This postcard shows the once-common sight of a bear approaching a passing visitor to Yellowstone Park, and the visitor stopping the car to experience a close encounter with the wild animal. Decades ago, this was not understood to be very dangerous, and over time increasing numbers of visitors were attacked or mauled by bears in such situations.

The caption states:

BEARS ON HIGHWAY

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Long renowned as a refuge for wildlife, Yellowstone contains a wide variety of animals. Most popular and best known are the yellow and brown bears which are frequently seen along the highways through the park.

— In recent decades bears have been relocated to more remote areas when possible to reduce the likelihood of violent encounters with visitors and campers. People are given instructions and training on how to avoid attracting bears to their camps and especially to their food.

The automobile in this picture places the card in the late 1940s.