Grizzly Bear Sprints Past Hikers Pursuing Mountain Goats @ Glacier National Park

Established in 1910, Glacier National Park in Montana encompasses 1,600 square miles crystal clear lakes, deep forest and pristine Rocky Mountain landscapes. Nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent” Glacier is an absolute paradise for hikers who can pick and choose from its over 700 miles of trails that crisscross the park.

In addition to the breathtaking landscapes, hikers in Glacier may also be privileged with the opportunity to view some of the park’s resident wildlife and sometimes these encounters can be quite thrilling like this one which happened on the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail . This group of hikers inadvertently found themselves in the middle of a grizzly bear in hot pursuit of a pair of mountain goats.

While its the goal of many Glacier National Park visitors to see a grizzly in the wild, for these folks it was a bit too close for comfort. Thankfully the grizzly bear was fully fixated on its prey and didn’t give the stunned tourists a second thought as it tore past.

Glacier is home to a healthy population of grizzly bears (recent estimates place their number at approximately 300 individuals) and they will normally avoid close contact humans when possible but these types of close encounters obviously can happen and its critical to familiarize yourself with grizzly bear safety protocols before setting out in the park. Learn more about grizzly bear safety at Glacier National Park below:

Glacier National Park Bear Encounter Safety 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!

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• National ParksWildlife