Researchers have estimated that Glacier National Park provides habitat for nearly 300 grizzly bears. The number one rule when it comes to grizzly safety in Glacier is to maintain at least 100 yards from them at all times and to keep bears’ line of travel or escape route clear and move away if an animal approaches you.
The following video was taken on Grinnell Glacier Trail inside Glacier National Park by a pair of hikers who encountered a grizzly late in the day as they were heading back to their vehicle. With the bear squarely in the middle of the trail impeding their path back to their car, they had little choice but keep an eye on it and remain patient in hopes that it would clear the way.
After about a mile of slowly following the bear while maintaining their distance, it scurried off the trail and disappeared into the vegetation. With the path clear they quickly ran to the parking lot and afterward described the incident as a “frightening encounter to say the least!”
The pair had previously encountered the same grizzly and had bear spray at the ready should it have doubled back on their position. While Glacier National Park strongly recommends carrying bear spray while hiking, under no circumstances should bear spray create a false sense of security or serve as a substitute for practicing standard safety precautions. Learn more about Glacier National Park bear encounter 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!