The first grizzly bear sighting of 2019 occurred in Yellowstone National Park late last week. Visitors observed a large grizzly bear between Canyon Village and Fishing Bridge on Friday. Additionally, grizzly tracks were reported between Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Junction on Monday. The sighting is similar to the timing of first grizzly bear sighting in 2018 which occurred on March 7th. Male grizzlies come out of hibernation in mid-to-late March while females with cubs emerge in April and early May. When bears emerge from hibernation, they look for food and often feed on winter-kill of elk and bison, and sometimes, bears will act aggressively while feeding on carcasses. Park visitors are reminded that all of Yellowstone National Park is bear country: from the deepest backcountry to the boardwalks around Old Faithful. Visitors should be vigilant for signs of winter-kill which could mean bears are nearby; and always carry bear spray and know how to use it if needed.
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