GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, Montana – The suspected grizzly bear involved in a dangerous incident with a human near Glacier National Park’s Highline Trail will be left alone as it was considered a surprise encounter.
A 35-year-old male from Washington state surprised the bear at a close range with his hiking party near the Grinnell Glacier Overlook trailhead. In response, the bear bit him below the knee before being driven away by bear spray. The bleeding was stopped with a first-aid kit and the incident was reported to park dispatch.
“The hiking party was walking into the wind and faced foggy conditions, which could have contributed to the encounter. They were well prepared with bear spray, a satellite communication device, a first aid kit, were hiking as a group, and kept their cool when dealing with the bear.” – John Waller, supervisory wildlife biologist
The man was able to hike to the Granite Park Chalet with help from his hiking party and rangers, where he was picked up by Two Bear Air and flown to the Apgar horse corrals. A Three Rivers ambulance then took the hiker to the Whitefish hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Biologists have determined that the bear was probably a grizzly, likely a male, through witness-provided information.
“At this time, no action will be taken against the bear, because it was a surprise encounter.” – John Waller