Glacier National Park has earned itself the nickname “Crown of the Continent” through its stunning 1,600 square miles of natural landscape. Incredible lakes, beautiful alpine meadows, carved valleys, glaciers, and waterfalls are spread throughout the park, accessed by visitors through the over 700 miles of trails.
Inside and surrounding the park is a thriving wildlife population, with 71 species of mammals making it their home. Everything from the tiniest shrews to the largest moose can be found in the area, though some animals seem to pull a bit more attention than others. Glacier’s ~300 grizzly bears can stir up quite the commotion from tourists and even though they tend to avoid populated areas as much as possible, remarkable sightings like the one below aren’t unheard of.
Though certainly special to see in person, grizzly bears always need to be given a proper amount of respected. Mainly this means giving them plenty of space, at least 100 yards (300 feet) in Glacier National Park. But it also means being prepared in the event of an encounter, carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it, hiking in groups and making a lot of noise while on the trail, and staying aware of your surroundings. Additionally it means keeping your camp clean, properly storing food, and utilizing designated food lockers or hanging food and trash. Read more on bear safety 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!