Wild neighbors: How Y2Y helps Hipcamp hosts coexist with wildlife - Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative

Wild neighbors: How Y2Y helps Hipcamp hosts coexist with wildlife

A yellow tent on a camping pad in the forest
Photo: K. Zenkewich

Hipcamp, a comprehensive app for discovering and booking incredible campsites, is about connecting people to the land — and so are we.

That’s why Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) has partnered with Hipcamp to support Hipcamp hosts across the Yellowstone to Yukon region to practice good wildlife coexistence.

This region, stretching more than 3,400 kilometers (2,100 miles) is one of the most intact mountain ecosystems left on Earth. It’s a place where grizzlies still roam, where lynx, elk and wolverines still follow their ancient paths — and where people live, work, and play.

And as more people explore the outdoors, especially through nature-based experiences such as camping with Hipcamp, there’s an opportunity, and a responsibility, for us all to be thoughtful neighbors and responsible stewards.

Together, Y2Y and Hipcamp are here to help you do just that.

A black bear eats berries in a tree
Shutterstock

Why coexistence matters

Wildlife and people often share the same spaces, and that’s especially true for many Hipcamp properties.

Whether it’s bears drawn to unsecured garbage or fruit trees, elk navigating recreation trails, or cougars passing through at night, your guests may be sharing the land with some amazing wild neighbors.

Practicing coexistence helps keep both people and wildlife safe. It also helps protect what makes your place special — and what makes your guests want to keep coming back.

We are working with Hipcamp to support hosts in meeting the Hipcamp Host Standards and going further in being thoughtful neighbors, responsible citizens, and environmental stewards.

We’re here to help

Y2Y offers practical, on-the-ground support to Hipcamp hosts committed to human-wildlife coexistence. This includes:

  • Expert advice and resources tailored to your property and the species you may encounter, ranging  from bears to badgers.
  • Communication support like help with signage, messaging, and other communication resources to ensure your guests know how to recreate responsibly and enjoy being on the land in a good way.
  • Problem-solving support for everything from garbage and fruit tree management, to food storage and trail use planning.
  • Connections with other landowners, community members, and coexistence champions throughout the Yellowstone to Yukon region.
  • Financial support for hosts in high-priority areas who are committed to being human-wildlife coexistence champions.

Want to learn more or need support?

If you’re a Hipcamp host in the Yellowstone to Yukon region, we’d love to connect. Whether you have questions, want to learn more, or are ready to take the next step, we are here for you. Because when we help people and wildlife share the land, everyone wins.

Get in touch: Reach out to Caitlin Jacobs, Y2Y’s wildlife coexistence coordinator, at caitlin (at) y2y (dot) net.

Resources and information:

Here are some of the coexistence programs throughout the Yellowstone to Yukon region: 

There are also resources for responsible camping practices:

Additional reading: