On July 24, authorities found a woman’s body near Yellowstone National Park in Montana. As of July 25, it has been confirmed the 47-year-old Kansas native fell victim to a mother grizzly bear, with bear tracks left at the scene.

The attack resulted in an emergency closure of the Buttermilk Area of the national park, about 8 miles from West Yellowstone. This fatal attack isn’t an anomaly, however. Last month, a bear in Arizona killed a 66-year-old man in a seemingly unprovoked assault, while another person was attacked by a black bear in San Juan National Forest in Colorado earlier this month.

Bear attacks are rare occurrences, but the growing bear population in Montana and serious results of such an attack leave many feeling unsure about travel to this popular park. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks advise travelers visiting the park to carry and know how to use bear spray, stay in groups in daylight hours, and avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers. Above all else, don’t ever approach a bear.

Other wildlife encounters at popular tourist destinations also made the news lately. On July 17 at Oregon’s Cannon Beach, a cougar was seen around Haystack Rock, probably looking for birds. Local, state and even federal agencies closed off the area. It was soon reported the cougar had left the area.

Also in Yellowstone National Park, on July 20, a woman was gored in the chest by bison during a proposal trip. The National Park Service are still unsure how the woman and her companion got so close to the bison before it charged, but the service urges the public to give wild animals, like bison, space.

Even Florida isn’t a stranger to wildlife encounters and attacks. On July 19, an alligator bit a snorkeler in the designated swim zone of Alexander Springs Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest. The springs had closed just the week before after a similar sighting of an alligator near the swim area. Those traveling to Florida should note July is alligator nesting season, meaning mother alligators are extra alert and territorial. After this most recent attack, the springs remain off-limits to swimmers until the investigation ends.

As summer is in full swing and travelers head to the great outdoors across the country (and even the world), respecting wildlife and keeping a safe distance is crucial in having a safe and enjoyable trip. The National Park Service offers a page for staying safe around bears, as well as park-specific pages for wildlife native to the area. For instance, Everglades National Park in Florida features a specific page on safety.

Have you ever had a close encounter with wildlife in a national park? Do you have any additional tips for travelers planning a trip to a park? Tell us your thoughts. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.