Got a national park trip planned for this holiday weekend or summer? Here's what you need to know: the National Park Service wants you to stay "bear aware." Warmer weather sends bears out foraging for food and caring for cubs, which means May through August is prime bear season in parks across the country.
“National parks are wild places, and wildlife safety is visitor safety,” said Jessica Bowron, comptroller for the National Park Service (NPS). “Simple actions, like giving bears space, securing food and knowing what to do before you enter bear country, can protect visitors and bears.”
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While bear encounters might sound terrifying, the actual numbers are reassuring. According to the NPS, the risk of being attacked by a bear is roughly 1 in 2.1 million. Yellowstone, one of the most visited national parks with between 4 and 5 million visitors annually, averages just five bear encounters per year—and that includes incidents involving food, property damage, injuries, and fatalities combined. To put that in perspective, you're statistically safer in a national park than crossing the street in most cities.
That said, recent incidents underscore why preparation matters. In May 2026, Yellowstone reported its first bear-related injury of the season when two hikers encountered a bear near Old Faithful, and Glacier National Park dealt with a fatal bear attack. These reminders that bears are wild animals should prompt visitors to take precautions seriously.
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The NPS has released tips to help campers and hikers minimize their chances of an unwanted bear meet-and-greet: stay alert and vigilant, hike in groups of three or more, make noise in low-visibility areas with blind corners or dense vegetation, store all food and trash in bear-safe containers, check current alerts at your destination, never approach a bear, never run from a bear, and carry bear spray in areas where it's recommended.
What to Do If You Encounter a Bear
If you do happen to come across a bear, use a calm, steady voice and avoid sudden movements. Back away slowly instead of running, and be sure to report the encounter to a park staff member immediately.
With millions of people heading to national parks this summer, being prepared and aware is crucial to avoiding conflict with wildlife.
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