January’s bear sighting is without doubt one of the earliest Yellowstone Nationwide Park has had on report. Here is how you can keep bear secure, even within the winter.
(Picture: John Morrison by way of Getty Photographs)
Up to date February 9, 2026 11:19AM
Earlier this month, Punxsutawney Phil noticed his shadow and soothsaid six extra weeks of winter. Nevertheless, days earlier than, there was one other signal that really indicated the onset of spring: the primary Yellowstone Nationwide Park grizzly sighting of the yr. It’s unclear whether or not this bear had briefly roused from its midwinter torpor or whether or not it had risen early. Both approach, bear biologist Frank van Manen advised Cowboy State Day by day that “this might be one of many earliest sightings on report.” (Usually, this space’s early risers emerge from their torpor in late February or March.) Certainly, there’s motive to consider that higher-than-average temperatures all through a lot of the Rockies might lead bears to get up early in 2026, as they did in Colorado final yr.
Some hikers solid off the fourth season as one which’s completely bear-free. That’s not true; you continue to must comply with lots of the similar bear-safety precautions in winter as you’ll the remainder of the yr. Local weather change and growing urbanization can disrupt a bear’s hibernation cycle and improve the prospect of a wintertime bear encounter. Have you learnt how you can keep bear secure? All through the years, we at Backpacker have debated bear cling strategies, busted bear myths, and written about rather more relating to ursines. Refresh your data with these articles beneath.
Bear spray is maybe essentially the most important piece of substances for anybody in grizzly nation, and by chance it doesn’t require exact goal to work. You continue to must know how you can use it. Right here’s an illustration video from Montana-based adventurer, skilled hunter, and Outdoors author Wes Siler.
Imagine it or not, however some have mistakenly interpreted bear spray’s directions as a repellent that goes on like bug spray. That’s a caustic mistake that you just received’t wish to make. Want a proof? Right here’s why.
In terms of avoiding human-bear encounters, it’s greatest to hearken to biologist Tom Smith. He estimates he’s seen lots of of bruins of every species in his over 20 years within the area, and his tutorial papers have helped backpackers keep secure within the bear security.
Bears can’t run downhill. A bear that has tasted human meals received’t eat wild meals anymore. Bears have poor eyesight. Lies, lies, lies. Right here’s the reality.
Many specialists are beginning to make the argument that it’s time to cease storing meals by a bear cling: “You can’t stop a bear from reaching meals that’s hung up; you may solely make it tough,” says Scott Wilkinson of the Pacific Crest Path Affiliation. Listed below are some alternate options to the bear cling.
Dedicated to the bear cling life? Right here’s a video demonstration on how you can do it proper.
I can’t write about bears in Yellowstone with out paying homage to the park’s fallen queen bruin. When driving in bear nation, take note of the animals that is likely to be lurking on the sting of the highway.
This time of the yr, most bears must be hibernating. Right here’s why they should sleep to outlive.
