As a lifetime explorer of Glacier National Park, Kelly Handley has experienced many encounters with its resident grizzly bear population and although she is quick to point out she is not an expert, she is willing to share the knowledge she has accumulated over the years to help fellow hikers stay safe in bear country.
The following video was filmed inside Glacier as Handley was walking down a trail with 3 other hikers. When the grizzly emerged, the group remained calm and let their presence be known to the apex predator. All four hikers were prepared with bear spray and had their canisters in hand should the bear have become aggressive. Thankfully the grizzly was not interested in the group and peacefully continued on its way.
Handley advises Glacier National Park visitors to remain calm when encountering grizzly bears, not to run and to stay together as group. These instructions echo those of Glacier National Park and are excellent reminders for anyone exploring 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!
