An eleven-year-old male grizzly was the first bear sighting of 2018 in Yellowstone National Park. The male was seen in the east-central region of the park.

Male bears usually come out of hibernation in mid to late March. Females and their cubs follow in April to early May. The males are looking for food and often feed on carcasses.

Morgan Warthin, Yellowstone’s public affairs specialist, said people need to be aware that the whole park is bear country and to take precaution.

“If people are anticipating going hiking and or, this time of the year skiing, that they hike and or ski in groups of three or more, and they stay on maintained trails and they make plenty of noise,” advised Warthin.

In addition, the park advises everyone to carry bear spray. More information can be found here.