EBS STAFF
A grizzly bear was spotted Monday in the northern backcountry of Yellowstone National Park, marking the park’s first confirmed sighting of 2026, according to a March 10 news release from the park.
Park biologists observed the bear on March 9 scavenging a bull bison carcass. Male grizzlies typically emerge from hibernation in early March, while females with cubs usually appear later in April or early May. The first reported sighting last year occurred March 14; in recent years sightings have ranged from early to mid-March.
Bears feeding on carcasses may react aggressively if people approach and visitors are urged to carry bear spray, hike in groups, stay alert and remain at least 100 yards from bears when in their habitat.
Custer Gallatin National Forest announced that a food and attractant storage order is in effect annually from March 1 through Dec. 1 across several neighboring ranger districts. The order requires all unattended food, garbage and other attractants to be secured in hard-sided vehicles, stored in bear-resistant containers or hung at least 10 feet above the ground and four feet from trees or poles. Violations can result in citations and liability for damages.
