Surprise grizzly encounter injures Glacier National Park hiker weeks after fatal attack

TO A 32-year-old hiker suffered non-life-threatening injuries, including a broken arm, during a surprise encounter with a grizzly bear last week, Glacier National Park officials announced in a Tuesday news release.

The incident marks the second major confrontation between a human and a bear at the park in less than a month. It comes after a fatal attack in early May along the Mount Brown Lookout Trail in the Lake McDonald Valley, an event park officials said was also likely surprise meeting.

Encounter with the grizzly bear in a snowy field

The latest encounter occurred in the afternoon in the Many Glacier area of ​​the park, approximately 3.5 miles from the popular Grinnell Glacier Trail. According to park officials, the incident took place in a snowy field «where the loud sound of rushing water made it difficult for either the man or the bear to detect each other.»

The grizzly bear attacked the hiker and fractured his arm. Nearby hikers acted quickly, intervening to assist the victim and causing the bear to move away from the immediate area. The group provided initial medical assistance and activated an emergency call.

At approximately 12:51 pm, park dispatch received this SOS signal. Rescue crews responded quickly and the hiker was transported by helicopter to Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell for treatment.

After the attack

The Grinnell Glacier Trail has been temporarily closed since the attack occurred. Park officials stated that the route “will be reopened when park staff deem it appropriate.” No further details are available at this time regarding the identity of the hiker or the current location of the bear.

Park rangers urge all visitors to review the park’s specific bear safety protocols before arriving. Up-to-date information on trail status and wildlife closures can be found at Glacier National Park’s official trail status. Web page.

Featured image via Joe Breuer

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