Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BEAR SAFETY
Glacier has significant concentrations of both grizzly and black bears, both of which
can be threatening in any encounter. The keys to safe travel in the backcountry are
acting to prevent bear encounters and knowing what to do in the event you do meet a
bear. The following are simple guidelines for responsible behavior in bear country:
•
Don't surprise bears.
Make noise, even on well-traveled trails, to allow bears the
opportunity to get away from you. Bells can be effective, as can singing, hand-
clapping, and loud talking. Never assume that a bear has better senses than you
and will see, hear, or smell you coming.
•
Don't approach bears.
Be aware of their feeding opportunities and behavior so
that you can avoid potential feeding locations and times of day. Avoid hiking
through berry patches, cow parsnip thickets, or fields of glacier lilies. Never
approach a carcass, which could be under the surveillance of a bear. Try not to
hike before sunrise or at dusk, both active times for bears. Always keep chil-
dren in close proximity.
•
Minimize the possibility that a bear would be attracted to your belongings
or campsite.
Abide by all the park regulations about hanging your food and
garbage away from your sleeping area. Don't carry odiferous food, and nev-
er bring anything potentially edible, including medicines and toothpaste, into
your tent. Take special care with used feminine hygiene products by sealing
them in several ziplock bags with baking soda to absorb the odor.
•
Be prepared for an encounter.
Carry pepper spray that is not out of date and
know how to use it. Familiarize yourself with the behaviors most likely to en-
sure your safety in a bear encounter.
If you do surprise a bear, keep your wits about you. While there is no easy and uni-
versal answer about how to react—bears are as individual and unpredictable as hu-
mans—the following are accepted behaviors outlined on Glacier's website:
•
Talk quietly and calmly.
If you have surprised a bear, don't attempt to threaten
it; if possible, try to detour around it.
•
Never run.
Don't turn your back; instead, back away slowly, unless it agitates the
bear. Running could trigger its predator instincts.
•
Assume a nonthreatening position.
Turn sideways or bend at the knees to make
yourself appear as small as possible.
•
Use peripheral vision.
Bears may perceive direct eye contact as aggressive beha-
vior on your part.
