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Yellowstone’s First Grizzly Bear Sighting of 2026: Biologists Spot Bear on Bison Carcass in Northern Backcountry

Mar-10-26 by Moosetrack Megan

Yellowstone biologists working in the northern part of the park reported the first grizzly bear sighting of the spring season on March 9. The bear was observed in the backcountry scavenging on a bull bison carcass.

Key Takeaways

  • Yellowstone’s first grizzly bear sighting of 2026 was reported on March 9 in the park’s northern backcountry.
  • The bear was seen scavenging a bull bison carcass—an activity that can increase the risk of aggressive behavior if people get too close.
  • Recent first reported grizzly sightings occurred on March 14 (2025), March 3 (2024), and March 7 (2022 and 2023).
  • Male grizzlies commonly emerge in early March; females with cubs tend to emerge in April and early May.
  • Yellowstone is bear country everywhere—from deep backcountry to busy areas like Old Faithful—so carry bear spray and follow park guidelines.

The first reported grizzly bear sighting of 2025 occurred on March 14. In 2024, it occurred on March 3, and in 2022 and 2023, March 7.

As spring ramps up, wildlife viewing also increases across the park. For a broader look at what’s active this season (and where), see Yellowstone’s Spring Wildlife Boom: Where to Spot Bison, Elk, Bears, and Wolves This Season.

Why bears show up near carcasses in early spring

When bears emerge from hibernation, they look for food and often feed on elk and bison that died over the winter. Bears may react aggressively to encounters with people when feeding on carcasses.

When grizzlies emerge from hibernation

Male grizzlies come out of hibernation in early March. Females with cubs emerge in April and early May.

Bear safety in Yellowstone: what to do right now

All of Yellowstone is grizzly and black bear country: from the deepest backcountry to the boardwalks and parking lots around Old Faithful. Protect yourself and bears by following these guidelines:

  • Prepare for a bear encounter by carrying bear spray, knowing how to use it and making sure it’s accessible.
  • Stay alert. Hike or ski in groups of three or more, stay on maintained trails and make noise.
  • Avoid hiking at dusk, dawn or at night.
  • Do not run if you encounter a bear.
  • Stay 100 yards (91 m) away from black and grizzly bears. Approaching bears within 100 yards is prohibited.
  • Use binoculars, a telescope or telephoto lens to get a closer look.
  • Store food, garbage, barbecue grills and other attractants in hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof food storage boxes.
  • Report bear sightings and encounters to a park ranger immediately.
  • Learn more about bear safety.

Bear spray has proven effective in deterring bears defending cubs and food sources. It can also reduce the number of bears killed by people in self-defense. For more background on bear spray, read Made by a Griz for Grizzlies: How a UM Alum Invented Bear Spray.

While firearms are allowed in the park, the discharge of a firearm by visitors is a violation of park regulations.

Source: YNP press release
Photo: Grizzly bear on bison carcass near Yellowstone Lake NPS/Jim Peaco

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