With mild winter, bears waking up early from hibernation



YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — A relatively mild winter means bears are waking up from hibernation earlier than normal in and around Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone officials say a grizzly bear was spotted Monday scavenging on a bison carcass in the central part of the park. That means outdoor enthusiasts should stay in groups of three or more, make noise on the trail and carry bear spray.

Bears begin looking for food soon after they emerge from their dens, and they are attracted to elk and bison that have died during the winter.

Park rules require visitors to stay 100 yards from black and grizzly bears.