Established in 1910, Glacier Nationwide Park encompasses 1,600 sq. miles of pristine mountains, crystal clear lakes and deep forests. Often called the “Crown of the Continent” Glacier is paradise for hikers who can choose and select from its over 700 miles of trails.
Past the breathtaking landscapes, hikers in Glacier may additionally be privileged with the chance to view a number of the park’s resident wildlife. Whereas vacationers might stay up for laying eyes on quite a lot of mega-fauna that stay in Glacier, some species are greatest seen by binocular lenses.
Glacier is dwelling to a wholesome inhabitants of grizzly bears, current estimates place their quantity at roughly 300 people. Grizzly bears will usually keep away from people when potential however encounters contained in the park can occur like this one alongside the Highline Path:
Whereas these hikers did handle to squeeze previous this grizzly perched above the path, they broke park coverage whereas doing so. Glacier Nationwide Park prohibits “deliberately approaching, viewing, or participating in any exercise inside 100 yards of bears.” As an alternative of pushing previous this grizzly, the hikers ought to have stayed again and waited for it to maneuver or rotated and gone the opposite approach. Fortunately their encroachment into it’s private area didn’t provoke the bear however it very simply might have escalated right into a unfavourable encounter.
Glacier Nationwide Park Bear Encounter Security Tips:
When you encounter a bear contained in the minimal beneficial protected distance (100 yards; 91 m), you may lower your danger by following these pointers:
- If a bear or different animal is transferring in your path on a path, get out of its approach and let it move.
- When you 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 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 aren’t essentially indicators of aggression. The bear might not have recognized you as an individual and could also be unable to odor 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 scenario 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. If you’re 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 fees), cease. Don’t run. Discuss quietly to the bear. Put together to deploy your bear spray. If contact seems imminent and also you do not need bear spray, shield your chest and stomach by falling to the bottom in your abdomen, clasp your arms across the again of your neck, and depart 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 depart as soon as it acknowledges you aren’t a menace. If the assault is extended, FIGHT BACK!
