Overview

• An 11-year-old, 400-pound male grizzly bear was euthanized by Yellowstone National Park staff on May 14, 2025, after repeatedly seeking human food in developed areas.
• The bear overturned 800-pound bear-resistant dumpsters and uprooted trash cans from concrete bases near Old Faithful, Nez Perce Picnic Area, and Midway Geyser Basin.
• Park officials stated the decision was made to ensure visitor safety and prevent other bears from becoming habituated to human food sources.
• This marks the first Yellowstone-led lethal removal of a grizzly since 2017, highlighting the challenges of balancing bear conservation and public safety.
• Grizzlies in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are protected under the Endangered Species Act, with lethal actions permitted only when public safety is at risk.