Glacier National Park, nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent”, makes up 1,600 square mile of mountains, alpine lakes, and deep forests. With over 700 miles of trails, it serves as a dream location for hiking, nature, and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.
Tourists can experience incredible megafauna throughout all of Glacier, witnessing resident wildlife in its natural habitat. All wildlife should be viewed from a respectable distance, but some deserve even more space than others. The park’s healthy grizzly population is estimated to sit at approximately 300 individuals, and while they usually avoid humans, face-to-face encounters like this one can happen along Glacier’s many trails.
Walking towards a grizzly bear, as this guy does, is never a good idea. Standing his ground with a can of bear spray in hand and at the ready is a much better move. Even when the bear moves off trail it’s still within a dangerous distance and could still rush this group, so turning his back on the animal is also not recommended. Learn more about bear safety in Glacier National Park below:
Glacier National Park Bear Encounter 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!
For more detailed information, watch our Bear Safety video.