In a sure sign of spring, the first bears have emerged from hibernation in Jackson Hole! 

On March 9, Yellowstone National Park staff spotted grizzly tracks on March 9. Ten days later, on March 19, a Grand Teton National Park employee caught a glimpse of a grizzly near Flagg Ranch. Since then, rangers have reported three more sightings of ursine neighbors on the move.

Where to See Bears

Those of us who call Jackson Hole home are fortunate enough to have both black and grizzly bears in our backyards. (Sometimes literally!) There are some great spots to check out if you’re on a mission to see these amazing omnivores for yourself.

Take a drive up to Grand Teton National Park and visit places like Oxbow Bend and Pilgrim Creek to have a good chance of encountering bears. You can always ask the ranger at the entrance gate, too. They’re usually up on any recent bear sightings.

Another clue to where bear viewing might be available? Keep an eye on other photographers or wildlife watchers. If they’re all gathered in one area - AKA an “Animal Jam” — find out what they’re looking at! Be sure to park safely and out of the lane of travel before investigating, though. 

Speaking of safety, be sure to give bears plenty of room. Stay at least 100 yards (300 feet) from bears in any location. Mother bears with cubs can be especially dangerous if they think their cubs may be threatened, so stay aware. 

Bear Safety Starts Now in Jackson Hole

Though we may be able to enjoy another few weeks of skiing, snowshoeing and other wintry sports, it’s time to take bear safety into account. That means when you’re out recreating, especially in the backcountry, travel in groups and make sure your gear includes bear spray. (And know how to use it!) 

At home, it’s time to make sure that you’re following best practices for bear safety, too. This means securing all trash, pet food, compost piles and the like. Any of these attractants can draw hungry bears, which can quickly spell trouble for your property, you, and the bears. 

There are plenty of resources if you’d like to learn more about making sure your property is bear safe! These steps are simple, easy, and go a long way toward keeping wild bears wild. Another way to learn more about coexistence is to grab a copy of Kevin Grange’s book, Grizzly Confidential. This local author sheds light on the mysterious lives of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and beyond — it’s a great read!