The Yellowstone to Yukon 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, there’s an opportunity, and a responsibility, for us all to be thoughtful neighbors and responsible stewards.
Why coexistence matters
Wildlife and people often share the same spaces.
Whether it’s bears drawn to unsecured garbage or fruit trees, elk navigating recreation trails, or cougars passing through at night, you 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 our natural world special.
At Y2Y, we work in partnership with landowners, communities, governments, and the outdoor recreation sector to support the planning and implementation of human-wildlife coexistence measures that work for everyone.
We’re here to help
Y2Y offers practical, on-the-ground support to individuals and organizations committed to human-wildlife coexistence. This includes:
- Expert advice and resources tailored to your situation and the species you may encounter, ranging from bears to badgers.
- Communication support like help with signage, messaging, and other communication resources to share 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 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:
- United States: Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Bear-Safe Community program, People and Carnivores
- Alberta: Wild Smart Community Program, Alberta Bear Smart Community Program, Carnivores and Communities Program for southwest Alberta
- British Columbia: Bear Smart British Columbia, Get Bear Smart Community Program, Wildsafe BC
- Yukon Territory: Wildwise
There are also resources for responsible camping practices:
- Leave No Trace – How to minimize human impact on nature
- Camper’s Code – Take the Pledge and Please Camp Responsibly
- #RecreateResponsibilty
- Be Bear Aware – Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC)
- CARNIVORES AND COMMUNITIES PROGRAM | SW Alberta
