YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Montana, April 26, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — Grizzly bear capture season begins Friday, with researchers set to do an annual study in connection with the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem under the Endangered Species Act.
The pre-baiting and scientific capture period will run May 1 through Oct. 15. Agency biologists with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) will conduct the captures.
“Capture operations can include a variety of activities, but all areas where work is being conducted will have major access points marked with warning signs,” a National Park Service news release says.
Signs will be posted in the remote areas of the capture, and “it is critical that all members of the public heed these signs.”
Scientists follow a strict protocol to maintain their safety while capturing the bears, which can be deadly. Park visitors should avoid contact with bears at all times.
To attract the bears for ongoing research, and to monitor and manage the populations, biologists use natural food sources such as road-killed deer and elk.
“Potential capture sites are baited with these natural foods and if indications are that grizzly bears are in the area, culvert traps or foot snares are used to capture bears,” the news release says.
“Once captured, bears are handled in accordance with strict safety and animal care protocols developed by the IGBST and approved by the U.S. Geological Survey.”
When captures are planned for the scientific purposes, the area around the site will be posted with brightly colored warning signs to inform the public of the activities occurring.
“These signs are posted along the major access points to the capture site. It is important that the public heed these signs and do not venture into an area that has been posted.”
For more information regarding grizzly bear capture efforts call the IGBST trapping hotline at 406-994-6675. Information about the grizzly bear research and monitoring, including how they are fitted with radio collars, is available from the IGBST website.
