If you follow some of the social media sites on Glacier, you’re probably seeing a lot of posts about visitors seeing bears. It’s fantastic to see wildlife in their natural setting and doing what they do best…being wild. And, we want to see them stay that way. Additionally, that means visitors need to be smart and responsible. Respect the fact that these are wild animals. Obviously, they are unpredictable and the harm bears can cause can be fatal. Remember, that isn’t Winnie-the-Pooh or Paddington so never approach a bear.
As a matter of fact, we have multiple orange bottles of bear spray at Glacier Bear Cabin for our guests to use during your stay. Please, take them every time you go hiking or biking. Certainly, the activity in Spring and Summer is very active. Honestly, the worst thing you can do is surprise a bear. Even worse, is surprising a mother bear with cubs nearby. So make noise as you are out. Many people just randomly shout “Hey Bear! Hey Bear!”
Stay on the trails! Sure, bears do use them. Notice if you see scat or even a fresh carcass around. Bear will guard their food, savagely so move away immediately from fresh carcass and report to the rangers where you found it. This will help reduce a potential bear encounter with others.
Now, if you encounter a bear on a trail do not run! Stand still but make noise and make yourself as big as possible with your arms stretched out overhead. Bears can run up to 35 mph and they will chase their prey. Don’t make that you. Do not climb a tree unless you expect to make it to the top. Additionally, while Grizzlies aren’t the best climbers (Black bears are) they will start up after you. And, with up to 4” claws, even a swipe or a bite can inflict heavy damage.
Further, DO NOT leave food lying around on a hike. Obviously, bears are resourceful and food is a welcoming invitation. Although we have an enclosed porch, please use our bear-proof trash can when disposing of your trash. In all honesty, we have not had any encounters of bear at our cabin. And, we’d really like to keep it that way. Be advised, there isn’t a huge amount of activity around Apgar and Lake McDonald during the day. But, it doesn’t mean a bear won’t venture in the area. So please be respectful of our rules and GNP’s policies.
Please note, aggressive or nuisance bears may be removed or worse, euthanized. So, please follow the Park’s rules on bears. We love seeing bears and hope you get to see them too… but at a safe distance!
To learn more about bear spray and how to use it, please watch this very well made short video from the National Park Service. It’s designed to keep you safe and the bear:
https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=F7EC7B4D-1DD8-B71B-0BA8E72257EBE39A
https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/bearspray.htm
To learn more about Grizzly’s habitat, biology and behaviors, please visit
https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Grizzly-Bear
For Information on Black Bears, visit:
https://www.bearbiology.org/bear-species/american-black-bear/
https://bear.org/quick-black-bear-facts/
GOING HIKING?
DON’T FORGET THE BEAR SPRAY!
DO YOU NEED A PLACE CLOSER TO WHITEFISH OR A LITTLE BIGGER?
Our Whitefish Mountain Property is Glacier Bear Condo. Mountain Modern Luxury Chalet.
CHECK OUT OUR SISTER LOCATION ON WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN – GLACIER BEAR CONDO
We have a stunning 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo located on Whitefish Mountain if you need a location closer town – or bigger.
Glacier Bear Condo is only 10 minutes from downtown and a scenic 45 minute drive to Glacier National 
Park, it’s a great place to stay in Whitefish! And, it’s about 45
Glacier Bear Condo on Whitefish Mountain
minutes to Big Fork and Flathead Lake. Of course, there are lots of fun activities on Whitefish Mountain during the summer like ziplining, alpine carts, hiking, mountain biking and riding the chair lift. So, if you’d like to learn more about Glacier Bear Condo, click HERE or visit https://GlacierBearCondo.com