Grizzly bears, Yellowstone

Recorded by National Park Service.

Grizzly bears sometimes vocalize when agitated or nervous. These sounds of huffing, jaw-popping (heard at :35 and :57 seconds in), and low growls are warnings that you're too close. If you hear them while you're out in the park, back away calmly (never run), leave the immediate area, and give the bear more space. You must stay at least 100 yards/91 meters away from bears (about the length of a football field). And just a reminder, we recommend that everyone hike in groups of three or more, make lots of noise while hiking, and carry bear spray.

These sounds were recorded with a cell phone by an experienced Bear Management Technician, Dan Bergum, during recent fieldwork involving capture. The bear was recorded during the few moments that it was contained inside a large, culvert-sized trap. Rest assured, no bears, scientists, or mobile devices were harmed while recording!

Part of the Yellowstone project - see www.citiesandmemory.com/yellowstone for more.

Photo by Angel Luciano on Unsplash