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Grizzly charges unsuspecting hikers at Glacier National Park

Estimating grizzly bear populations has become more precise. (AP)
By Dave Nichols daven@spokesman.com(509) 459-5441

Visitors to Glacier National Park are inundated with warnings about potential encounters with wildlife in the park – specifically what to do if you run into a bear in its natural habitat. 

But its hard to remember training when a grizzly bear charges at you. 

That’s what happened on Sunday as unsuspecting hikers rounded a switchback and found themselves roughly 100 yards from a grizzly occupying the same trail.

The dramatic video, shot from hikers on a trail well above the encounter, shows the oblivious hikers moving toward the grizzly and the bear make a bluff charge at the group. The frightened hikers run away from the bear in panic, which is not advised in the case of an encounter.

Everyone was reported safe after the event. 

From the Glacier National Park website: 

If you encounter a bear inside the minimum recommended safe distance (100 yards / 91 m), you can decrease your risk by following these guidelines:

  • 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.
  • Talk quietly.
  • Do not run! Back away slowly, but stop if it seems to agitate the bear.
  • Use 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. 

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!