Mountaineering in teams and being noisy in grizzly bear nation considerably decreases your possibilities of having a unfavourable encounter as bears normally transfer out of the way in which in the event that they hear folks approaching however even with these added layers of safety shut encounters can and do occur.
Peter Donahoe was on a solo hike on Glacier Nationwide Park’s Hidden Lake Overlook Path when a gaggle of 15 hikers got here sprinting towards his place, 50 ft behind them a grizzly bear was charging up the path at full pace. Donahoe instantly rotated and joined the group as they went up the hill he had simply descended. When he reached the highest he pulled out his bear spray together with one other hiker they usually stood their floor along with the remainder of the group behind them.
The grizzly bear slowed all the way down to a stroll because it approached the hikers after which a gaggle of mountain goats caught it’s consideration. At this level Donahoe started recording because the bear diverted towards the goats:
“This will have been the best factor I’ve ever skilled. This large man was chasing me and a gaggle of 15 different hikers down a path for five minutes at a full on dash earlier than he took off for this goat as an alternative. Fortunate to be alive.” –Peter Donahoe
Though this incident didn’t find yourself in an assault on the hikers, it must be famous they didn’t observe correct protocol for grizzly bear encounters that dictates holding floor and never working. Be taught extra about grizzly bear security in Glacier Nationwide Park under.
Glacier Nationwide Park Bear Security Tips:
Should you encounter a bear contained in the minimal advisable protected distance (100 yards; 91 m), you may lower your threat by following these tips:
- If a bear or different animal is transferring in your path on a path, get out of its manner and let it go.
- Should you can transfer away, accomplish that. If transferring away seems to agitate the bear, cease. Normally, 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 method to get a greater view, however these actions are usually 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 state of affairs permits.
- If a bear seems intent on approaching you, your group, or your campsite in a non-defensive method (not exhibiting 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 shouldn’t have bear spray, defend your chest and stomach by falling to the bottom in your abdomen, clasp your fingers across the again of your neck, and go away your pack on for cover. 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 risk. If the assault is extended, FIGHT BACK!
Bear Spray:
This aerosol pepper spray quickly incapacitates bears. It’s an efficient, non-toxic, and non-lethal technique of deterring aggressive bears. On no account ought to bear spray create a false sense of safety or function an alternative to practising commonplace security precautions.
Bear spray is meant to be sprayed into the face of an oncoming bear. Elements influencing effectiveness embrace distance, wind, rain, temperature extremes, and product shelf life. It’s not meant to behave as a repellent. Don’t spray gear or your camp with bear spray. Pre-sprayed objects could as an alternative appeal to bears.
Bear in mind that you could be not be capable of cross the US/Canada border with some manufacturers of bear spray. Canadian Customs will permit USEPA-approved bear spray to cross. The bear spray cannister will need to have USEPA printed on the label.