The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park remains closed after a bear encounter on September 19 left a 35-year-old man hospitalized.
The man, who has remained unidentified, was hiking along the trail with his group when they encountered a bear, reported the National Park Service. Based on information from witnesses, park wildlife biologists have determined it was a grizzly bear, most likely a male.
“The hiking party was walking into the wind and faced foggy conditions, which could have contributed to the encounter,” says John Waller, supervisory wildlife biologist. “They were well prepared with bear spray, a satellite communication device, a first aid kit, were hiking as a group and kept their cool when dealing with the bear.”
The hiking party was near the Grinnell Glacier Overlook trailhead when they surprised a bear at close range, and the hiker was bitten below the knee. The injuries were non-life threatening.
Members of the hiking party used bear spray to drive the bear away, then contacted park dispatch to report the incident. They also received instructions on how to bandage the wound and were able to stop the bleeding with a first-aid kit, reported NPS.
The injured hiker made it to Granite Park Chalet with assistance from rangers and other hikers. From there, he was eventually transported by air and ambulance to Whitefish hospital.
“At this time, no action will be taken against the bear, because it was a surprise encounter,” says Waller.
The Highline Trail will remain closed until rangers can confirm the bear is no longer in the area. Visit the park’s Trail Status page to monitor this and other trail closures.
Bear Safety
NPS urges visitors to parks with active bear populations to #BeBearAware, as bears are more likely to be active during the fall season as they enter hyperphagia. As bears seek food to prepare for winter, they are more likely to be aggressive.
For more information about recreating in bear country, please visit the park’s bear safety webpage.
