A group of hikers in Glacier National Park had a close encounter with a family of grizzly bears on a scenic trail near Hidden Lake. The group did the right thing by clearing the trail to make way for the apex predators to pass by peacefully and making noise to ensure the bears were aware of their presence.
One particularly concerning moment is when the hikers realized a mountain goat was running on a ridge above their location, briefly putting their position between three grizzlies and a possible prey animal. Grizzly bears hunt using both stealthy ambush tactics and longer drawn out pursuits, so it’s not out of the question they were tracking the mountain goat in hopes of a meal. Whether these grizzly were chasing down the mountain goat or they were just mutually moving in the same directions is difficult to say, but finding yourself between the two is certainly not an ideal position
Thankfully the grizzly bears passed by without incident and the visitors came away with an incredible wildlife sighting and Glacier National Park experience. Learn more about how to stay safe while hiking in bear country below.
Glacier National Park Bear Encounter Safety Guidelines:
If you encounter a bear inside the minimum recommended safe distance (100 yards) you can decrease your risk by following these guidelines:
-If a bear or other animal is moving in your direction on a trail, get out of its way and let it pass.
-If you can move away, do so. If moving away appears to agitate the bear, stop. In general, bears show agitation by swaying their heads, huffing, and clacking their teeth. Lowered head and laid-back ears also indicate aggression. Bears may stand on their hind legs or approach to get a better view, but these actions are not necessarily signs of aggression. The bear may not have identified you as a person and may be unable to smell or hear you from a distance. Help the bear recognize you as a friendly human.
-Talk quietly.
-Do not run! Back away slowly. Stop if it seems to agitate the bear.
-Use your peripheral vision. Bears may interpret direct eye contact as threatening.
-Continue to move away as the situation allows.
-If a bear appears intent on approaching you, your group, or your campsite in a non-defensive manner (not showing signs of agitation), gather your group together, make noise, and try to discourage the bear from further approaching. Prepare to deploy your bear spray. If you are preparing or consuming food, secure it. DO NOT LET THE BEAR GET YOUR FOOD!
-If a bear approaches in a defensive manner (appears agitated and/or charges), stop. Do not run. Talk quietly to the bear. Prepare to deploy your bear spray. If contact appears imminent and you do not have bear spray, protect your chest and abdomen by falling to the ground on your stomach, clasp your hands around the back of your neck, and leave your pack on for protection. If the bear attempts to roll you over, try to stay on your stomach. If the attack is defensive, the bear will leave once it recognizes you are not a threat. If the attack is prolonged, FIGHT BACK!