Grizzly conflicts increase: Bear traffic increasing just in time for peak tourism season

POWELL — As tourists from around the world head to National Park Service properties across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in record numbers, grizzly bears are also showing up in record numbers. It’s not just in the park or inside approved habitat. The species is increasing its footprint, including in areas deemed as inappropriate habitat for the apex predator, according to state officials. Conflicts and attacks are already making an impact this year. On May 4, two brothers (ages 15 and 28) were seriously injured by one or more bears — believed to be a female grizzly with cubs — on the Mystic Falls Trail near Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. They were airlifted to a medical facility in Idaho Falls, both in bad shape. The older brother stepped in to protect his sibling, taking the brunt of the attack and is said to have a long road to a full recovery. In 2025, there was a grizzly bear attack on Sept. 16 along the Turbid Lake Trail in Yellowstone. A male hiker was alone and was severely injured before he could get his bear spray deployed. At the same time, 25 grizzly bear deaths have already been added to the 2026 U.S. Geological Survey’s list of provisional documented known and probable grizzly bear mortalities in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The total number midway through June is already a third of the total deaths recorded last year, and includes 10 grizzly bears removed (euthanized) for conflicts. The data provided is preliminary or provisional and subject to revision. The numbers are being provided to meet the need for timely best science, according to the USGS. Yet, danger of human/grizzly bear conflicts isn’t occurring just in the parks, but also in popular regional locations. For example, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks responded to 106 conflicts or complaints involving grizzly or black bears in Carbon County, Montana, in 2025, a noticeable increase over 2024. Many of the conflicts are happening near Red Lodge, a popular destination 60 minutes from Powell. Conflicts near Red Lodge (an area south of Interstate 90 and west of U.S. Highway 212) are up nearly 25% in the past three years, according to state data. Red Lodge is now a known hotspot for human-bear conflicts involving both black bears and grizzlies. Incidents typically spike this time of year after bears leave their dens and seek unsecured attractants like garbage, pet food and bird feeders. Officials continue urging residents to practice bear safety and secure food sources, but to limited success. The Montana FWP has already reported 68 conflicts in 2026, including 25 human conflicts. Wyoming has the largest population of grizzlies in the GYC and wildlife officials are currently urging outdoor recreationists and homeowners to take preventative measures to avoid conflicts with bears. Residents and recreationists within grizzly and black bear country are strongly advised to secure all potential bear attractants. This includes properly storing garbage, pet and livestock feed and birdseed. Barbecue grills should be cleaned and stored inside a garage or shed whenever feasible. “These actions will help prevent bears from being drawn to residential areas and campsites,” the department said in a Wednesday press release, while urging all conflicts be immediately reported. “Timely reporting of bear conflicts and sightings in residential areas is invaluable to our efforts in minimizing human-carnivore interactions,” said Game and Fish Large Carnivore Conflict Coordinator Brian DeBolt. “This information allows us to proactively address potential issues and ensure the safety of both the public and bears.” Game and Fish suggests those recreating in bear country be aware of potential encounters by carrying bear defense and being alert. “Avoid surprise encounters by hiking in groups, making noise and learning to identify signs of bear activity, including tracks, scat and diggings. Steer clear of areas with carcasses or scavenging birds, as bears may stay near a carcass to defend it,” the department suggested. Officials also recommend that visitors look for signs of bears, including tracks, scat and feeding sites. Signs of digging, rolled rocks, torn-up logs and ripped open anthills indicate a bear might be feeding nearby. Appreciating the sight of a grizzly or black bear comes with the responsibility of following ethical wildlife viewing and photography practices, as well as traffic regulations. Approaching or blocking bears can lead to dangerous conflicts and habituate them to humans and traffic, increasing the risk of vehicle strikes and other dangerous encounters. At least nine grizzly bears were hit and killed by drivers in 2025, many of them likely headed to Yellowstone or Grand Teton national parks to see bears. “We ask that everyone be good stewards of wildlife. Please do not contribute to bears becoming habituated to human presence,” DeBolt said. “Your actions could result in them being needlessly injured or killed, as other bears have.” The current estimates for grizzly bears inside the Demographic Monitoring Area the GYC is around 1,000 individuals — with estimates fluctuating around 965 to 1,069 in recent reports, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They do not count individuals outside the DMA, which have been reported to be in the hundreds, occupying roughly 30% of grizzly bear range stretching outside the monitoring zone in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.