Hiking around Glacier National Park’s over 700 miles of trails as a family can be a truly unforgettable experience. Known as “The Crown of the Continent” the landscape features its namesake glaciers, carved valleys, spectacular lakes, and diverse and plentiful wildlife.
All of Glacier’s wildlife can be dangerous, including the resident grizzly bear population whose numbers fluctuate around 300 individuals living within the park. Seeing grizzlies from a distance can be a serene moment to appreciate the raw wildness of Glacier. Running into one with your 3-year-old daughter on your back is another story.
This father daughter hiking duo from Missoula, Montana were on an overnight backpacking trip and were making their way along the Highline Trail near the intersection of Grinnell Glacier Overlook when they encountered a grizzly sow and her cub. The dad alertly pulled out a can of bear spray and made the grizzlies aware of their presence by speaking to them in a measured voice. He kept his composure and gave the bears ample room to pass by peacefully. All the while the 3-year-old riding piggyback provided an adorable play by play saying things like “awwww that’s so cute.” The father’s calm reaction was exactly what Glacier National Park recommends when encountering grizzly bears on hiking trails.
Glacier National Park Bear Country Hiking 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!