Glacier Nationwide Park, nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent”, is residence to over 700 miles of trails by way of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, valleys, and beautiful lakes. The park’s range of habitat varieties invitations a big selection of animals, from massive elk within the valleys to tiny bugs within the glacier fed streams.
Whereas all of this wildlife is standard for vacationers, many go to with the precise purpose of recognizing grizzly bears out in nature. There’s an estimated 300 grizzlies dwelling throughout the boundaries, with many spending all summer season within the lowland meadows and aspen groves solely to return into the excessive nation for winter hibernation. They sometimes keep away from people when potential, however they’ll sometimes wander into standard sights to the enjoyment of close by vacationers.
Such was the case when this grizzly sow and cub wandered by way of a reasonably standard trailhead in Glacier Nationwide Park. The Sunrift Gorge is accessible by a easy 200 foot path, presenting a 800-foot lengthy, 80-foot deep gorge to these hoping for a simple view contained in the park. It additionally acts as an alternate start line for the Siyeh Cross Path.
Although even simply standing throughout the road from two grizzly bears is commonly thought of too shut, the individuals behind and across the digicam appeared to behave fairly effectively given the state of affairs. No person tried to method the bears and no one appeared to shout out to them. Glacier Nationwide Park requires that guests give bears and wolves at the very least 100 yards (300 toes) of area when potential, even when you’re inside a automobile or different automobile.
Glacier Nationwide Park Grizzly Bear Encounter Tips:
For those who encounter a bear contained in the minimal beneficial protected distance (100 yards; 91 m), you may lower your threat by following these tips:
- If a bear or different animal is shifting in your route on a path, get out of its manner and let it go.
- For those who can transfer away, achieve this. If shifting away seems to agitate the bear, cease. Normally, bears present agitation by swaying their heads, huffing, and clacking their enamel. Lowered head and laid-back ears additionally point out aggression. Bears might stand on their hind legs or method to get a greater view, however these actions usually are not essentially indicators of aggression. The bear might 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 might interpret direct eye contact as threatening.
- Proceed to maneuver away because the state of affairs 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 getting 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 costs), cease. Don’t run. Discuss quietly to the bear. Put together to deploy your bear spray. If contact seems imminent and also you shouldn’t have bear spray, defend 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!
