Once upon a time, back in 2016, a vacationing family at Yellowstone National Park pulled the family van over to gawk at some nearby wildlife. But then, something crazy (and terrifying) happened. We won’t spoil it… just watch below (and you may want to turn your volume down a bit).

Terrifying, right? About 1,000 traffic jams take place at Yellowstone each year as tourists happily (and perhaps foolishly) pull over to marvel at the fearless black bears who make their homes at the park.

Facebook/Greater Yellowstone Bears From 1980 to 2011, 43 people were injured by bears at Yellowstone National Park. About 90 million people visited the park in those same 32 years, making the chance of getting injured 1 in 2.1 million. If that’s not enough to make you feel better, then consider this: in the entire history (142 years) of Yellowstone National Park, only eight deaths have been attributed to bears.

Thankfully, no one was injured in this freaky bear encounter at Yellowstone. But let this be a lesson to all bear gawkers: if you’re going to pull over, at least lock your doors! Have you ever seen a bear? We’d love to hear all about it in our comments… bonus points if you upload a photo.

Facebook/Greater Yellowstone Bears

From 1980 to 2011, 43 people were injured by bears at Yellowstone National Park. About 90 million people visited the park in those same 32 years, making the chance of getting injured 1 in 2.1 million. If that’s not enough to make you feel better, then consider this: in the entire history (142 years) of Yellowstone National Park, only eight deaths have been attributed to bears.

Need a little more excitement (and maybe a little less bears) in your life right about now? Check out this awesome way to explore Yellowstone National Park via satellite thanks to Google Earth!

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Address: Yellowstone National Park, United States

The OIYS Visitor Center

National Park To Visit In Wyoming February 23, 2022 Tori Jane What are the best state parks in Wyoming?   Everyone seems to come to Wyoming for one thing, and that thing is Yellowstone National Park. We don’t blame them – Yellowstone is awesome! But that means there are lots of other state parks in the beautiful state of Wyoming that DON’T get the love they deserve BECAUSE of the more famous spots. For example, Keyhole State Park is a slice of paradise that feels like some kind of island getaway more than a park in Wyoming. History lovers will enjoy Guernsey State Park, where you can walk on part of the original Oregon Trail. Geology enthusiasts will enjoy Sinks Canyon State Park and, honestly, most of the other state parks around here, too. Wyoming is a rare remaining slice of the wild, wild west, and it’s tragically underrated when it comes to its lesser-known state parks. Need more ideas? Check this list of seven underrated state parks in Wyoming out!   What are some of the best hikes at Yellowstone National Park?   Now, the above being said – when you DO visit Yellowstone National Park, you’re going to want to know where to hike, right? It’s a hiker’s paradise, and you’ll be upset with yourself if you forget your camera for some of these hikes! With more than 200 to choose from, it’s quite the place to be for hiking fans. The most beloved, and thus arguably best, hikes at Yellowstone include gems like the amazing Grand Prismatic Hot Spring trail, which takes you to the mentioned spring and unparalleled views of some of the earth’s most amazing natural wonders. It’s easy, and at just a mile and a half long, it’s wonderful for folks of all skill levels. Also on the “must do” list is the amazing West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail, which is three and a half miles of awesome views, geysers, and other awe-inspiring wonders. With so many to check out, it’s hard to know where to start – but we promise it’s worth it!  

The OIYS Visitor Center

National Park To Visit In Wyoming

February 23, 2022

Tori Jane

What are the best state parks in Wyoming?   Everyone seems to come to Wyoming for one thing, and that thing is Yellowstone National Park. We don’t blame them – Yellowstone is awesome! But that means there are lots of other state parks in the beautiful state of Wyoming that DON’T get the love they deserve BECAUSE of the more famous spots. For example, Keyhole State Park is a slice of paradise that feels like some kind of island getaway more than a park in Wyoming. History lovers will enjoy Guernsey State Park, where you can walk on part of the original Oregon Trail. Geology enthusiasts will enjoy Sinks Canyon State Park and, honestly, most of the other state parks around here, too. Wyoming is a rare remaining slice of the wild, wild west, and it’s tragically underrated when it comes to its lesser-known state parks. Need more ideas? Check this list of seven underrated state parks in Wyoming out!   What are some of the best hikes at Yellowstone National Park?   Now, the above being said – when you DO visit Yellowstone National Park, you’re going to want to know where to hike, right? It’s a hiker’s paradise, and you’ll be upset with yourself if you forget your camera for some of these hikes! With more than 200 to choose from, it’s quite the place to be for hiking fans. The most beloved, and thus arguably best, hikes at Yellowstone include gems like the amazing Grand Prismatic Hot Spring trail, which takes you to the mentioned spring and unparalleled views of some of the earth’s most amazing natural wonders. It’s easy, and at just a mile and a half long, it’s wonderful for folks of all skill levels. Also on the “must do” list is the amazing West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail, which is three and a half miles of awesome views, geysers, and other awe-inspiring wonders. With so many to check out, it’s hard to know where to start – but we promise it’s worth it!  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Everyone seems to come to Wyoming for one thing, and that thing is Yellowstone National Park. We don’t blame them – Yellowstone is awesome! But that means there are lots of other state parks in the beautiful state of Wyoming that DON’T get the love they deserve BECAUSE of the more famous spots. For example, Keyhole State Park is a slice of paradise that feels like some kind of island getaway more than a park in Wyoming. History lovers will enjoy Guernsey State Park, where you can walk on part of the original Oregon Trail. Geology enthusiasts will enjoy Sinks Canyon State Park and, honestly, most of the other state parks around here, too. Wyoming is a rare remaining slice of the wild, wild west, and it’s tragically underrated when it comes to its lesser-known state parks. Need more ideas? Check this list of seven underrated state parks in Wyoming out!  

What are some of the best hikes at Yellowstone National Park?  

Now, the above being said – when you DO visit Yellowstone National Park, you’re going to want to know where to hike, right? It’s a hiker’s paradise, and you’ll be upset with yourself if you forget your camera for some of these hikes! With more than 200 to choose from, it’s quite the place to be for hiking fans. The most beloved, and thus arguably best, hikes at Yellowstone include gems like the amazing Grand Prismatic Hot Spring trail, which takes you to the mentioned spring and unparalleled views of some of the earth’s most amazing natural wonders. It’s easy, and at just a mile and a half long, it’s wonderful for folks of all skill levels. Also on the “must do” list is the amazing West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail, which is three and a half miles of awesome views, geysers, and other awe-inspiring wonders. With so many to check out, it’s hard to know where to start – but we promise it’s worth it!