Park Ranger Protects Hikers From Approaching Grizzly Bear @ Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park boasts over 700 miles of trails offering adventurous visitors the opportunity to explore a landscape of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and stunning lakes. One of the park’s most popular hikes is the Hidden Lake Overlook, a relatively short route that leads to views of pristine alpine lakes.

Despite its popularity with visitors, the Hidden Lake Trail remains a frequent spot for wildlife sightings including grizzly bears. An estimated 300 grizzlies live in Glacier National Park making encounters between bears and humans relatively common. While bear attacks are rare, park rangers regularly patrol the Hidden Lake area to help ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife.

Such was the case when these hikers came across a grizzly near the Hidden Lake Overlook. A park ranger ushered the hikers along as the bear approached, preparing his bear spray and using his voice to keep the animal at a distance.

Given the frequent presence of bears, Glacier National Park encourages visitors to follow a set of safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Intentionally approaching or remaining within 100 yards of bears or wolves is prohibited in the park. Carrying bear spray is an effective, non-toxic, and non-lethal way to deter agressive bears. While not a substitute for basic safety practices, every visitor should carry bear spray and know how to use it. Read more about 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!

For more detailed information, watch our Bear Safety video.

• Categories:  
• Montana
• National ParksWildlife