Wildlife

Always view wildlife from a distance. Give bears, other large carnivores, and large nesting birds at least 100 yards of space. Give all other animals, including bison, elk, and moose, at least 25 yards of space. Limit disturbance to wildlife and avoid surprise encounters. Never scare or chase wildlife. Be patient, find alternate routes, or turn around in order to give wildlife space.

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Be alert and learn to recognize bear signs like tracks, scat, digging, and the smell of a carcass. Learn how to use and carry bear spray.

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According to the National Park Service, it is illegal to “feed, touch, tease, frighten or intentionally disturb wildlife,” and people found disregarding this rule may face fines up to $1,000. Both wildlife and humans are at a high risk of injury or death when people get too close, often caused when the animal tries to escape and becomes aggressive. Habituated wildlife that get used to being around people and developed areas also at greater risk of eating human food, catching diseases from people and pets, and could get euthanized for this behavior. Help keep wildlife wild.

In Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, pets of all kinds must be kept under physical control at all times – caged, crated, or on a leash. Pets are prohibited in the backcountry, park trails, in public buildings, and at swimming beaches. Pets must stay within 30 feet of any roadway. Pets are allowed in the surrounding Bridger-Teton National Forest trails and backcountry unless otherwise posted but ensure they are on voice control or leashed.