Source 2026 Wyoming Official Travel Guide - Wyoming Official Travel Guide
Wyoming Wildlife Safety Tips
2025-12-29 03:12:57
It’s no secret that wildlife lovers live for Wyoming — a scenic wonderland filled with furry and feathered creatures like pronghorn, bears, bison, bald eagles and mule deer. Here are common safety tips to follow:
MAINTAIN A SAFE DISTANCE
Remember that we are visitors to wild animals’ sacred homes. Stressing them can hurt their ability to survive and place our own safety at risk. Do not approach animals to take pictures and remain at least 100 yards from predators like grizzlies and 25 yards from other mammals like bison or elk. If wildlife comes closer than anticipated, it’s just as crucial to keep that safe distance. Next time you find yourself stuck in a bison jam on the road (a classic Yellowstone pastime), please stay safely inside your vehicle.
EXPLORE IN A GROUP
Roaming Wyoming’s rugged landscape with your friends is always safer. You’ll have more than one set of eyes looking out for wildlife surprises, helping you to keep a safe distance. Grizzlies are also unlikely to attack groups. If you encounter one, stand next to each other so the bear can see multiple people. Always carry bear spray.
RESPECT DANGEROUS ANIMALS
If a bear starts huffing or growling at you, consider that animal in predator mode. Rutting season means love is in the air for elk on the ground, but this also means they’re on the lookout to ward off rivals. If you see a bull (a male elk) starting to paw at the earth beneath you while curling its lips, that sound of a sharp bugle call is a sign to back away. Wildlife viewing calls for vigilant attention and awareness of your surroundings.
DON’T FEED ANIMALS
We work hard to avoid food conditioning bears and other animals so they don’t seek food rewards from people — and potentially become more dangerous. Properly dispose of waste and always store food in a locked vehicle with windows rolled up, in a bear canister or in a bear box.
KEEP THEM WILD
Explore additional ways to respect Wyoming wildlife so you can adventure with confidence and learn how to safely navigate around grizzlies, black bears and wolves: travelwy.com/wildlifesafety. Learn about all the ways you can be a mindful traveler at travelwy.com/wyresponsibly. Share your own Wyoming journey and be part of the WY Responsibly movement by using the #WYresponsibly tag.
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