hibernation

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Bears emerging from dens across Yellowstone region

A few grizzly bears have been spotted emerging from hibernation in Yellowstone National Park.

Grizzly bears are emerging from hibernation in the greater Yellowstone area, so hikers, skiers and snowshoers should stay in groups of three of more, make noise on the trail, and carry bear spray. Bear spray is a good last line of defense, if kept handy and used according to directions, when a bear is approaching within 30 to 60 feet. The first confirmed report of grizzly bear activity in Yellowstone National Park was February 22. Wolf biologists observed a large grizzly bear in the Nez Perce drainage. Continue Reading →

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Warm weather prompts Yellowstone area bears out of hibernation early

Unseasonably warm winter temperatures may be the reason behind bear activity in Yellowstone National Park, as February temperatures have hovered near record highs across the region. The first confirmed report of grizzly bear activity in Yellowstone occurred Monday, when a grizzly bear was observed late in the afternoon, scavenging on a bison carcass in the central portion of the Yellowstone. Continue Reading →

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Bears in Grand Teton are active as spring weather arrives

Officials in Grand Teton National Park report that grizzly bears are active and out of hibernation with the arrival of spring weather.

Bears are out of hibernation and active again in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. Park staff received reports of a group of bears seen recently near the Blacktail Butte which lies just east of the park’s Moose headquarters campus. Long-term data indicates that 50 percent of adult male bears are out of their winter dens by mid-March each year. Continue Reading →

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Grizzly bears emerging from hibernation across greater Yellowstone area

Grizzly bears can often be found along roads in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. (Ruffin Prevost/Yellowstone Gate )

As warmer temperatures in the 50s and 60s arrive with the start of spring across the greater Yellowstone area, the National Park Service is reminding residents and visitors that grizzly bears are beginning to emerge from hibernation. Anyone using the backcountry for recreation should be cautious about encountering bears searching for food, according to a statement released Thursday by the Yellowstone National Park public affairs office. Continue Reading →

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Grizzly bears leaving dens across Yellowstone and Grand Teton area

Biologists, hikers and others are reporting that grizzly bears are emerging from hibernation across the greater Yellowstone area, and experts urge caution for those venturing into grizzly country. Bears begin looking for food soon after they emerge from their dens. They are attracted to elk and bison that have died during the winter. Carcasses are an important food source that can cause bears to sometimes react aggressively if they are surprised while feeding on them. Continue Reading →

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