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Contact: Denise Germann, 406-888-5838
WEST GLACIER, MT. –This afternoon at approximately 12 p.m. a hiker on the trail from Many Glacier to Piegan Pass was attacked by a grizzly bear. The 50-year male hiker from St. Paul, Minnesota was hiking alone when he rounded a bend in the trail and encountered a sow grizzly with one sub-adult. The hiker was carrying bear spray, but was unable to deploy it before the bear attacked. The hiker sustained bites to his left thigh and left forearm, before the bear 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 then transported to the Blackfeet Community Hospital in Browning by the Babb Ambulance. Initial reports indicated the hiker was making noise as he hiked. The trail from Piegan Pass to Feather Plume Falls is closed at this time, and rangers are investigating the incident. 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. |
Last updated: February 24, 2015