How likely is it to see a grizzly bear in Glacier National Park?

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.



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While grizzly bears can be found anywhere in Glacier, trails in the Many Glacier Valley (Iceberg Lake Trail, Cracker Lake Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail), on Huckleberry Mountain and in the Logan Pass Area (Highline Trail, Gunsight Lake Trail, Hidden Lake Trail) tend to have the most grizzly bear sightings.

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In August, a grizzly bear killed a hiker in Yellowstone National Park—a tragic yet extremely rare event, experts say. The chances of being injured by a bear are approximately 1 in 2.1 million, according to the National Park Service. In other words, you're more likely to be killed by a bee than a bear.

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Yes. We highly suggest that visitors carry bear spray in the park as Glacier is home to the largest numbers of both grizzly and black bear in the lower 48.

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Encounters with grizzly bears are quite common on the east side of Glacier since bears often descend to lowland meadows and forests searching for food in the summer. The biggest chance to spot a bear is in Many Glacier Area, especially on Grinnell Glacier Trail, Iceberg Lake Trail, Cracker Lake Trail, and Logan Pass.

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There will be bear activity in September. Later September the bears start to go into hyperplasia (sp) where they start to eat voraciously to prepare for winter. Many Glacier area is well known for bears on the hillside even more so than usual, around labor day and later. August anywhere the hucks are out and ready.

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Although not commonly seen, they persist in stable densities throughout Glacier. Read about mountain lion safety before hitting the trail. As one of Glacier's larger predators, mountain lions pursue a wide variety of prey, including deer, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep, as well as smaller animals.

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Thankfully, however, the attitude around wolves shifted, leading to the reintroduction of gray wolves to Glacier, as well as other national parks where wolves play an important predatory role. Today, researchers believe there are six to eight packs of wolves living within the park's boundaries.

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Carry Bear Spray Bear spray is an inexpensive way to deter bear attacks and has been shown to be the most effective deterrent. Be sure you know how to use it and that you are carrying it in an accessible place. Check the Ranger-led Activity page for summer demonstrations.

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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.

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