Bear Necessities: When and Where to See Bears in Cody Yellowstone

There’s a good reason to keep your binoculars handy on a fall drive through Cody Yellowstone. As winter approaches, grizzly and black bears spend much of their time searching for food, building the fat reserves they’ll depend on during hibernation.

Biologists call this period hyperphagia, and it’s serious business. Bears can gain more than three pounds a day as they prepare for the months ahead. For visitors, that activity means another chance to see one of the West’s most impressive wild animals. From a safe distance, of course.

Fall is a particularly interesting time for bear watching, but it’s not the only season when visitors might spot these animals in Cody Yellowstone.

• Spring brings bears out of their winter dens, hungry and ready to forage. Grizzlies can begin emerging as early as March, with mothers and their cubs generally appearing later in the spring. It’s another promising time for wildlife watching as bears search for food after months of hibernation.
• Summer finds bears roaming across the region in search of food, sometimes moving into higher, cooler elevations. Keep your eyes open along Yellowstone’s forested roads and mountain passes, including Dunraven Pass when it’s open.
• Fall brings another period of increased activity as bears prepare for winter. Depending on food availability, you might spot them foraging in open meadows or moving through forested areas. The menu can include berries, roots, insects, and calorie-rich whitebark pine nuts.
• Winter is a different story. Most bears are tucked away in their dens, living off the fat reserves they built up during the warmer months. Sightings become much less common until spring arrives.

Grizzly Bear or Black Bear? Know What You’re Looking At

Cody Yellowstone is home to both grizzly bears and black bears, and telling them apart isn’t always as simple as their names suggest. Black bears can have cinnamon or brown coats, while grizzlies can be anything from blonde to nearly black.

Instead, pay attention to their build. Grizzlies have a prominent shoulder hump, a slightly dished facial profile, and shorter, rounded ears. Black bears lack the pronounced hump and generally have a straighter facial profile and taller, more pointed ears.

Of course, you don’t need to get close enough to check. A good pair of binoculars will help you spot the differences while giving both species the space they deserve.

Best Places to See Bears in Cody Yellowstone

Bears aren’t especially concerned with sticking to a sightseeing itinerary. They roam throughout the region, following food sources wherever they lead. Still, some areas are particularly well suited to keeping an eye out for wildlife.

• Shoshone National Forest: Stretching across a vast area east of Yellowstone National Park, the forest provides habitat for both black bears and grizzlies. The Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway winds through the Shoshone River valley toward Yellowstone’s East Entrance, with plenty of forested terrain and mountain scenery along the way.
• Chief Joseph Scenic Byway: This route through the Absaroka Mountains offers another opportunity to travel through bear country on the way toward Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance. Watch for wildlife along the forested stretches, and check seasonal road conditions before setting out.
• Lamar Valley: One of Yellowstone’s most established wildlife-watching areas, Lamar Valley is known for its wide-open views and populations of bison, elk, wolves, and grizzly bears. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope to search the surrounding hillsides.
• Hayden Valley: Another promising area for wildlife watchers, Hayden Valley offers expansive views of grasslands and the Yellowstone River. Grizzlies are among the animals you may spot here.
• Yellowstone Lake and Canyon Region: Forests, meadows, and surrounding landscapes offer more opportunities for bear sightings, although the animals’ movements can be difficult to predict.

Remember that some Yellowstone roads and mountain passes close seasonally, sometimes as early as mid-October. Before heading out, check the National Park Service’s current road conditions.

Practice Safe Bear Viewing

Spotting a bear in the wild is exciting. Getting close to one is another matter entirely.

The best wildlife encounters leave animals free to go about their business, which means giving them plenty of space. Follow these rules whenever you’re exploring bear country:

• Keep your distance. Stay at least 100 yards (91 metres) away from bears. Binoculars and telephoto lenses will give you a better view without disturbing the animals.
• Never feed bears. Human food can change their natural behaviour and create dangerous situations for both bears and visitors.
• Store food and garbage securely. Use designated food lockers, closed vehicles, or approved bear-resistant containers as required. Never leave food or other attractants unattended.
• Use designated pullouts. A bear sighting can quickly bring traffic to a crawl. If you encounter a roadside wildlife gathering, sometimes called a bear jam, don’t stop in the road or block traffic. Pull over only where it’s safe and permitted, follow ranger instructions, and stay in your vehicle when viewing bears. If a bear approaches or touches your car, honk your horn and drive away.

Hiking in Bear Country

A little preparation goes a long way when you’re exploring bear country on foot. The National Park Service recommends hiking in groups of three or more, staying alert, and making noise periodically to avoid surprising a bear.

You should also:

• Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Each person should have their own canister somewhere they can reach quickly, rather than buried in a backpack.
• Stay on maintained trails, obey closures, and avoid areas with animal carcasses.
• If you unexpectedly encounter a bear, stay together, avoid sudden movements, and slowly back away. Never run.
• Report any conflict with a bear to a park ranger as soon as possible.

Bear spray is available for purchase in Yellowstone and surrounding communities. Visitors can also rent it at Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody and seasonally at designated locations in Yellowstone, including Canyon Village and Old Faithful. Check availability and operating dates before your trip.

Before heading into bear country, take a few minutes to review the National Park Service’s bear safety recommendations, including what to do if a bear approaches or charges.