Phone: 406.848.2400, The official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. Renting Is Easy. Yellowstone National Park wants to increase the number of people carrying bear spray through a new engaging, celebrity-filled campaign called “A Bear Doesn’t Care.” Whether you are a hiker, backpacker, angler, photographer, wolf watcher or geyser gazer, the campaign encourages you to carry bear spray – no excuses! Bear spray: Be sure you know how to use it and always keep it accessible (such as clipped to your belt) when you’re hiking in bear country. Bear spray is a well-established self-defense tool to be used against bears and other wild beasts when you encounter them out in the woods. But if you are hiking, you'll probably want to have bear spray. Best practices for safely exploring the park. It does not work as a deterrent when applied to people or equipment. Bear Management Biologist Kerry Gunther walks through the steps to deploy bear spray. Take an active role in protecting yourself and the bears people come to Yellowstone to see: carry bear spray and learn how to use it! The lives of other people, and the bear, may depend on it. Bear spray is legal across the United States.It can be purchased even in Hawaii, New York, or Massachusetts, where standard pepper sprays are illegal unless bought locally by certified firearms dealers or pharmacists. Personal defense or pepper spray is not formulated for bears. Carrying bear spray in Yellowstone is customary, even recommended in most of the park as a safety measure. No. You can buy bear spray in Yellowstone and the surrounding communities. In a recent research project conducted in Yellowstone Park, bear researchers approached radio collared grizzly bears, and in 90% of the encounters each bear ran or moved off once the bear … All of Yellowstone is bear habitat—from the deepest backcountry to the boardwalks around Old Faithful. Have your bear spray ready. Now, a Yellowstone National Park bear biologist says you may need to consider carrying it year-round. Sows are on the move with their cubs and big grizzly boars look to claim winter carcasses. The more people who have it the more accidents that will occur and the danger of potent and possibly life altering chemicals which linger in the air being in everyone's hands is much more dangerous … This guy is entering a bear`s home and doesn`t want to hurt a bear – why can`t you respect that. Personal defense, jogger defense, law enforcement or military defense sprays may not contain … Its use can reduce human injuries caused by bears and the number of bears killed by people in self-defense. PO Box 168 If the wind pulls your bear spray in a different direction or you misaimed, you'll want some spray left in your can to deter the bear. Has something changed in the past couple of years? We all know to carry bear spray when out recreating in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, right? Suite 301 You pay for it, complain about the cost, most of the time have no need for it, but when you need it, you need it. Best Wildlife Locations in Yellowstone? Are there tours available in the park? You have a little something on your fac, Yellowstone Forever relies on our members to help, It’s President’s Day, and quite a few past pre, 🦦 You otter have the best Valentine's Day! Yellowstone National Park wants to increase the number of people carrying bear spray through a new engaging, celebrity-filled campaign called “A Bear Doesn’t Care.” Whether you are a hiker, backpacker, angler, photographer, wolf watcher or geyser gazer, the campaign encourages you to carry bear spray – no excuses! Andy Rogers. Bear spray is NOT a repellant! You’ll need to carry bear spray. If you are ONLY on the well traveled boardwalks, you will not need to purchase it, unless it makes you feel safer. For more information, visit Bear Aware. UPDATE: Thanks for all the comments on my previous post about whether or not we really needed bear spray.I decided to rent a can. We pretty much stay on the more traveled walkways and trails. Chances are most of us have never practiced: unholstering, flicking off the safety, and actually discharging a can of bear spray. Grizzly bears want nothing to do with humans and are only mauling you, the hiker because they feel threatened and will continue to maul you as long as you are fighting and threatening them. All rights reserved. Bear spray was NOT one of them. PLEASE WATCH THESE VIDEOS TO SEE WHY YOU NEED . Bear attacks may be rare, but visitors to Yellowstone should always be prepared and carry bear spray. Bear spray can explode if it reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Gardiner, MT 59030 You can buy bear … The same cannot be said for Yellowstone. Bear spray needed? Bear spray is sold at gift shops, outdoor stores, service stations, and bookstores inside the park, as well as in local communities. This video is of bear spray being used on a bear with 2 cubs in Yellowstone National Park. Bear spray is a bear deterrent. