, lack of energy, and dizziness. These are all warning signs not to go any higher than you already are.

If you or someone you are travelling with experience these symptoms, it is important to descend to lower elevations immediately. Spend at least a day at an elevation where you are comfortable before attempting to ascend again.

If symptoms advance to a lack of balance or coordination, slurring of words, altered mental state, extreme shortness of breathe, a wet or rasping cough, or blue skin, the person may be experiencing severe AMS and their life may be in jeopardy. Go down immediately and seek medical attention.

Visit safely in the winter

Winter brings its own set of challenges, including sub-zero temperatures, icy roads, and blinding snow storms. With the proper preparation, however, you can stay safe during the colder months.

Watch for falling trees

Wildfires have left thousands of standing dead trees that can fall with little or no warning. In 2015, a falling tree killed someone on a hill near the Midway Geyser Basin. Avoid areas with large numbers of dead trees, and watch for dead trees along trails and roads, or in campsites and picnic areas.