When people come to Yellowstone they want to see the bears and the wolves. I believe that the two species are neck in neck when it comes to popularity. But, with the increasing number of bears that are seen along the roads, the wolves remain the most elusive, often only providing faraway and fleeting glances.
One thing that we are not in short supply of this year is black bears. Every day someone asks where they can find a bear and so here is a list of possibilities, beginning in Mammoth and continuing to Little America, which is just before Slough Creek and after the Yellowstone Bridge.
Mammoth – Normally a cinnamon colored black bear sow in the Mammoth area that should have cubs this year. Have not heard of any sightings of this sow yet but she is generally visible when the elk begin calving.
Lava Creek – black bear sow with two new cubs of the year
Blacktail drive entrance – often a black bear boar hanging in the area
Phantom Lake – often a black bear boar grazing in the field
Geode past Hell Roaring – a black bear sow with two small black cubs of the year. Please drive carefully in this area as they could be using the road.
Floating Island – black bear sow with cub of the year reported in this area and could be the same one that has been seen at Elk Creek and near Petrified Tree.
Tower Ranger Station – black bear sow with two new cubs
Tower Road, Calcite Springs – Black bear sow (Rosie #3) and 3 yearlings
Tower Road from Calcite Springs on up to Gut Pile Rd. – Black bear sow (Angry Mom, or Mixed Mom) with 2 yearlings, one black and one cinnamon.
Tower Road – Reports of black bear sow with two new cubs – unconfirmed at this time.
Yellowstone Picnic area – Black bear sow with two new cubs, both cinnamon colored.
Little America – reports of black bear sow and two cubs that look to be yearlings.
Slough Creek – Cinnamon boar seen yesterday
Slough Creek campground – Black bear sow with two yearlings – no reported sightings this year but should be in the area.
Crystal Creek – Black bear just reported going through area
Lamar Valley – Black bear boar hanging near Amethyst Bench
There are no doubt other black bears on the northern range but this is all that I can think of at this time. The sows with yearlings will be kicking the kids out by then end of June so that they can mate and have new cubs next season. Black bears only keep their cubs one year, or 1.5 years, as compared to grizzlies that generally will keep their cubs two years and sometimes three.
Black Bears on the Northern Range in Yellowstone
Remember, you are required to keep 100 yards between you and the bears at all time. Carry bear spray, do not approach the bears, if they are trying to cross the road do not block them with your car or body in order to get a close-up shot as altering their behavior could have terrible consequences – possibly separating cubs from their moms. Or forcing them to dash across the road carelessly, which could result in death or injury. Also, you don’t know if a sow and her cubs are being chased by a boar. Boars will kill the cubs if they can. Also, do not run from a bear.
If a bear gets frustrated and attacks a human that is getting to close or preventing it from going about its business, the bear could be euthanized as a result. We should always put the welfare of the bear and other animals above the need for photos.
Poor behavior on our part could result in ruining bear viewing opportunities for everyone.
Be safe in Yellowstone.
Thank you! Good job. Love it.
Thank you Izabela!
Thank you, Deby, for the great info. I love the photos of Mom with the little ones. They are so cute!
Good info! Thanks
So so cute!!!thanks wish folks would just respect the animals not to much to ask