Bears in Glacier National Park

Hiking in Bear Country

Glacier National Park provides a wonderful opportunity to view animals in their natural setting. Along with this opportunity comes a special obligation for the visitor. With a little planning, hikers can also help ensure the survival of a protected threatened species.

Don’t Surprise Bears!

Bears will usually move out of the way if they hear people approaching, so make noise. Most bells are not loud enough. Calling out or clapping hands loudly at regular intervals are better ways to make your presence known. Hiking quietly endangers you, the bear, and other hikers.

Don’t Make Assumptions!

You can’t predict when and where bears might be encountered along a trail. People often assume they don’t have to make noise while hiking on a well-used trail. Some of the most frequently used trails in the park are surrounded by excellent bear habitat. People have been charged and injured by bears fleeing from silent hikers who unwittingly surprised bears along the trail. Even if other hikers haven't recently seen bears along a trail section, don’t assume there are no bears present.

Don’t assume a bear’s hearing is any better than your own. Some trail conditions make it hard for bears to see, hear, or smell approaching hikers. Be particularly careful by streams, against the wind, or in dense vegetation. A blind corner or a rise in the trail also requires special attention.

Keep children close by. If possible, hike in groups and avoid hiking early in the morning, late in the day, or after dark. Do not hike alone.

Inform Yourself About Bears

Park staff can help you identify signs of bear activity such as tracks, torn-up logs, diggings, trampled vegetation, droppings, and overturned rocks. Bears spend a lot of time eating, so avoid hiking in obvious feeding areas like berry patches, cow parsnip thickets, or fields of glacier lilies.

Don't Approach Bears!

Never intentionally get close to a bear! Individual bears have their own personal space requirements which vary depending on their mood. Each will react differently and their behavior can’t be predicted. All bears are dangerous and should be respected equally.

If you surprise a bear, here are a few guidelines to follow that may help:

Talk quietly or not at all; the time to make loud noise is before you encounter a bear. Try to detour around the bear if possible
Do not run! Back away slowly, but stop if it seems to agitate the bear
Assume a nonthreatening posture. Turn sideways, or bend at the knees to appear smaller
Use peripheral vision. Bears appear to interpret direct eye contact as threatening
Drop something (not food) to distract the bear. Keep your pack on for protection in case of an attack
If a bear attacks and you have bear spray, use it! Be aware that bear spray is only effective at close range and is not guaranteed to ward off an attack.
If the bear makes contact, protect your chest and abdomen by falling to the ground on your stomach, or assuming a fetal position to reduce the severity of an attack. Cover the back of your neck with your hands. Do not move until you are certain the bear has left
Report all bear attacks to the nearest ranger or warden immediately

In rare cases bears may attack at night or after stalking people. This kind of attack is very rare but can be serious because it often means the bear is looking for food and preying on you.

If you are attacked at night or if you feel you have been stalked and attacked as prey, try to escape. If you can not escape, or if the bear follows, use pepper spray, or shout and try to intimidate the bear with a branch or rock. Do whatever it takes to let the bear know you are not easy prey.

Camping and Bears

Odors attract bears. Glacier National Park campground and developed areas can remain "unattractive" to bears if each visitor manages food and trash properly. Regulations require that all edibles (including pet food), food containers (empty or not), and cookware (clean or not) be stored in a hard-sided vehicle or food locker when not in use, day or night.

Keep a clean camp! Improperly stored or unattended food may result in confiscation of items and issuance of a Violation Notice
Inspect campsites for bear signs. Notify a ranger or warden of potential problems
Place all trash in bearproof containers
Pets, especially dogs, must be kept under physical restraint
Report all bear sightings to the nearest ranger or warden immediately

You can find additional Glacier National Park information by clicking on the links below. Enjoy all that Glacier has to offer!