Wildlife Safety in Wyoming: Tips for Hikers & Drivers

Editor: Arshita Tiwari on Mar 28,2025

 

Wyoming is known for its breathtaking landscapes, vast wilderness, and diverse wildlife. Whether you're hiking through Yellowstone National Park, driving along scenic highways, or camping in the backcountry, encountering wildlife is a possibility. While these experiences can be thrilling, they also come with potential risks. Understanding essential wildlife safety tips can ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure. This comprehensive guide covers everything from general safety tips to wildlife driving safety tips, helping you stay safe in Wyoming's great outdoors.

Understanding Wildlife in Wyoming

Wyoming is known for having a huge range of wildlife from larger mammals such as grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, and moose to elk and bison, as well as smaller creatures like foxes, bobcats, and coyotes, while also boasting a rich avian population. With such diversity, it's essential to be aware of wildlife behavior and take necessary precautions to avoid dangerous encounters.

General Wildlife Safety Tips
1. Maintain a safe distance 

Keeping a safe distance is perhaps the most crucial tip for wildlife safety. Most of the wild animals turn aggressive when they feel threatened from their end. According to a simple rule: 

  • Keep at least 100 yards from bears and wolves. 
  • Maintain a 25-yard distance from bison, elk, or any other large mammals. 
  • Instead of approaching the animals to have close views of the animals, just use binoculars or zoom lenses. 

2. Don't Feed Wildlife

This activity can prove hazardous for all concerned - wild animals as well as human beings - for it would teach wild animals to identify people with food and lead to their aggressive behavior towards humans and probably even attack. Ensure food is always well stored and waste gets disposed of responsibly.

3. Be aware of the surroundings 

No matter whether you are hiking or camping, always remain alert. Experience signs of wildlife, evidence such as tracks, scat, or other disturbed vegetation. If you discover fresh large animals signs, like bears or moose, consider traveling a different trail. 

4. Hike in Groups

This reduces the chances of startling a wild animal when hiking with someone; besides, the noise made by a group of people attracts the human presence of the animals, thus preventing accidental encounters.

5. Make Some Noise 

Your loud conversations, claps, or also a bear bell could help to deter wildlife by alerting them of your coming on noise; surprise causes defense aggression.

6. Store Food Properly

When camping, food should be stored in bear-proof containers, or hang foods from at least a height of 10 feet off the ground, and 4 feet away from the tree trunks. This will prevent the attraction of bears and other wildlife to your campsite because of food storage. 

7. Respect Seasonal Behavior by Wildlife

Different from one another, animals have specific features of behavior throughout the season. For example: 

Spring and early summer: During these months, most animals have newborns. As such, female animals may develop aggressiveness towards perceived threats to their babies.

Fall: Elk and moose enter a rut (mating season) in the fall, and this can cause them to become particularly aggressive. 

Winter: Some animals go into hibernation such as bears during winter; while others may struggle to find food, making them more unpredictable.

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Safety Tips for Specific Wyoming Wildlife

Bear (Grizzly Bear and Black Bear) - 

  • Carry bear spray and know how to use it. 
  • When you see a bear, keep your cool. Do not run.
  • Now, slowly back away while keeping an eye on the bear. 
  • If you get attacked by a grizzly, play dead by lying flat on your stomach with your hands over your neck. 
  • But if you are attacked by a black bear, you fight back, aggressively.

Bison

  • Don't go near bison by any means since at times they can charge at 35 mph.
  • Do not create any loud noises or startling noises. 
  • Immediately back off when a bison lowers its head, paws the ground, or snorts.

Moose

  • The moose is very unpredictable and can change at any given moment.
  • Keep 25 yards away and don't look them in the eye. 
  • Run in case a moose charges you and put the biggest object you can find (tree, vehicle, etc.) between you and the animal.

Wolves and Coyotes

  • Generally, wolves and coyotes steer clear of residential areas; however, when you do see one, stand up and look imposing.
  • Do not run; just try to move away slowly while keeping your eyes on them. 
  • If they act aggressively against you, shout, wave your hands, throw things to scare them away.

Mountain Lion

  • Never, ever run if you find yourself in the presence of a mountain lion. 
  • Now maintain eye contact and speak firmly while backing away. 
  • Whenever one attacks, fight back with whatever comes close rocks, sticks, or anything else in your vicinity.

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Wildlife Driving Safety Tips

While the drive through Wyoming presents awesome views, it is accompanied by the reality of wildlife on the road. Below are some wildlife-driving safety tips to prevent accidents:

1. Remain Vigilant Especially Around Dusk and Dawn

A considerable number of animals have their highest activity around dawn and dusk. Slow down when you drive; look out for any movement along the roadsides. 

2. Observe the Speed Limit, Especially in Wildlife Areas

Driving slowly gives one more time to react in case wildlife decides to cross in front of the vehicle.

3. Use High Beams at Night

Use high beams when there is no opposing traffic to cast far and see animals at a distance.

4. Watch for Reflections of Eyes

The eyes of animals often reflect headlights from vehicles, providing you with a warning of their presence.

5. Don't Ever Swerve to Avoid Hitting an Animal

Swerving may result in losing control of a vehicle or colliding with another car. Instead, brake firmly and keep steering straight.

6. Be Careful Particularly in Areas Where Wildlife Crossings Are Always Known

Take notice of wildlife crossing signs and be prepared to stop if necessary. 

7. If you do hit an animal, call the Authorities

If after an accident you hit wildlife, it would have to be reported to local authorities for their adequate management of the matter.

Additional Safety Tips

Tips for Camping Safely

  • A campsite should be set away from animal paths and watering holes.
  • Maintain clean campsites by storing all food items properly.
  • Never sleep in the clothes you wear to cook.

Safety Tips for Fishing and Boating

  • Always dispose of fish waste properly to minimize attracting bears.
  • Stay alert along the water, as moose and bears often frequent those areas.

Winter Wildlife Safety Tips

  • Avoid deep snow where large animals might be struggling to move.
  • Keep a safe distance from wildlife to prevent unnecessary stress on animals trying to survive harsh conditions.
  • Dress warmly and carry emergency supplies in case you encounter unexpected weather conditions.

Conclusion

Exploring Wyoming’s wilderness is an unforgettable experience, but it's essential to prioritize safety. By following these wildlife safety tips, including wildlife driving safety tips, you can enjoy nature responsibly while minimizing risks. Respecting wildlife and their habitats ensures both your safety and the preservation of Wyoming’s incredible natural beauty for generations to come. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply passing through, always remember the golden rule: observe from a distance and never interfere with wild animals.

Understanding and implementing these safety measures will not only protect you but also help maintain the natural balance of wildlife in Wyoming. By being a responsible traveler, you contribute to the well-being of the region’s magnificent creatures and ensure that future generations can enjoy Wyoming’s wild beauty safely.


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