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — If you’ve lived in bear country for any time at all you probably know the importance of carrying bear spray in the backcountry. Answer 1 of 40: We are going to be visiting GTNP and YNP from June 11 to June 17. I recommend at least 3 full days of dedicated sightseeing to really take in what Yellowstone has to offer. Recycle your bear spray at park hotels, stores, visitor centers, backcountry offices, and ranger stations, as well as area camping stores, and the Bozeman airport. Those horns can weigh up, Yellowstone Bear Management Area Closures, Bear Boxes Key to Yellowstone’s Bear Management Program. There are no bears there, no wilderness, no appropriate use for it. Do read the info on being bear aware, do know how to use the spray correctly. We do, however, do a lot of hiking in the Beartooth's and always have bear spray with us. I have no connection to the bear spray "industry". Bears are generally more visible this time of year and potentially more aggressive, which makes them even more of a safety concern for visitors. Bear spray is a non-lethal deterrent designed to stop aggressive behavior in bears. Bear spray is available for rent at Canyon Village. Yellowstone Forever is a 501(c)3. Bear spray uses a fine cloud of Capsicum derivatives to temporarily reduce a bear's ability to breath, see, and smell, giving you time to leave the area. What's it like to use bear spray? Make sure your bear spray hasn’t expired. Our Yellowstone Forever Institute Senior Naturalist, Brad Bulin, recently talked with us about why bear spray is the most effective bear deterrent as well as when and how to use it. 1. Bear spray is sold at select Yellowstone Forever Park Stores (Gardiner, Bozeman Airport, Quake Lake), at other in-park shops and service stations, and in all local communities. 82190-0168, Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. (About 70% of human deaths from grizzly bears are from mothers defending cubs.) Yellowstone National Park is a very large park and So, how long does it take to see Yellowstone? On average, most first-time visitors to Yellowstone stay between 3-4 days total. Bear spray is not the same as regular pepper spray. If renting bear spray is financially prohibitive for you ($25/ can per week), let us know and we will find a solution for you to have bear spray while you are in Yellowstone. Bear spray has been proven to be the most effective tool in stopping aggressive bear behavior and preventing attacks. Always select an EPA-approved product that is specifically designed to stop bears. Learn how to protect yourself and keep bears wild when watching them along the road. Related: What to Do If You Encounter a Bear at Yellowstone If you think you need bear spray, how about staying home. Below you will find all the tips and information you need to come prepared for a safe, memorable hiking experience in the world’s first national park. Bear spray cannot be taken on airplanes and may cause injury if thrown away. You don't have to be a good shot with bear spray. SHARING THEIR BEAR SPRAY EXPERIENCES. You pay for it, complain about the cost, most of the time have no need for it, but when you need it, you need it. While many local businesses will rent bear spray, we never have and never will. Wild footage shows the moment a grizzly bear and a young bison fight to the death next to a parking lot at Yellowstone … Grizzly bears want nothing to do with humans and are only mauling you, the hiker because they feel threatened and will continue to maul you as long as you are fighting and threatening them. If you ever do need Never spray “bear spray” on your tent or surrounding area. Official bear spray must have an EPA registration number. It is not customary there. In the 30 years I've been going to Yellowstone National Park (we tent camp each time), I've never felt the need to have bear spray. Whether you’re heading to Yellowstone National Park to go hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or simply to take photographs, it is critical that you carry bear spray (and know how to use it!) You can’t bring bear spray on a plane, but you’ll find plenty of local places to purchase it once you … wow, you are very ignorant. You pay for it, complain about the cost, most of the time have no need for it, but when you need it, you need it. Yellowstone launches bear spray carry campaign ... and do not run if you encounter a bear. Practice firing inert bear spray with the wind at your back, into a head wind, and with a crosswind so that you understand how bear spray is affected by the wind. Keep bear spray readily accessible in a quick draw holster, not stored in your pack. If you are out hiking, whether it is a tenth of a mile or a backcountry adventure, it is essential to carry bear spray for your safety. In fact, it was so difficult to spot any bears. Carrying bear spray in Yellowstone is customary, even recommended in most of the park as a safety measure. You want to convince the bear to go away and leave you alone without harming you or the bear in the process. PO Box 1110 “You don’t need a guide,” says Al Nash, parks spokesman. Bears are protective of their space, food, and cubs, and most attacks are in response to surprise encounters with humans. Just put up a cloud of spray between you and the charging bear. Yellowstone Bear Safety. Look for the rental kiosk at the northwest corner of the visitor center plaza, 20 yards from the main entrance. While we have never seen a