Glacier National Park in Montana is recognized for its rugged mountain landscape and extensive wildlife population, including both grizzly and black bears. Understanding human-bear interactions is a primary concern for visitors exploring the park’s wilderness safely. Knowing the details of recent encounters provides valuable context for the safety measures the park requires.
The Most Recent Confirmed Incident
The most recent confirmed bear encounter resulting in human injury occurred in August 2025 near Lake Janet. A female hiker and her partner were surprised when a medium-sized sow with two cubs suddenly charged from the dense brush alongside the trail. This indicated a defensive reaction to a perceived threat at close range. The bear swiped at the hiker, causing injuries to her shoulder and arm before retreating when bear spray was successfully deployed. Park officials noted the entire encounter lasted less than 30 seconds, and the hiker was transported for treatment in stable condition.
The incident prior occurred in September 2024 on the popular Highline Trail near the Grinnell Glacier Overlook. A man was bitten on the knee after his hiking group, walking into the wind in foggy conditions, surprised a bear at close proximity. His hiking companions also used bear spray to deter the animal, which park biologists believe was likely a grizzly bear. This earlier event, like the one at Lake Janet, was determined to be a result of a surprise encounter.
Historical Frequency and Context
Despite the park’s healthy bear population and millions of annual visitors, bear attacks in Glacier National Park remain extremely rare events. The park averages roughly one non-lethal bear incident annually, which is a low figure considering the high volume of backcountry use. Fatal attacks are even more uncommon, with only ten bear-related fatalities recorded since 1967.
Most recorded incidents are defensive in nature, happening when a hiker unexpectedly comes too close to a bear, its cubs, or a food source. The park’s management strategy has shifted from removing problem animals to modifying human behavior to prevent surprise encounters. This focus on visitor education has helped to minimize conflicts between humans and the park’s large carnivores.
Essential Bear Safety Protocols in GNP
Visitors to Glacier National Park must adopt proactive measures to minimize the risk of a bear encounter. Carrying bear spray is a widely recommended safety measure, serving as an effective, non-lethal means to deter an aggressive bear. The canister must be immediately accessible, not stored inside a backpack, and hikers need to understand the proper deployment technique.
Park officials encourage hiking in groups of three or more people, as this significantly decreases the chance of a surprise encounter. Making noise, such as clapping or shouting “hey bear” periodically, alerts bears to human presence, allowing them time to move away. Hikers should also avoid traveling at dawn, dusk, or after dark, which are times when bears are typically most active.
Properly securing all food and odorous items is mandatory to prevent bears from becoming habituated to human food sources. This involves using designated bear-proof containers and never leaving backpacks or food unattended. Maintaining a minimum distance of 100 yards from any bear is a non-negotiable regulation.