Cheers to these young hikers who kept their composure after a massive grizzly bear caught them off guard on a hike inside Glacier National Park. The following video was taken this week by at the docks of St. Mary Lake which is on the east side of Glacier National Park along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The trio of brothers had noticed a boat preparing to dock and were fixated the vessel when one of Glacier’s 300 resident grizzly bears walked up behind them.
In a display of composure far beyond their years, the young brothers calmly vacated the area which Glacier recommends when encountering bears:
“If a bear is moving in your direction on a trail, get out of its way and let it pass. Do not run! Back away slowly.”
This incident is an excellent reminder to always remain alert even in developed areas of Glacier National Park and to keep your kids close while hiking in grizzly country. Learn more about staying safe during a grizzly encounter 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!