grizzly on our hikes we have come across fresh scat pretty darn close to the trail. EIN 47-5427975. Most backcountry campsites in Yellowstone National Park have food poles from which all food, cooking gear, and scented articles must be suspended when not being used. Let me tell you, the first couple of times you see a buffalo in the road it is really … United States - Bears in Yellowstone? It was a “grizzly” murder. You can even buy bear spray at most Walmarts around here. If you have seen my videos of our Yellowstone trip this summer, you will hear me poke a little fun at my husband for carrying bear spray on his belt. If I remember correctly, the larger can of Counter Assault is the same price in the park that I pay here in Billings ($49.99). “I wanted to get involved with Yellowstone because I … Always select an EPA-approved product that is specifically designed to stop bears. Restrictions to reduce encounters between humans and bears. No need to be a nervous wreck, but awareness, for all forms of wildlife, is an important safety factor. Answer 11 of 33: We have been to Yellowstone several times and never felt the need for bear spray. Has something changed in the past couple of years? To do that, you have to check in and go through a survival course. - We (2 adults) will be in Yellowstone in late August, early September for 8-9 days. In Canada, while legal for use against bears, bear spray is a prohibited weapon if intended to be used against humans. Do not use bear spray like insect repellent. Patience. Only 2 of which came close enough to harm us (we were in … Hi, sorry. Q: I visited Yellowstone for the first time this summer, and I wanted to go for a trail run.It was my first time alone in grizzly country, so I decided to buy some bear bells. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, know how to use the spray, and be aware of its limitations, including the expiration date; If you use the spray to stop a bear, leave the area immediately. You can’t bring bear spray on a plane, but you’ll find plenty of local places to purchase it once you … Bear spray is not a bear killer. SNOW in Yellowstone Trip Reports If your day hiking entails walking around Mammoth on the boardwalks, around Old Faithful's well trodden paths, or around the visitor centers and other built up areas, you don't need bear spray. You will see many in Yellowstone without bear spray but they didn't ask us! Our Yellowstone Forever Institute Senior Naturalist, Brad Bulin, recently talked with us about why bear spray is the most effective bear deterrent as well as when and how to use it. Don't store it in the passenger compartment of vehicles or near any heat sources. We fly in June 10 and fly out June 18. I guarantee you the typical Yellowstone visitor (who sticks to the main attractions) does not have bear spray and the park doesn't want all of these people to be carrying bear spray. Its use can reduce human injuries caused by bears and the number of bears killed by people in self-defense. Never keep it in your backpack while hiking—you won’t be able to reach it in time if a bear charges or attacks you. Review the best practices before you hike or camp in bear country, and learn what to do if you encounter a bear. Practice firing inert bear spray with the wind at your back, into a head wind, and with a crosswind so that you understand how bear spray is affected by the wind. Answer 21 of 33: We have been to Yellowstone several times and never felt the need for bear spray. Of course I would not carry bear spray in Washington, DC. A 9.2 oz can is $39.99. No bear deterrent is 100% effective: learn how to reduce your risk while hiking in bear country. PLEASE WATCH THESE VIDEOS OF PEOPLE . Unless you want to go off in the wilderness on your own, I don't think you need to buy any bear spray. Watch a video in which three Yellowstone employees share their story about a surprise encounter with a grizzly or listen to a podcast about a family whose hike in Yellowstone taught them how important it is to carry, and know how to use, bear spray. Look for the rental kiosk at the northwest corner of the visitor center plaza, 20 yards from the main entrance. Rent. Of course I would not carry bear spray in Washington, DC. If you need to use the bathroom at night, stay close, make noise and bring the bear spray. Personal defense, jogger defense, law enforcement or military defense sprays may not contain the correct ingredients, or have the proper delivery system, to stop a charging bear. It does not work as a deterrent when applied to people or equipment. Learn about bear spray, a highly effective, non-lethal bear deterrent. 