Montana Grizzly Bears, Pictures

Discover the magic of spotting wild and free grizzly bears ranging their native wilderness lands when you are visiting the West Yellowstone area on a fascinating western vacation.

Overview

Grizzly bears are larger than black bears, with male grizzlies standing about 7 feet tall and weighing anywhere from 300 to 600 pounds. Sometimes they weigh more than 800 pounds. Females, though smaller, are also impressive in size, weighing between 200 and 400 pounds. They are an incredible sight to see as you explore the Yellowstone area.

Interesting Facts

Although the grizzly bear almost disappeared by the late 1800s, listing the bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act helped to save this magnificent animal. Today the number of bears that reside in portions of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho are estimated to range between 400 and 600 individuals.

Grizzlies need a diverse and large home range, with up to 500 square miles of forests, meadows and grasslands that are in or near the mountains. They go to higher altitudes when hibernating.

The grizzly bear needs to eat and store huge amounts of fat so it can survive through the long winter hibernation. It eats large quantities of very rich food and never suffers from heart disease or problems with cholesterol.

Cubs remain with their mothers for 2 to 3 years, only reaching maturity at around 4 ½ to 5 ½ years of age. Bears live to be 15 or 20 years old, sometimes reaching the ripe old age of 30.

Best Place for Viewing Grizzly Bears

Bears are ranging farther and farther in their search for food, and thus are seen today in many places where for decades they were absent. The best place to view them still remains to be the Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. The bear population here is growing at an average rate of about 4 to 5 percent each year.

Within Yellowstone, you can often see grizzlies in the Lamar and Hayden Valleys in the Roosevelt-Tower area. Check out the area around West Thumb and Fishing Bridge, as well. At times you can spot some in the southwestern part of the park near Bechler River.

Respecting Wildlife

It’s best to know some tips to show respect to the wildlife you meet and to stay safe:

• Always keep your distance from all wildlife. Remain at least 300 yards away.
• Within the park, to approach within 100 yards of bears is prohibited.
• If hiking, make bears aware of your presence by making loud noises or singing, and don’t hike alone.
• If you see a dead animal carcass, avoid the area. Bears might try and defend their kill.
• Don’t run if you meet up with a bear. This can elicit an attack. If the bear is aware of your presence but hasn’t been aggressive, slowly back away. If the bear isn’t aware of your presence, take another route away from the bear.
• Some bears will charge but suddenly stop before reaching a person. If this is the case, stand still until the bear stops, then slowly back away.
• If a bear attacks, you should drop to the ground, face down. Clasp your hands behind your neck and remain still and silent.