Loading Page...

Do I need bear spray for hiking in Montana?

Always carry bear spray, and make sure it's accessible. Don't keep it in your backpack – a charging bear won't wait for you to find it.



People Also Ask

If you are out hiking, whether it is a tenth of a mile or a backcountry adventure, it is essential to carry bear spray for your safety.

MORE DETAILS

It's perfectly possible to spot a bear any time of day in the Park, especially in cooler weather, but mid-summer you are unlikely to see bears out in the heat of the day, when they tend to nap in the forest. You don't need to go hiking into the backcountry to see bears.

MORE DETAILS

Bear spray and firearms are the last tools in your toolbox. They should not provide a false sense of security. It is recommended that you carry bear spray when hiking in bear country.

MORE DETAILS

Just to keep things in perspective, though, bear encounters are very rare. Consider that roughly two million people visit Glacier each year, and more than one million venture into the backcountry. On average, there are only one or two non-lethal bear incidents in a given year.

MORE DETAILS