From the southern deserts of New Mexico to the alpine peaks of the northern Rockies, the Continental Divide Path winds its manner 3,100 miles via extremely various landscapes of the central United States.
Al Marriott is at the moment mountaineering the Continental Divide Path on a mission to finish the Triple Crown of Climbing (Appalachian Path, Pacific Crest Path and Continental Divide Path) a feat fewer than 700 hikers have achieved. In totality, the Triple Crown is 7,875 miles with a vertical achieve of greater than 1,000,000 ft.
Whereas mountaineering via Glacier Nationwide Park on day 138 of his epic via hike, Marriot encountered a grizzly bear on the path. He did the best factor by not operating away whereas offering the grizzly bear with room to go by peacefully. The bear got here inside 10 ft of Marriot and solely lingered for a short second earlier than persevering with on its manner.
“This was a magical expertise as a result of it might have been a lethal encounter. I’m so fortunate to have been inside virtually touching distance of such a robust creature and never been damage.” –Al Marriott
Glacier Nationwide Park Bear Encounter Security Tips:
If you happen to encounter a bear contained in the minimal really helpful secure distance (100 yards; 91 m), you possibly can lower your danger by following these tips:
- If a bear or different animal is transferring in your route on a path, get out of its manner and let it go.
- If you happen to can transfer away, accomplish that. If transferring away seems to agitate the bear, cease. Generally, bears present agitation by swaying their heads, huffing, and clacking their tooth. Lowered head and laid-back ears additionally point out aggression. Bears could stand on their hind legs or strategy to get a greater view, however these actions usually are not essentially indicators of aggression. The bear could not have recognized you as an individual and could also be unable to scent or hear you from a distance. Assist the bear acknowledge you as a pleasant human.
- Discuss quietly.
- Don’t run! Again away slowly. Cease if it appears to agitate the bear.
- Use your peripheral imaginative and prescient. Bears could interpret direct eye contact as threatening.
- Proceed to maneuver away because the scenario permits.
- If a bear seems intent on approaching you, your group, or your campsite in a non-defensive method (not displaying indicators of agitation), collect your group collectively, make noise, and attempt to discourage the bear from additional approaching. Put together to deploy your bear spray. In case you are making ready or consuming meals, safe it. DO NOT LET THE BEAR GET YOUR FOOD!
- If a bear approaches in a defensive method (seems agitated and/or fees), cease. Don’t run. Discuss quietly to the bear. Put together to deploy your bear spray. If contact seems imminent and also you don’t have bear spray, shield your chest and stomach by falling to the bottom in your abdomen, clasp your palms across the again of your neck, and go away your pack on for defense. If the bear makes an attempt to roll you over, attempt to keep in your abdomen. If the assault is defensive, the bear will go away as soon as it acknowledges you aren’t a menace. If the assault is extended, FIGHT BACK!
