National Park Service Issues Bear Safety Reminder Ahead of Peak Season

The National Park Service is urging visitors to take extra precautions in bear country following a series of recent incidents at national parks across the country.

Spring and early summer bring heightened activity as animals move through habitat, search for food and protect cubs. The agency says visitors can significantly reduce their risk of a dangerous encounter by staying alert, hiking in groups, making noise in low-visibility areas and storing food and trash properly.

“National parks are wild places, and wildlife safety is visitor safety. Simple actions, like giving bears space, securing food and knowing what to do before you enter bear country, can protect visitors and bears.” – Jessica Bowron, Comptroller, Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director.

The NPS noted that species, terrain, food storage regulations and bear spray recommendations vary by park, and encouraged visitors to check current park alerts and review location-specific guidance before arriving.

Core Bear Safety Guidelines:

• Never approach or run from a bear
• Stay alert and avoid wearing headphones on trails
• Hike in groups whenever possible
• Make noise near streams, dense vegetation and blind corners
• Store food, trash and scented items in approved containers
• Carry bear spray where recommended and permitted

If an encounter does occur, the NPS advises visitors to stay calm, speak in a steady voice and back away slowly without making sudden movements. Any encounters should be reported to park staff as soon as it is safe to do so.

With millions of visitors expected at national parks this summer, rangers are emphasizing that preparedness is the most effective tool for avoiding conflict with wildlife. Bears that become conditioned to human food can become dangerous and may ultimately be euthanized, making proper food storage a matter of life and death for the animals as well.

Visitors can find park-specific safety information on the NPS website for their destination before departure.

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