With several National Parks recently opening roads following spring plowing operations (including Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park) it brings to mind the importance of being bear aware as our incredible wilderness areas begin to thaw out and their main arteries become passable.
One of the most scenic roads in on the continent, Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, is currently in the process reopening as plow crews work daily to remove the winter’s accumulation of snow. When it does finally open, cyclists will be some of the first to enjoy the majestic roadway as there is a small time window when bikes are allowed access prior to peak tourism season when they are banned outright.
One such cycling group taking advantage of this early access on the Going-to-the-Sun Road had an alarming but ultimately peaceful encounter with a large grizzly bear. Armed with bear spray, the group yelled at the grizzly in unison but the apex predator seemed completely disinterested with spandex clad humans as it strolled past.
This group of bikers from Whitefish, Montana did well not to panic and stood their ground. The fact that they were in a large group was in their favor as well. According to the National Park Service traveling through bear country in groups is good strategy to avoid dangerous situations:
“Groups of people are usually noisier and smellier than a single person. Therefore, bears often become aware of groups of people at greater distances, and because of their cumulative size, groups are also intimidating to bears.”
Learn more about bear safety from the National Park Service below.
National Park Service Bear Encounter Guidelines:
Once a bear has noticed you and is paying attention to you, additional strategies can help prevent the situation from escalating. Here are some general tips. However, please check recommendations for each park you visit: recommendations do vary from park to park based local bear behavior.
- Identify yourself by talking calmly so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal. Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you as a human. It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.
- Stay calm and remember that most bears do not want to attack you; they usually just want to be left alone. Bears may bluff their way out of an encounter by charging and then turning away at the last second. Bears may also react defensively by woofing, yawning, salivating, growling, snapping their jaws, and laying their ears back. Continue to talk to the bear in low tones; this will help you stay calmer, and it won’t be threatening to the bear. A scream or sudden movement may trigger an attack. Never imitate bear sounds or make a high-pitched squeal.
- Pick up small children immediately. Do not make any loud noises or screams—the bear may think it’s the sound of a prey animal. Slowly wave your arms above your head and tell the bear to back off. Do NOT run or make any sudden movements. Do not make any loud noises or screams—the bear may think it’s the sound of a prey animal.
- Hike and travel in groups. Groups of people are usually noisier and smellier than a single person. Therefore, bears often become aware of groups of people at greater distances, and because of their cumulative size, groups are also intimidating to bears.
- Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground).
- Do NOT allow the bear access to your food. Getting your food will only encourage the bear and make the problem worse for others.
- Do NOT drop your pack as it can provide protection for your back and prevent a bear from accessing your food.
- If the bear is stationary, move away slowly and sideways; this allows you to keep an eye on the bear and avoid tripping. Moving sideways is also non-threatening to bears.
- Do NOT run, but if the bear follows, stop and hold your ground. Bears can run as fast as a racehorse both uphill and down. Like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals.
- Do NOT climb a tree. Both grizzlies and black bears can climb trees.
- Leave the area or take a detour. If this is impossible, wait until the bear moves away. Always leave the bear an escape route.
- Be especially cautious if you see a female with cubs; never place yourself between a mother and her cub, and never attempt to approach them. The chances of an attack escalate greatly if she perceives you as a danger to her cubs.