Yellowstone National Park — Visitors seeking to explore the stunning beauty and geothermal wonders of Yellowstone were met with an unexpected sight Monday morning: a massive, immovable bear blockade.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of grizzly and black bears have gathered at the park’s entrances, halting all traffic and causing major disruptions, including the evacuation of campers and growing concern among park rangers.

“We’ve seen bears near the gates before, but never anything like this,” said Yellowstone wildlife biologist Dr. Henry Clawson, watching from a safe distance. “It’s almost like they’re organizing. And that’s … deeply disturbing.”

The bears, looking remarkably calm and well-fed, stand shoulder to shoulder, occasionally exchanging grunts and hand gestures. Some even hold strange wooden signs that, while illegible, have raised concerns that the bears may be developing literacy.

Scientists are searching for answers, and theories range from early hibernation confusion to the possibility that Yellowstone is witnessing its first-ever bear reunion. But the most disturbing hypothesis is that the bears may be sensing something approaching — something humans haven’t yet detected.

“What if they’re trying to stop us for some reason?” whispered park ranger Doug McAllister as he watched the bears blockade with concern. “What do they know that we don’t?”

The mystery is compounded by reports of elk, deer and wolves fleeing the park’s interior at an alarming rate. Conspiracy theorists have already suggested everything from a potential supervolcano eruption to a long-rumored bison uprising.

For now, Yellowstone remains closed, and local officials are at a loss as to how to proceed. Some are considering negotiations with the bears, but others fear such discussions could reveal that humanity is no longer at the top of the food chain.

Until more is known, scientists advise the public to remain calm, avoid feeding the bears and — perhaps — hold off on visiting Yellowstone for now.