Hikers protected from grizzly by park ranger @ Glacier National Park
Hikers protected from grizzly by park ranger @ Glacier National Park

With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier National Park is a veritable wonderland for adventurous hikers looking to experience the incredible landscapes of northwestern Montana.

One popular option for hikers looking to spend the day in Glacier is the Hidden Lake Trail which offers a relatively short trek to a pristine alpine lake. Although Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is one of the most trafficked areas in the park, resident wildlife can still be found wondering the area including grizzly bears. Due to the potential of human bear interactions, Glacier’s park rangers a known to patrol the area to keep visitors safe.

These hikers were grateful to have a park ranger in their midst when this grizzly bear approached their position. Bear spray in hand, the ranger calmly ushered the hikers away from the bear who thankfully kept its distance.

Glacier National Park is home to an estimated 300 grizzlies, representing one of the highest densities of grizzly bears in the lower 48 United States. The best way for visitors to Glacier to remain safe in the presence of bears is to be prepared for encounter. Learn more about bear safety at Glacier National Park below.

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!

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