Mark and Kaden Slone are a father and son crew from Indiana who journey our Nationwide Parks and doc their adventures. The duo have run into all kinds of wildlife throughout their excursions however this hike alongside the Grinnell Glacier Path in Glacier Nationwide Park marked the primary time they encountered a grizzly bear.
Whereas navigating a slender part of path crammed with blind corners, the pair encountered a pair of grizzly bears. The daddy and son took evasive actions and rapidly scurried up a rock wall the place they took cowl and waited to see what the grizzlies would do. With bear spray in hand, Mark was relieved to see the grizzlies run up the hill away from their place. The pair returned to the path and continued their day at certainly one of America’s most majestic Nationwide Parks.
“It may need been the primary time I felt true concern on the path, LOL. However the quantity of precise assaults per encounter is minuscule, my odds of dying in a automotive accident whereas driving to Glacier are far increased than the percentages of a bear assault. At the least, that’s what I inform myself, LOL! It was an journey we’ll always remember.” –Mark Slone
Grizzly Nationwide Park’s 1583 sq. miles present ample habitat for a big inhabitants of each black and grizzly bears (almost 1000 mixed). Earlier than mountaineering in Glacier, guests ought to familiarize themselves with fundamental bear security info wanted to make sure a secure go to for each you and the animals. Study extra about bear security in Glacier Nationwide Park beneath.
Mountaineering in Bear Nation
Make Noise
Bears normally transfer out of the best way in the event that they hear individuals approaching. Bear bells usually are not sufficient or efficient. Calling out and clapping at common intervals are higher methods to make your presence recognized. Do your finest by no means to shock a bear.
Hike in Teams
Mountaineering in teams considerably decreases your possibilities of having a detrimental bear encounter. There haven’t been any reported assaults on teams of 4 or extra in Glacier. In case you’re a solo hiker on the lookout for firm, examine the Ranger-led Exercise web page for guided hikes.
Don’t Run on Trails
Joggers and runners threat shocking a bear on the path. Path working is strongly discouraged.
Carry Bear Spray
Bear spray is a cheap method to deter bear assaults and has been proven to be the best deterrent. Make sure you know the way to make use of it and that you’re carrying it in an accessible place. Examine the Ranger-led Exercise web page for summer time demonstrations.
Be Conscious of Environment
Some environmental situations make it arduous for bears to see, hear, or odor approaching hikers. Be notably cautious by streams, towards the wind, or in dense vegetation. A blind nook or an increase within the path additionally requires particular consideration. Search for scat and tracks. Bears spend a whole lot of time consuming, so be further alert when mountaineering in apparent feeding areas like berry patches, cow parsnip thickets, or fields of glacier lilies. At all times preserve youngsters shut. Keep away from mountaineering very early within the morning, very late within the day, or after darkish.
Safe Meals and Rubbish
By no means go away meals, rubbish, or something used to organize, eat, retailer, or transport meals unattended. This consists of your backpack or day pack. Safe all meals and odorous gadgets safely and pack out all rubbish. Different scented gadgets embrace toiletries, female merchandise, sunscreen, and many others.
photographs from glaciernps
