A 35-year-old hiker suffered non-life-threatening injuries during a bear encounter on the Highline Trail near the Grinnell Glacier Overlook in Glacier National Park on September 19, 2024. For safety, rangers have closed the trail section between Haystack Butte and Granite Park Chalet. The hiker reached Granite Park Chalet with help and was airlifted to a hospital in Whitefish. Park officials are investigating the incident.
UPDATE: Another hiker states he was in a group of 4. The grizzly charged and did not respond to bear spray. The man was dragged a short distance after the bear grabbed his leg.
Bear Safety and September in Glacier National Park
As summer transitions to fall, bear activity in Glacier National Park ramps up. In September, bears are in hyperphagia, a phase where they eat excessively to build fat reserves for hibernation. This makes bear encounters more likely, as they forage in lower elevations near popular hiking trails.
Bear Safety Tips for Fall Hiking:
- Carry Bear Spray: Keep it accessible and know how to use it. Buy Bear Spray here.
- Make Noise: Alert bears to your presence, especially in dense vegetation or near water. Buy Bear bells here.
- Hike in Groups: There’s safety in numbers.
- Stay Alert: Watch for bear signs like tracks or scat.
- Respect Trail Closures: They’re enforced for your safety.
For more information on bear safety, visit Glacier National Park’s bear safety page.
Additional Resources:
Glacier National Park for Beginners
Discovering the Highline Trail
Your Pets & Glacier National Park
Best Campsites in Glacier National Park
Bear Grass in Glacier National Park
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