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National Park Safety: Wildlife, Heat, Altitude and Water

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

Most park emergencies come from a few causes: heat and dehydration, falls, water, and getting too close to animals. These are the rules and habits that prevent them.

Wildlife

  • Stay at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears, wolves and cougars and 25 yards (23 m) from all other animals, including bison and elk. If an animal moves toward you, back away.
  • Never feed wildlife. It is illegal and makes animals dangerous.
  • In grizzly country, carry bear spray, hike in groups and make noise.

Heat and water

  • In desert parks carry and drink at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per person per day, more when hiking.
  • Hike early or late in summer and turn back when half your water is gone.
  • Know the signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, headache. Get into shade, drink and cool down.

Altitude

Several parks have roads and trails above 8,000 feet. Take the first day easy, drink water and go lower if you feel sick.

Water

Rivers, waterfalls and cold lakes cause many deaths. Stay back from edges, wear a life jacket on boats and check the flash flood forecast before canyon hikes.

Before you go

  • Tell someone your plans and when you will be back.
  • Download offline maps; cell service is patchy.
  • Carry the ten essentials.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How far should you stay from wildlife in national parks?

100 yards from bears, wolves and cougars and 25 yards from all other animals.

How much water should I bring to a desert national park?

At least one gallon per person per day, more when hiking in heat.

Do I need bear spray?

In grizzly country, such as Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier and Alaska parks, the park service recommends carrying it and knowing how to use it.

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