“A little external motivation for this mountain biker.”
Wrong place to pop a tire. Check out this wild video out of black bear in hot pursuit of a mountain biker at the bike park at Whitefish Ski Resort. Whitefish offers 25-miles of lift accessed and cross-country mountain bike trails that share terrain with local fauna and sometimes wildlife encounters spice up rides. Bear nearly caught up with the rider with its ability to effortlessly leave the trail and cut corners to close the gap. Thankfully this run-in ended peacefully and the bear peeled off and left the rider alone. Great reminder to keep your head on a swivel if you are biking in bear country.
Montana’s vast and diverse wilderness offers stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, including bears. Bear safety is paramount in this state to ensure both human and bear well-being. Hikers and campers should be aware of the presence of both grizzly and black bears in different regions.
When exploring Montana’s backcountry, make noise to alert bears of your presence, as surprising them can lead to defensive reactions. Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and have it readily accessible. It’s crucial to keep a clean camp by properly storing food in bear-resistant containers or hanging it securely. Cooking and eating should be done away from sleeping areas to prevent attracting bears.
Montana’s grizzly bears are more likely to inhabit the western part of the state, especially in and around Glacier National Park. Hikers in these areas should travel in groups, stay on designated trails, and be extra cautious. If encountering a bear, especially a grizzly, play dead by lying on your stomach with hands clasped behind your neck and legs spread to make it harder for the bear to turn you over.
Educating oneself about bear behavior, adhering to park regulations, and being vigilant in the outdoors are essential components of bear safety in Montana’s wilderness.
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