From the southern deserts of New Mexico to the alpine peaks of the northern Rockies, the Continental Divide Trail winds its way 3,100 miles through incredibly diverse landscapes of the central United States.
Al Marriott is currently hiking the Continental Divide Trail on a mission to complete the Triple Crown of Hiking (Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail) a feat fewer than 700 hikers have achieved. In totality, the Triple Crown is 7,875 miles with a vertical gain of more than 1,000,000 feet.
While hiking through Glacier National Park on day 138 of his epic through hike, Marriot encountered a grizzly bear on the trail. He did the right thing by not running away while providing the grizzly bear with room to pass by peacefully. The bear came within 10 feet of Marriot and only lingered for a brief moment before continuing on its way.
“This was a magical experience because it could have been a deadly encounter. I am so lucky to have been within almost touching distance of such a powerful creature and not been hurt.” –Al Marriott
Glacier National Park Bear Encounter 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!