222 East Main St. It is a unique formula specially prepared for use on bears. Be sure not to spray the whole can at once, warns Gary Moses, a former Glacier and Yellowstone park ranger who works as a product ambassador for Counter Assault bear spray. We have a general itinerary laid out that is the typical tourist itinerary sticking to the boardwalks, roads, and paved paths. Bear spray is a non-lethal deterrent designed to stop aggressive behavior in bears. I worked in Yellowstone … Even if you don’t go for a “hike” you’ll still need to walk quite a bit to explore the geyser basins. Walmart in Cody carries a brand called Frontiersman. No bear deterrent is 100% effective: learn how to reduce your risk while. Yellowstone National Park has launched a campaign educating people about the necessities of bear spray, a form of pepper spray used to deter aggressive… If you go down to the woods today in Yellowstone, you really should carry bear spray - Lonely Planet Find TrailQuipt. Deb Bear spray is not a bear repellant, so it won’t work if you spray it on your gear. Well, apparently that’s the hope, as they’ve recruited Jeff Bridges to join their “A Bear Doesn’t Care” campaign, which promotes bear safety education and in particular: bear spray. Yellowstone Forever is a Best in America charity. Keep bear spray readily accessible in a quick draw holster, not stored in your pack. United States - Bears in Yellowstone? If you plan to hike in the back country at all, you should have it and know how to use it. Take an active role in protecting yourself and the bears people come to Yellowstone to see: carry bear spray and learn how to use it! There are no bears there, no wilderness, no appropriate use for it. Each and every spring season, bears in Yellowstone emerge from hibernation on a constant search for food. Always select an EPA-approved product that is specifically designed to stop bears. Your safety, and the bear’s safety, is of primary importance. While we have never seen a grizzly on our hikes we have come across fresh scat pretty darn close to the trail. In the 30 years I've been going to Yellowstone National Park (we tent camp each time), I've never felt the need to have bear spray. At the checkout, the lady decided to warn me that because so many people use bear bells now, you might actually associate the sound with humans and come to investigate. Prepare … The same cannot be said for Yellowstone. How you react to a bear encounter depends on the circumstances. You don’t need to go out and buy a brand new pair of boots, but bring something that is comfortable and can keep you dry. If a bear approaches or touches your car, honk your horn and drive away to discourage this behavior. Bear spray is sold at select Yellowstone Forever Park Stores (Gardiner, Bozeman Airport, Quake Lake), at other in-park shops and service stations, and in all local communities. Alr, Is that... a White Walker*? You’ll wonder how effective it really might be, and if it might be useful in scaring away the neighbour’s cat. Bozeman, MT 59715 You can buy bear spray in all the stores in Yellowstone Park. Bear spray cannot be taken on airplanes and may cause injury if thrown away. Answer 31 of 33: We have been to Yellowstone several times and never felt the need for bear spray. We pretty much stay on the more traveled walkways and trails. Bear spray is available for rent at Canyon Village. Bozeman Office Best practices for traveling safely in bear country. While trees covere, Check out this big sheep! Recycle your bear spray at park hotels, stores, visitor centers, backcountry offices, and ranger stations, as well as area camping stores, and the Bozeman airport. Personal defense, jogger defense, law enforcement or military defense sprays may not contain the correct ingredients, or have the proper delivery system, to stop a charging bear. Bear spray is one of those products you don’t need very often, but when you do, you really need it. If you are going to hike in the park, don’t leave the car without it. Through our contactless grab-and-go vending system, you get bear spray for as long as you need … Protect yourself, our ecosystem, and your peace of mind with TrailQuipt bear spray rentals in Yellowstone National Park. Do your part to keep bears away from roadsides, campsites and picnic areas by securing camp groceries and garbage cans and never offering them food handouts. Help us spread the word about the importance of carrying bear spray! Think about it this way; a new un-tampered with can of bear spray can be the difference between going home or never getting to see Yellowstone … You can buy bear spray in all the stores in Yellowstone Park. It won’t do you any good buried in your backpack. Also, he`s totally correct – bears are MUCH more sensitive than humans and bear spray is NOT humane. For more information, visit Bear Aware. For women who are menstruating, used tampons should be double (or triple) bagged with crushed aspirin or a moist black tea bag to keep down the smell. Make sure you know what areas are closed for bear management. Bear spray needed? Make sure your bear spray is EPA-approved: don’t depend on personal defense products to stop a charging bear. Although I think he got a little too excited about the bear spray (I think he just thought it made him look like a macho mountain man - I mean do you really need to wear it inside? We pretty much stay on the more traveled walkways and trails. The parks have brochures that explain how to take bear precautions when hiking, and it's a really good idea to review this. How many days do you need in Yellowstone? YNP on Twitter & Facebook? contact@yellowstone.org But have you ever had the chance to practice with it? Birding Resources; How do I store my bear spray; How far is Beartooth Highway from point A to point B; How do you organize your trip information? Keep your bear spray