Yellowstone: First grizzly bear of 2026 spotted feeding on bison carcass

Yellowstone biologists reported spotting the first grizzly of 2026 scavenging a bull bison carcass near Yellowstone Lake, and the sighting follows the park's pattern of early-March appearances in recent years.

Park biologists reported seeing the first grizzly bear of 2026 earlier this week in Yellowstone National Park. The animal was observed scavenging on the carcass of a bull bison near Yellowstone Lake. Yellowstone contains an estimated 150 to 200 grizzlies within park boundaries and more than 1,000 across the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. The sighting marks the transition out of hibernation season for the region's bears. Observed details: - The bear was seen by Yellowstone biologists on Monday in the park's northern backcountry, reported near Yellowstone Lake. - Photographs show the bear standing over and feeding on the carcass of a bull bison. - Yellowstone is home to an estimated 150–200 grizzlies inside the park and more than 1,000 across the broader ecosystem. - Male grizzlies typically leave hibernation in early March, while females and cubs generally emerge in April and May. - Grizzly bears are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act; the regional population has recovered from a low of about 136 in 1975 to occupancy across roughly 27,000 square miles. Summary: Park officials noted the sighting aligns with the timing of first grizzly appearances recorded in recent years and signals the start of increased spring activity among bears. Undetermined at this time.