Yellowstone urges tourists to carry bear spray, just in case

BILLINGS – A new Yellowstone National Park campaign urging tourists to carry bear spray features celebrities like Bozeman climber Conrad Anker, whose feats include three Everest ascents.

The Billings Gazette reported Aiken is shown on a poster carrying climbing ropes and bear spray. Park superintendent Dan Wenk says that no matter who you are or what you’re doing in Yellowstone, you should carry bear spray and know how to use it. The posters also caution tourists to make noise and hike in groups.

While bear attacks are rare, Yellowstone spokeswoman Charissa Reid says the park is trying to increase the number of tourists carrying the tool.

Last August a lone hiker was killed by a grizzly sow with cubs. He was the ninth bear fatality in the park’s 144-year history.