The sweeping landscapes of Glacier National Park are truly breathtaking. Nicknamed “The Crown of The Continent” the natural beauty of this land inspired influential leaders like George Bird Grinnell to lobby for its designation as a National Park and in 1910 President Taft signed the bill establishing Glacier as the country’s 10th national park.
With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a veritable paradise for adventurous hikers seeking to experience its showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. Sometime these hikers are lucky enough to observe wildlife while taking in these stunning vistas.
Such was the case when a pair of hikers above the iconic waters of Hidden Lake politely left the trail to make way for the peaceful passing of a grizzly bear family and experienced a brief moment of serenity shared with the apex predators that they won’t soon forget.
If you plan on hiking Glacier National Park please be reminded that intentionally approaching, viewing, or engaging in any activity within 100 yards of bears is strictly prohibited. If you are causing the behavior of the bear to change that mean you are too close. Individual bears have their own personal space requirements which vary depending on their mood. Individual bears will react differently and their behavior cannot be predicted. All bears are dangerous and should be respected at all times. Learn more about Glacier National Park 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!