SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/yellowstone-wildlife-distance

In Yellowstone, how far should you stay from a bear or a wolf?

At least 100 yards, about a football field.

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The Just Right card

Too littleClose enough for a phone photo
Too muchNever visit the park at all
Just right100 yards from bears and wolves

Huh, didn't know that: Yellowstone says the safest view of wildlife is often from inside your car.

The dad joke
What do you call a wolf that gets lost? A where-wolf.
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References

Answer: 100 yards, about a football field. Yellowstone says stay at least 100 yards from bears, wolves and cougars, and 25 yards from all other animals, including bison and elk. If an animal moves closer, back away.

  1. NPS Yellowstone: Safety www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/safety.htm
    Always stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears, wolves, and cougars
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Test yourself in the game

Outdoors & CampingA brown or grizzly bear attacks you on the trail, not in your tent. What does NPS say to do?Outdoors & CampingA black bear attacks you. Should you play dead?Outdoors & CampingAny kind of bear attacks you inside your tent. What does NPS say to do?

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