GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, Montana – A section of Glacier National Park‘s Highline Trail remains closed after a visitor received non-life threatening injuries from a bear in the area. The section runs from Haystack Butte to Granite Park Chalet and was initially closed on Thursday, September 19.
The 35-year-old hiker received the non-life threatening injuries after his hiking party came in contact with the animal near the Grinnell Glacier Overlook trailhead. Rangers and other hikers assisted the injured male to Granite Park Chalet where a Two Bear Air picked him up and flew him to the Apgar horse corrals. Three Rivers ambulance then brought the man to a hospital in Whitefish, MT.
The species of the bear is still under investigation, though Glacier National Park reminds all visitors that both black bears and grizzly bears can be found throughout the area. Visitors are encouraged to hike in groups, continuously make noise while hiking, and always have bear spray.
Glacier National Park Press Release:
[September 19, 2024] – Glacier National Park rangers closed a section of Highline Trail this morning from Haystack Butte to Granite Park Chalet due to a visitor’s encounter with a bear. The species of bear is still under investigation. The closure will remain in place until further notice.Â
A 35-year-old male sustained non-life threating injuries from a bear while hiking the trail early this morning. His hiking party encountered the bear near the Grinnell Glacier Overlook trailhead. The injured visitor hiked to Granite Park Chalet with assistance from rangers and other hikers where he was met by Two Bear Air and flown to the Apgar horse corrals, then transported by Three Rivers ambulance to the hospital in Whitefish, MT. No further details are currently available.
Visitors to Glacier National Park are reminded that the park is home to black and grizzly bears. Hikers are highly encouraged to hike in groups, make noise when hiking, and have bear spray accessible and know how to use it. For information on trail closures in the park, visit the park’s trail status webpage.
For more information about recreating in bear country, please visit the park’s bear safety webpage.