on a belt holster or on a chest holster at all times. While it may seem like a great idea to rent Bear Spray when you visit Yellowstone National Park or Glacier, it is NOT! A 9.2 oz can is $39.99. Since 2010, there have been six fatal grizzly bear maulings in the Yellowstone region of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It would be out of place there. Yellowstone has so many animals you don’t even really need to hire a guide to find them, says one expert.But you will have to put some time and work into it. Aim slightly down and adjust for crosswind, Begin spraying when the charging bear is 30-60 feet (10-20 yards) away, Spray at the charging bear so that the bear must pass through a cloud of spray, Keep spraying until the bear changes direction, If the bear continues to charge, spray into its face. It won’t do you any good buried in your backpack. If I remember correctly, the larger can of Counter Assault is the same price in the park that I pay here in Billings ($49.99). Make sure your bear spray is EPA-approved: don't depend on personal defense products to stop a charging bear. – Carry bear spray – Don’t run during a bear encounter. Bear spray can explode if it reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Copyright © 2021 Yellowstone Forever. Reply So does Yellowstone National Park really think a Hollywood actor is going to be any more convincing than a fake conservative pundit? STAY PREPARED TO STAY UNINJURED. It is proven to be more effective than firearms when it comes to keeping bears away from you, but while most manufacturers are keen on pointing out its potency, they aren’t always completely explicit about its longevity. Walmart in Cody carries a brand called Frontiersman. Consider the use of bear spray when affected by wind, rain, cold temperatures and age. Use an inert can of bear spray to practice removing it from your holster, removing the safety tab with your thumb, and firing. I don't hike and spend all of my time in the "front country" mostly on the boardwalks in the geyser basins, other overlook areas or standing alongside my car looking for birds. A lot of people will be in Yellowstone and most people won't have bear spray. Do read the info on being bear aware, do know how to use the spray correctly. Practice! Do not use bear spray like insect repellent. Bear spray: Be sure you know how to use it and always keep it accessible (such as clipped to your belt) when you’re hiking in bear country. For day hikes by people hiking together on well-used trails during the summer, it's ok not to have bear spray. This video is of bear spray being used on a bear with 2 cubs in Yellowstone National Park. Bear Spray Demonstration and Safety Tips No need to be a nervous wreck, but awareness, for all forms of wildlife, is an important safety factor. Check park regulations before your trip. They are on a constant hunt for food in preparation for hibernation and the long winter ahead. You don’t have to be a good shot with bear spray. It is not customary there. We saw 15 bears during our week at Yellowstone. Bear spray is being overlooked by the majority of Yellowstone National Park visitors as they ignore bear safety precautions, as reported by Yellowstone researchers. TO CARRY BEAR SPRAY IN YELLOWSTONE. There are several mandatory items you need plus do's and don'ts. Bear Spray: What You Need to Know. We do, however, do a lot of hiking in the Beartooth's and always have bear spray with us. In testing, bears were attracted to items sprayed with “bear spray”. All donations are tax deductible. In fact, just 13% of dayhikers carried bear spray in the backcountry, and less than 1% bring bear spray to Yellowstone's frontcountry boardwalks. Yellowstone National Park, WY However, some parks do not allow the possession or use of bear spray. September 9, 2019; Inside Yellowstone, Preserving the Park; Each and every fall season, bears in Yellowstone shake off the doldrums of summer and become much more active. Just put up a cloud of spray between you and the charging bear. It would be out of place there. Practice! Do read the info on being bear aware, do know how to use the spray correctly. Don’t store it in the passenger compartment of vehicles or near any heat sources. Bear spray is proven to be highly successful at stopping aggressive behavior in bears. - We (2 adults) will be in Yellowstone in late August, early September for 8-9 days. Bear Spray Demonstration and Safety Tips. And over time, when you haven’t had need for the bear spray, you may be tempted to pull it out of the canister, turn it in your hands, wonder about it, maybe point it at something. If you travel in a group (4 or more) and make a bit of noise so you don't surprise the bears then I feel you don't need pepper spray. What Do Newbies Need to Know? It’s like those things you simply must have in certain situations but hope you never have to use – insurance, a life jacket, a defibrillator, a first aid kit . if you’re exploring beyond the developed areas.The engaging National Park Service campaign, A Bear Doesn’t Care, encourages Park visitors to carry bear spray and to … Do I really need bear spray? You can even buy bear spray at most Walmarts around here. Has something changed in the past couple of years?