MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – The first grizzly bear of the spring season has been spotted in Yellowstone National Park.

Park biologists reported seeing the bear on March 9 while working in the northern part of the park. The grizzly was observed in the backcountry scavenging on the carcass of a bull bison.

The sighting marks the start of the seasonal emergence of grizzly bears from hibernation. Male grizzlies typically emerge in early March, while females with cubs usually come out later, in April and early May.

According to park officials, the first reported grizzly sighting in 2025 occurred on March 14. In 2024, the first sighting was March 3, and in both 2022 and 2023 the first sightings were recorded on March 7.

When bears emerge from hibernation, they often search for food sources such as elk or bison that died during the winter. Officials warn that bears feeding on carcasses may react aggressively if people approach.

Park officials remind visitors that all areas of Yellowstone are bear country, from remote backcountry areas to developed locations such as Old Faithful.

Visitors are encouraged to carry bear spray and know how to use it, remain alert, and travel in groups of three or more while hiking or skiing. Officials advise staying on maintained trails, making noise while traveling, and avoiding outings at dusk, dawn or night.

Visitors should never run if they encounter a bear and must remain at least 100 yards away from both black and grizzly bears. Approaching wildlife within that distance is prohibited.

Park officials also advise storing food, garbage and other attractants in hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof storage containers and reporting bear sightings or encounters to a park ranger.

Bear spray has proven effective in deterring bears defending cubs or food sources and can reduce the number of bears killed by people in self-defense. While firearms are allowed in the park, discharging a firearm by visitors violates park regulations.