Bears begin prowling park

Bears are emerging from their winter dens, so local residents and visitors should take an extra measure of caution when recreating in bear country, Glacier Park Superintendent Mick Holm said.

Historically, male bears emerge from hibernation by mid-March.

Recently, grizzly bear tracks have been spotted in various locations in the North Fork portion of the park at Bowman Lake and along the Inside North Fork Road. Both grizzly and black-bear tracks have been reported in Many Glacier Valley.

"Soon after bears emerge from their dens, they search for winter-killed wildlife and succulent vegetation, the primary sources of much-needed food during spring months for both grizzly and black bears," Holm said. "Be alert for signs of bear activity such as evidence of feeding on a carcass, tracks, trampled vegetation or droppings."

Bears aggressively protect their food and their young, he noted. Females with cubs are particularly dangerous when they venture from their dens with newborns. A good rule of thumb is to not approach bears under any circumstances, Holm said.

If a bear charges, bear pepper spray may be a good last line of defense. Bear spray has been effective in most of the reported cases where it has been used, he said. However, spray is beneficial only at short distances of 10 to 30 feet, and wind, cold, and product age may alter its effectiveness.

Hikers should familiarize themselves with bear pepper spray, the safety trigger, and its holster.

"If someone decides to carry pepper spray, it must be immediately available, not inside a pack," Holm said. "Pepper spray is not a substitute for being observant and following good safety precautions."

Pepper spray is not intended to be a repellent; it is designed to be sprayed at charging or attacking bears at close range. Bear pepper spray is clearly identified and carries a registration number. Personal defense sprays not designed for use on bears may be ineffective.

Visitors should report any bear sightings or signs to the nearest visitor center or ranger station, or call 888-7800 as soon as possible.

This timely information assists park rangers in keeping bears away from unnatural food sources. Access to human food and garbage conditions and potentially habituates bears. Habituated animals often lose their fear of humans, which can threaten the safety of both park visitors and bears themselves.

Park visitors are reminded to keep food, garbage and other smelly items away from bears and other animals by either storing attractants inside vehicles or disposing of garbage in a bear-resistant trash can.

More information is available online at www.nps.gov/glac.