How to Stay Safe from Bears in National Parks: A Guide to Smart Wilderness Survival

Visiting a national park is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of nature—but it also means entering the home of some of North America’s most powerful predators: bears.

Whether you’re hiking in Yellowstone, Glacier, the Great Smoky Mountains, or anywhere bears roam, you need to know how to stay safe, avoid dangerous encounters, and handle a bear situation correctly.

Bears are not out to hunt humans, but they are strong, fast, and unpredictable—and if you don’t respect their space, you could be in serious danger.

Here’s everything you need to know about dealing with bears in national parks!


1. Know Your Bears: Grizzly vs. Black Bear

First, it’s crucial to know what type of bear you’re dealing with. The two most common species in U.S. national parks are:

? Grizzly Bears (Brown Bears)

  • Larger, up to 1,500 pounds
  • Hump on their shoulders
  • More aggressive and territorial
  • Found in Alaska, Yellowstone, Glacier, and parts of the Rockies

Black Bears

  • Smaller, usually 100–600 pounds
  • No shoulder hump, often have pointier ears
  • More likely to avoid humans, but still dangerous
  • Found in many national parks across the U.S.

Why does this matter? Because different bears require different survival tactics—especially if you encounter one.


2. Bear Safety While Hiking

Bears prefer to avoid humans, but accidental encounters happen when people hike quietly, surprise a bear, or come between a mother and her cubs.

?‍♂️ How to Hike Safely in Bear Country:
Make noise – Talk, clap, or sing to avoid surprising a bear.
Hike in groups – Bears are less likely to approach larger groups.
Stay on marked trails – Wandering off-trail increases your risk of unexpected encounters.
Avoid hiking at dawn, dusk, or night – Bears are most active during these times.
Carry bear spray – More on this below!

? What NOT to Do:
Don’t run if you see a bear – This triggers their chase instinct.
Don’t wear strong perfumes or scented lotions – Bears have an incredible sense of smell.
Don’t leave food out – More on bear-proofing below!


3. Bear Spray: Your #1 Defense

The best protection against a bear attack isn’t a gun—it’s bear spray.

? What is bear spray?

  • A super-powered pepper spray that temporarily blinds and disorients bears.
  • 97% effective at stopping aggressive bears.
  • Safer than firearms, which often just wound and enrage a charging bear.

? How to Use Bear Spray Correctly:

  • Keep it easily accessible (NOT in your backpack!).
  • If a bear charges, spray a cloud between you and the bear when it’s 30–60 feet away.
  • Aim slightly downward so the bear runs into the mist.
  • Don’t use it like bug spray—only spray when needed.

? DO NOT rely on regular pepper spray! It’s not strong enough for bears and could make the situation worse.


4. What to Do if You Encounter a Bear

Your reaction depends on the type of bear and its behavior.

? If You See a Grizzly Bear:

  • Back away slowly—DO NOT turn your back or run.
  • Avoid eye contact (this can seem like a challenge).
  • If it charges, use bear spray.
  • If it attacks, play dead by lying flat on your stomach with hands over your neck.

If You See a Black Bear:

  • Stand your ground—DO NOT run.
  • Make yourself look bigger (wave arms, stand tall).
  • Make loud noises (yell, bang trekking poles).
  • If it attacks, FIGHT BACK aggressively—unlike grizzlies, black bears can be deterred by force.

? NEVER run from a bear! They can run up to 35 mph—you won’t outrun them.


5. Keeping Bears Away from Campsites

Most bear encounters in national parks happen because people leave food out, attracting bears into campgrounds.

? Bear-Proof Your Campsite:
✅ Store food in bear-proof containers or bear lockers.
✅ Hang food at least 10 feet up if bear-proof lockers aren’t available.
Never store food in your tent! Even a candy wrapper can attract a bear.
✅ Dispose of trash in bear-proof garbage bins.
✅ Cook at least 100 yards from your tent to avoid lingering smells.

? Once a bear associates humans with food, it becomes a “problem bear” and may have to be euthanized. Keeping a clean camp protects both you and the bears.


6. What to Do if a Bear Enters a Campsite

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a bear wanders into camp.

? If a bear approaches your campsite:

  • DO NOT RUN – Stay calm and evaluate the situation.
  • Make loud noises – Yell, bang pots, and wave arms to scare it away.
  • Get inside a car or building if possible.
  • Use bear spray if the bear won’t leave.

If a bear actively tears through tents, dumpsters, or food supplies, report it to park rangers immediately.


7. Final Tips for Bear Safety in National Parks

Follow park rules – If signs say “Bear Activity in Area,” take them seriously.
Educate yourself – Know what bears live in the area and how to react.
Give bears space – If you see one in the distance, enjoy from afar (use binoculars).
Help protect bears – By keeping your campsite clean and preventing human-food attraction, you help keep wild bears wild.


Final Thoughts: Respect Bears, Stay Safe

Bears are an amazing part of the wilderness, and seeing one in a national park can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience—but only if you do it safely.

? Remember:
? Black bears? Stand your ground and fight if necessary.
? Grizzlies? Back away slowly, play dead if attacked.
? Carry bear spray—it could save your life.
? Keep food locked up to prevent bear problems.

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy your national park adventure while staying bear-smart and avoiding dangerous encounters!

Got Wildilfe or Pests? 

If you think that your property has a wildlife or pest infestation problem, don't hesitate to reach out to us by calling 855-WILDLIFE or by visiting www.wildlifexteam.com for more information. 

Thanks! 

-Wildlife x Team International

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