Bear Safety through Education Program
Many of Yellowstone's three million annual visitors hope to see a bear while they are in the Park. Although they merely want to observe the bears in the wild, they often unintentionally place both themselves and the bears in dangerous situations. In 2003, for example, more than 240 "bear jams" occurred when visitors stopped their vehicles to watch bears that were visible from the road. These jams, which can last up to eight hours, are stressful and threatening to the bears. Campers and picnickers who do not store their food properly also create very dangerous situations. In an effort to minimize the occurrence of bear jams and to educate the public about how to safely camp and travel through bear country, the Yellowstone Park Foundation funded the Bear Safety through Education program during the summers of 2001 through 2004 and reached more than 200,000 people. The project funded rangers to respond to wildlife-related traffic jams and rove campgrounds, picnic sites, and parking areas presenting educational programs and information on bear safety and proper food storage techniques. This program created the foundation for continuing bear safety education efforts in Yellowstone National Park.Total Project Cost: $147,997 for four years