Yellowstone Grizzly spotted out of hibernation last month is a reminder to keep an eye out for bears, even in winter

YoIn a shocking and rare sighting, a grizzly bear was filmed wandering the snowy northern slopes of Yellowstone National Park on Monday, January 26. The images, captured by a wildlife photographer Rob Harwooddocuments a rare break with the species’ normal behavioral patterns.

According to biologists, seeing a brown bear in the wild in the middle of January is unprecedented. Traditionally, the first signs of activity do not appear until late February or early March, usually led by solitary males.

«This would be one of the first recorded sightings.» noted Frank van Manen, an experienced bear biologist, told Cowboy State Daily.

Why the early wake-up call?

While the bear’s appearance is unexpected, experts believe a combination of environmental factors likely played a role in disrupting its biological clock. The unusually mild fall and early winter of 2025 could have delayed the bear’s entry into a deep rest. Additionally, the carcass of a winter-killed bison or elk could have tempted the bear out of its den.

Unlike true hibernation, bears enter a state of torpor, which is a deep sleep that allows them to wake up more easily if disturbed or conditions change, making a desire for fresh meat a reasonable assumption for the cause reference source.

While this particular bear is making headlines, don’t expect the rest of the population to follow suit just yet. Female brown bears and their cubs are much more cautious and typically remain in their dens until May to ensure the cubs are strong enough to navigate the rugged terrain.

Park officials continue to remind winter visitors that Yellowstone is “bear country” year-round, and this early appearance is a reminder to stay alert and carry bear spray, even when the snow is deep.

Featured image: A grizzly bear in the snow (not the particular bear in this story). NPS/Neal Herbert

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