How many bear attacks are there in Yellowstone?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 08, 2026
There is an average of one bear attack per year in Yellowstone.
Should I be worried about bears in Yellowstone?
Both black and grizzly bears are frequently encountered in and around Yellowstone Park, and both species are unpredictable. Since it can be difficult to tell the two species apart, hikers are best advised to be wary of all bears.
How often are bear encounters in Yellowstone?
The park reports there is an average of one bear attack at Yellowstone each year. The most gruesome attacks at the park occurred in 2011 and 2015, where three people were killed by bears.
Which national park has the most bear attacks?
I found that historically, Montana's Glacier National Park — home to both black bears and grizzlies — has had the most bear attack fatalities, with 12. Yellowstone, also home to both bear species, has had eight. Only 11 parks have had more than one bear-related death, and six of them are in Alaska.
Which state has the most bear attacks?
Alaska is the US state with the most bear attacks.
The most updated bear attacks in Alaska statistics reveal that Alaska accounts for 29.6% of all fatal bear attacks in the US.
17 related questions foundWhat kind of bear kills the most humans?
Most fatal attacks by black bears have been judged as predatory. Bear researcher Stephen Herrero determined that in black bear attacks, the bear acted as a predator in 88 percent of fatal incidents.
What to do if a black bear is near you?
Alter your route or back away slowly, preferably in the direction you came. Walk, do not run, and keep your eye on the bear so you can see how it reacts. In most cases, the bear will flee. If the bear walks toward you, act boldly, yelling and throwing something at it.
How many deaths occur in Yellowstone each year?
Yellowstone had 4,020,288 annual visitors and 52 deaths. Denali had 51 deaths and just 601,152 annual visitors. Of course, while every death is tragic, the National Parks had nearly 3 billion visitors from 2010 to 2019, including 327 million in 2019 alone. If you're carefu, the parks can be quite safe.
Are there bears in all 50 states?
The black bear is found in all provinces and territories in Canada excluding Prince Edward Island and in 40 of the 50 U.S states. There are about 900 thousand black bears throughout North America.
Are grizzly bear attacks common?
Since 1980, there have been only two (0.1/year) grizzly bear-caused human injuries in developed areas, an average of approximately one every 20 years. Over the same time span, there have been 34 human injuries caused by grizzly bears in the backcountry: an average of one per year.
What do you do if a bear approaches you?
Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you as a human. It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.
Will I see a grizzly in Yellowstone?
Bears are still seen near roads and they may be seen occasionally in the wild. Grizzly bears are active primarily at dawn, dusk, and night. In spring, they may be seen around Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge, Hayden and Lamar valleys, Swan Lake Flats, and the East Entrance.
Has Old Faithful ever killed anyone?
In 2016, a man left the boardwalk and died after slipping into a hot spring in Norris Geyser Basin. Yellowstone National Park officials say one person died and two received severe burns from falling into a hot spring in the Lower Geyser Basin in August 2000.
How do you scare a bear away?
To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans or using an airhorn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
How common are grizzly bears in Yellowstone?
Since 1975, the bears have been beneficiaries of the Endangered Species Act that enabled the grizzly population to beat all odds after teetering on the brink of extinction. It grew from 136 bears in 1975 to around 700 in 2016, although estimates range from 674 to 839.
How do you defend against a bear?
Direct punches and kicks at the bear's face, and use any weapon like rocks, branches, or bear spray to defend yourself. If a grizzly/brown bear charges and attacks you, PLAY DEAD. Do not fight back! Cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
What state has most black bears?
Alaska: 100,000
With 100,000 black bears, Alaska has one of the largest black bear populations in the country. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Wildlife, black bears are the most abundant and widely distributed of the three North American bear species living in the state.
Do barking dogs scare away bears?
The short answer is, yes. A dog can smell a bear and alert you well in advance that something's there, which could in turn divert a potential encounter. And a barking dog can discourage a bear from investigating a campsite.
Which state has the most grizzly bears?
Which state has the most grizzly bears? Alaska has the most grizzlies by far. It has 30,000 and is the only state where they are not listed as endangered.
What is the No 1 cause of death in national parks?
Drowning (668 deaths) is the leading cause of death at national parks and national recreation areas. That is followed by motor vehicle crashes (475 deaths), falls and slips (335), natural causes (285), and suicide (260).
What happens if you fall into Yellowstone hot spring?
As soon as you fall into the geyser, your skin would react to the incredibly hot water. Old Faithful in Yellowstone has been measured at 95.6°C (204°F). You would feel an immense amount of pain, and it's safe to say that this would be the most intense burn you'd ever experienced.
What is the deadliest National Park?
Going by its per-capita death rate, Denali is by far the most dangerous national park—ten times more so than Great Smoky Mountains, which sees less than one death per million visitors.
Do black bears eat humans?
Predatory attacks on humans by black bears are extremely rare, but experts are offering insight as to how some of them may start after a woman was killed in Canada by a black bear while searching for her dogs.
Should you throw rocks at a bear?
If the bear does not respond to aggressive actions such as yelling, throwing rocks and sticks, etc., you should be prepared to physically fight back if it attempts to make contact. Try to be intimidating: look as large as possible.
Do black bears eat pets?
If your house pet steps into the bear territory, it could be mistaken for prey. And there is a high chance that bears would eat them, but it is unlikely that bears would actively hunt your dog like they do other small animals.