DATES: JUNE 2 – 5, 2025
TUITION & LODGING: $983
LOCATION: LAMAR BUFFALO RANCH
GROUP SIZE: 13
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 3
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Yellowstone Bears offers an immersive, hands-on experience focused on understanding and observing Yellowstone’s bear population in their natural habitat. Over three days, participants will embark on early morning and evening field trips, starting at dawn in areas like Lamar Valley, Yellowstone Lake, and Mammoth Hot Springs, where they will observe bears foraging, interacting with other wildlife, and navigating their environment. Classroom sessions will feature personal stories of Casey’s experiences filming bears, insights into predator behavior from around the world, and practical lessons on bear safety and conservation. The second day deepens the study by comparing Yellowstone bears with other global predators, such as tigers and mountain lions, and examines the complexities of managing human-bear interactions in the park. By the final day, participants will learn about conservation challenges and tracking techniques used to protect bear populations, concluding with reflections on the week’s discoveries and the global importance of preserving ecosystems. This course is designed to foster a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance between wildlife and human impact.
DAY 1
WELCOME & ORIENTATION
The program starts with an evening orientation. Participants will get to know one another and be introduced to the program. Throughout the evening, the itinerary and seminar key concepts will be discussed, as well as what to expect to pack for the field each day.
DAY 2 – 4
In the Yellowstone bear class, we’ll delve into bear ecology and behavior while actively searching for bears. Through hikes, we’ll look for bear signs and aim to observe these majestic animals in the wild, analyzing their behavior in their natural habitat.
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 PM on Monday, June 2, 2025 and goes through 5:00 PM on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025.
Meals: This course is not catered. Participants will need to bring their own food; lunch should be able to travel in the field.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 3
- Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
- For more information about our activity levels, please visit our Activity Level webpage here.
- Most activities will take place at elevations between 7,200 to 8,000 feet. Participants residing at lower elevations may want to arrive a day early to adjust to the altitude.
- To learn more about how specific medical conditions can be affected by Yellowstone’s environment and our activities, please visit our site page on health information.
- All field activities will be conducted as a group. If members of the group cannot participate in the day’s activities, they need to let the educator know in advance.
- To participate in this program, each participant must fill out and sign a health questionnaire and assumption of risk waiver. These forms must be completed and returned at least 30 days prior to the program start date.
Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information please contact the following:
Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3
Road updates, park conditions, and general park information please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm
If running late for a program, please contact 406-641-2185.
General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Lamar-Based Field Seminars – General Information document.
Cancellation Policy: Review our Cancellation & Refund Policies here.
BOOK THIS FIELD SEMINAR NOW
Casey Anderson
Casey Anderson is a 5th generation Montanan, wildlife filmmaker, and naturalist with over 30 years of experience capturing the lives of some of the world’s most fascinating creatures. Known for his unique knowledge of grizzly bears, Casey has spent much of his life in the wilderness, documenting animal behavior and advocating for wildlife conservation. His work spans from the mountains of Montana to Alaska’s wilds and beyond, combining passion and expertise to bring the untamed world into people’s homes. When he’s not filming, Casey teaches and guides others, sharing his lifelong knowledge and deep connection to nature.
Grizzly bear walks along Yellowstone Lake with a cutthroat trout.