Glacier National Park, in Montana, serves as a natural habitat for a significant population of bears. Both grizzly bears and black bears roam freely across its diverse landscapes. While encountering these creatures can be a memorable part of a park visit, it also means visitors are in bear country, where interactions, though uncommon, are a possibility.
Recent Bear Incident in Glacier National Park
A recent incident occurred on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, when a 34-year-old female hiker was injured by a bear near Lake Janet. The hiker, accompanied by a partner, encountered a medium brown-colored bear with two cubs that charged from dense brush. The bear swiped at the woman, causing injuries to her shoulder and arm. The hiker’s partner quickly deployed bear spray, which caused the bear to retreat immediately. Park officials determined the bear’s actions were a defensive response by a sow protecting her cubs, likely due to being surprised in a confined area.
Understanding Bear Encounters in the Park
Glacier National Park is home to two primary bear species: grizzly bears, also known as brown bears, and black bears. These species can be distinguished by physical characteristics such as a grizzly’s prominent shoulder hump and dished face, compared to a black bear’s straighter facial profile and pointed ears. Bear fur color can vary widely within both species, meaning color alone is not a reliable way to identify them. Most bear encounters are non-aggressive, as bears generally prefer to avoid human contact. However, encounters can occur when bears are surprised, particularly a mother defending cubs or a bear protecting a food source. While bear incidents can be alarming, they are infrequent given the millions of visitors to the park each year.
Staying Safe in Bear Country
Visitors to Glacier National Park can reduce their risk of bear encounters by following safety guidelines. Maintaining a distance of at least 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves is important, and 25 yards (23 meters) from other wildlife. Making noise while hiking, such as talking or clapping, helps alert bears to human presence and prevents surprise encounters. Hiking in groups is also recommended, as bear attacks on groups of four or more are less common. Carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is an effective deterrent. If a bear is encountered, it is important not to run, as this can trigger a chase instinct; instead, slowly back away while speaking calmly. Proper storage of all food and scented items is also to prevent bears from becoming attracted to human areas. Should an attack occur, the response depends on the bear species: play dead if attacked by a grizzly, but fight back if attacked by a black bear.