Man injures in bear attack, walks over a mile to reach rescue chopper

A section of a popular trail in Glacier National Park was closed on Thursday following a bear attack that injured a man. This incident marks the second bear strike in Montana within a little over a month.

Park rangers are currently investigating whether the bear involved in the attack was a grizzly bear or a black bear. The victim, a 35-year-old man, suffered injuries that were not life-threatening. He and his hiking group encountered the bear near the Grinnell Glacier Overlook trailhead on the Highline Trail early Thursday morning, as confirmed by a news release from the National Park Service.

After sustaining injuries, the man hiked over a mile to Granite Park Chalet with assistance. He was subsequently rescued by “Two Bear Air,” a helicopter service, which transported him to a location where he could be taken by ambulance to a hospital in Whitefish.

Authorities announced that the trail stretching from Haystack Butte to the Granite Park Chalet will remain closed until further notice. Additional details about the man, including his name and the severity of his injuries, have not been made public.

While bear attacks on humans are infrequent in Montana, they do occur. Notably, just last month, a black bear attacked and injured a 3-year-old girl at a private campground in the state. In October of last year, a 73-year-old woman was hospitalized after being attacked by a bear near Glacier National Park. That attack came shortly after a hunter suffered serious injuries from a grizzly bear in the region.

In 2021, a tragic event occurred when a grizzly bear pulled a woman from her tent in a small Montana town during the night, resulting in her death.

Park officials took the opportunity to remind visitors that Glacier National Park is home to both black and grizzly bears. They strongly encourage hikers to travel in groups, make noise while hiking, and carry bear spray that is easily accessible. Knowing how to properly use bear spray is also crucial.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has issued several tips to help hikers avoid bear encounters:

• Always carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately if a bear approaches.
• Make noise to alert bears of your presence, and hike in groups.
• Keep a safe distance from animal carcasses, as they can attract bears.
• Follow food storage guidelines set by the relevant land management agency.
• If you encounter a bear, do not approach it. Leave the area safely when possible.
• In the event of a bear attack without any deterrent or if your deterrent fails, lie face down on the ground, protecting your face and neck with your arms. Remain still until you are sure the bear has left the area.
• Store garbage, bird feeders, pet food, and other attractants in secure places. Only take out garbage on the day of collection. Utilize certified bear-resistant garbage containers where available.
• Do not feed wildlife. Bears conditioned to expect food from humans can lose their natural foraging instincts, posing further safety risks. Feeding bears is also illegal in Montana.