Hikers from around the world are drawn to Glacier National Park to experience its 700+ miles of trails that wind through spectacular glacially carved landscapes, offering access to pristine lakes, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks. Iconic routes like the Grinnell Glacier Trail, Avalanche Lake Trail, and Highline Trail make Glacier one of the premier trekking destinations in North America.
Hiking Glacier National Park does not come without its risks and the hazard that gets the most attention is dangerous encounters with the estimated 300 grizzly bears that call the park home. Glacier National Park officials advise several tactics for hikers to minimize the chance of a dangerous encounters with grizzlies including remaining situationally aware at all times, not running on trails, making consistent noise, and hiking in groups.
While taking these precautions can greatly reduce the probability of coming in close contact with a grizzly, there is still a chance you may come face to face with one like this group who were just 20 minutes into a hike on June 12th, 2025 when they were forced to turn around and retreat to the trailhead to avoid an approaching grizzly.
The hikers had multiple cans of bear spray at the ready should the grizzly had become aggressive (Glacier recommends bear spray as an inexpensive way to deter bear attacks) but thankfully none was deployed as the group wisely chose to back away and give the bear priority on the trail. The encounter underlines the importance of familiarizing yourself with grizzly bear safety protocols before setting out for a hike inside Glacier National Park. Learn more about Glacier National Park grizzly 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!
