Glacier National Park contains a total of 762 lakes, of which only 131 are named. This abundance of lakes comes as a result of the park’s glacial history, with many of the lakes etched into the terrain by the movement and melting of its namesake glaciers. The largest and deepest lake in the park is Lake McDonald, which stretches about 10 miles long and reaches a depth of 464 feet.
One of the most popular destination for Glacier tourists is the opaque turquoise waters Grinnell Lake, named after early American conservationist George Bird Grinnell. Accessing Grinnell Lake is relatively easy and suitable for families and hikers of all skill levels. The following video looks to be taken from the shores of Swiftcurrent Creek, which runs into Grinnell Lake, where scores of tourists gawked as a family of grizzly bears waded through the shallow waters.
As the grizzlies exited the water and made their way towards a group of hikers, members of the crowd alerted whistled and yelled at the hikers to let them know “there are bears behind you.” Communication is vital to remain safe in bear country, whether it be between hikers or making noise to let bears know you are in the area and avoid surprise encounters. 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!
