Hiking in Grizzly Country: What You Need to Know Before You Go

If you live in Cody, you already know bears are part of the landscape. Grizzlies move along the North Fork corridor and throughout the greater Yellowstone area year-round, and are even seen just outside Cody at times. A few springs ago, a man shed hunting along the Chief Joseph Highway was attacked before he could even reach for his bear spray. The bear bit into the can instead. That ended the attack – and it’s a good illustration of why carrying it matters even when you think you’re just stepping out for a quick look around.

For visitors heading into Yellowstone’s backcountry this summer, the stakes are the same, and the knowledge gap is often wider. Whether you’re a local brushing up or someone planning their first hike beyond the boardwalks, here’s what to carry with you – in your head as much as your pack.

Bear Spray is Non-Negotiable

Keep it on your body, not in your bag. A canister you have to dig out is nearly useless in the seconds you actually have. It should be in a hip holster you can reach with one motion. Bear spray works because it deploys a concentrated cloud of capsaicin oil that inflames a bear’s eyes, mouth, and lungs on contact – that’s what stops an attack, whether it’s a bluff charge or the real thing.

Cans cost around $50 and are available at grocery stores and many outdoor activity shops throughout the Cody area. If you want to rent bear spray, you can do so through the Trailquipt kiosk at Yellowstone Regional Airport. In Yellowstone, during the summer, there’s a kiosk at Canyon Visitor Center and at one of the yurts in the Old Faithful area where you can rent a bear spray for around $16 for the day day. Replace cans every three years — an expired can won’t give yhttps://trailquipt.com/locations/ou the cloud you need.

National Park Service Video on How to Use Bear Spray

Hike in Groups of Three or More

Decades of ranger observations point to the same pattern: solo hikers and pairs are at significantly higher risk. Three or more people change the dynamic. If you’re hiking alone or with one other person, it’s completely normal to wait for another group and ask to join them. People do it on Yellowstone trails all the time.

If you want to hike with others, check with Sunlight Sports in Cody or contact Hiking Buddy or local tour companies to see what hiking opportunities they offer.

Make Noise

Bear bells are a start, but they’re quieter than most people realize, especially in the wind. Talking, singing, or calling “Hey bear!” around blind corners does more. If you’re seeing fresh signs, such as tracks, scat, rolled rocks, or torn-up logs, call out often. Some hikers will recite poems they’ve memorized just to keep the chatter going in a more interesting way.

Read the Landscape

Notice the wind direction. If you’re downwind of a bear, it may not know you’re there, which gives you time to back away quietly. Upwind, they’ll detect you much faster. Coming around a corner quietly in active grizzly habitat is how surprise encounters happen.

Listen as well. Grizzly bears will vocalize with huffing, jaw popping and low growls if you’re too close. This is their way of letting you know to back off. They honestly don’t want to attack, but will if surprised or you’re simply too close. Keeping 100 yards (about a football field) between you and bears is required in many areas (National Parks and Forests) and is the best practice.

Don’t Hike at Dawn, Dusk, or Night

Those are peak grizzly activity hours. If your timing is flexible, mid-morning to mid-afternoon is your best window.

Learn About Bear Behavior

Understanding bear behavior is an important step in keeping yourself safe. The Bear Wise Wyoming webpage has more information for you.

If community members would like to request an educational program about large carnivores, they can call the Game and Fish office at 307-527-7125.

Robo Bear Returns to Cody – Saturday, May 30, 2026

Cody’s Bear Spray Giveaway happens again this spring. Game and Fish will give away 100 cans of bear spray on a first come, first served basis. You’ll also have an opportunity to practice deploying bear spray on “robo bear.” This remote-controlled mock charging bear simulates a sudden encounter situation.

Since 2020, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has partnered with the Safari Club International Foundation, American Bear Foundation and Shoshone National Forest to distribute bear spray and provide training to members of the public at no cost.

“These partnership events provide a great opportunity for people to practice and become proficient with bear spray and to promote safety as many folks prepare for the spring and summer outdoor recreation seasons,” said Bear Wise Wyoming Coordinator Mark Aughton. “We hope this effort continues to raise awareness and remind those recreating in bear country to be prepared.”

Both Game and Fish and USDA Forest Service biologists will be on site to discuss bear ecology and conservation, and promote Bear Wise Wyoming guidelines.

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