WEST GLACIER, MT. -The 50-year old hiker from St. Paul, Minnesota that was attacked by a grizzly bear on Friday, August 5 was treated and released on Friday, and continued with his travel itinerary. His injuries, bites to his left thigh and left forearm, were not life threatening.
The hiker was hiking alone on the trail from Many Glacier to Piegan Pass when he was attacked by a grizzly bear. When he rounded a bend in the trail he surprised a sow grizzly with one sub-adult. The bear attacked the hiker, biting his left thigh and left forearm. The bear then grabbed his foot, shook him, released him and left the area.
The man hiked back toward Many Glacier encountering a naturalist ranger leading a hike. The ranger notified dispatch while the man continued to the Many Glacier Ranger Station where he was treated for his injuries and transported to the Blackfeet Community Hospital in Browning by the Babb Ambulance.
The hiker said he was carrying bear spray, but was unable to deploy it before the bear attacked, and that he was making noise as he hiked.
According to park rangers, the bear’s response to the hiker was defensive in nature and consistent with a surprise encounter with a hiker. No action will be taken with the bear.
The trail from Piegan Pass to Feather Plume Falls remains closed, and is anticipated to open by the end of the week.
All visitors to Glacier National Park are reminded that the park is home to black and grizzly bears. Hikers are advised to carry bear spray, and know how to use it. Hikers are also encouraged to hike in groups and make noise when hiking.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
