Bears Within Grand Teton NP Beginning To Fatten Up For The Upcoming Winter Season

As the summer season nears its end, that means bear activity is beginning to pick up and one national park is advising tourists to give them their space.

Grand Teton National Park officials say bears are beginning to enter hyperphagia, which is when bears increase their feeding to gain the fat reserves necessary for hibernation.

The park notes that bear activity in particular is picking up along the Moose-Wilson corridor on the south side of the park, which is dominated by hawthorn and chokecherry scrubs and this year there seems to be an abundant natural food source for bears and other wildlife.

Park staff use a management strategy tailored to the uniqueness of the area.

Short viewing distances, dense vegetation, and the narrow road prevent a typical way to view bears.

To lessen the potential for human-bear conflicts, visitors are asked to view bears from their vehicle as they drive along the roadway. 

These viewing zones are clearly identified with signs and visitors are asked to slow down and observe the rules of the road.

If bear activity increases, the Moose-Wilson Road may be temporarily closed to public access to protect the bears.

Federal regulations require everyone stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife.