GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, Montana – This wild footage shared on July 25th, 2025, and taken along the Hidden Lake Trail in Glacier National Park captures the moment these two hikers came near face-to-face with a mother grizzly bear and her two cubs. Fortunately both hikers stayed calm and moved out of the way allowing the animals to pass, but the intensity of the situation remains audible in their voices.
The remarkable footage left us thinking about the grizzly bears of Glacier National Park and the safety precautions one must take to remain safe while hiking in grizzly territory. So let’s explore some facts about one of North America’s most fearsome predators.
Glacier National Park Grizzly Bear Facts:
- Glacier National Park is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Grizzly bears are identifiable by their prominent shoulder hump, dished snout, and slightly curved, long claws.
- 90% of a grizzly’s diet consists of grass, roots, berries, pine nuts, acorns, mushrooms, insects, and larva, though they will prey on larger animals and carrion.
- Grizzlies binge on ladybird beetles, army cutworm moths and whitebark pine nuts at well-defined times of the year.
- Some grizzlies on the east side of Glacier spend the summer in the lowland meadows and aspen groves, returning to the high country to hibernate in the winter. Others will spend the spring dining on on the succulent early growth in the valleys before returning to the high country for the rest of the growing season.
- Glacier National Park is home to an estimated 300 grizzly bears.
Glacier National Park Grizzly Bear Safety:
- Intentionally approaching, viewing, or engaging in any activity within 100 yards of grizzly bears or wolves is prohibited in Glacier National Park. Every bear has its own personal space requirements, oftentimes varying depending on its mood. If the animal is changing its behavior because of your presence, you’re too close.
- Make noise while hiking in bear country and travel in groups. Call out and clap at regular intervals to alert bears to your presence and give them the opportunity to move away. Do your best to never surprise a bear.
- Trail running is strongly discouraged on trails in Glacier National Park as it risks surprising a bear along the trail.
- Always carry bear spray in an easily accessible place (not your backpack) and be prepared to use it.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and secure food and garbage at all times.
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.“
