Hiking in groups and being noisy in grizzly bear country significantly decreases your chances of having a negative encounter as bears usually move out of the way if they hear people approaching but even with these added layers of security close encounters can and do happen.
Peter Donahoe was on a solo hike on Glacier National Park’s Hidden Lake Overlook Trail when a group of 15 hikers came sprinting toward his position, 50 feet behind them a grizzly bear was charging up the trail at full speed. Donahoe immediately turned around and joined the group as they went up the hill he had just descended. When he reached the top he pulled out his bear spray along with another hiker and they stood their ground together with the rest of the group behind them.
The grizzly bear slowed down to a walk as it approached the hikers and then a group of mountain goats caught it’s attention. At this point Donahoe began recording as the bear diverted toward the goats:
“This may have been the coolest thing I’ve ever experienced. This big guy was chasing me and a group of 15 other hikers down a trail for 5 minutes at a full on sprint before he took off for this goat instead. Lucky to be alive.” –Peter Donahoe
Although this incident did not end up in an attack on the hikers, it should be noted they did not follow proper protocol for grizzly bear encounters that dictates holding ground and not running. Learn more about grizzly bear safety in Glacier National Park below.
Glacier National Park Bear Safety Guidelines:
If you encounter a bear inside the minimum recommended safe distance (100 yards; 91 m), 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!
Bear Spray:
This aerosol pepper spray temporarily incapacitates bears. It is an effective, non-toxic, and non-lethal means of deterring aggressive bears. Under no circumstances should bear spray create a false sense of security or serve as a substitute for practicing standard safety precautions.
Bear spray is intended to be sprayed into the face of an oncoming bear. Factors influencing effectiveness include distance, wind, rain, temperature extremes, and product shelf life. It is not intended to act as a repellent. Do not spray gear or your camp with bear spray. Pre-sprayed objects may instead attract bears.
Be aware that you may not be able to cross the US/Canada border with some brands of bear spray. Canadian Customs will allow USEPA-approved bear spray to cross. The bear spray cannister must have USEPA printed on the label.
