Park trail still closed after bear encounter

An investigation into a hiker’s encounter with a bear that involved gunfire is still underway in Glacier National Park.

The Mount Brown Lookout Trail has been closed during the investigation into the incident that occurred Saturday about 9:30 a.m. 

A 57-year-old hiker from Texas was walking alone on the trail when a bear charged from an area below the trail.

The man deployed his canister of bear spray and then fired one round from his handgun. It’s believed that the bear was wounded and ran away. The hiker turned around and hiked back to the trailhead, warning other hikers of the encounter.

The trail was closed immediately after the incident was reported and the area has been searched for the bear. Whether it is a grizzly or a black bear is unknown. 

Park visitors are urged to report any sightings of an injured bear.

It has been legal to carry firearms in national parks since 2010, consistent with state laws. But it is illegal to discharge a firearm in Glacier National Park.

Park spokeswoman Denise Germann said it is possible for the Texas man to be cited “depending on the outcome of the investigation.”

However, self-defense could be an important consideration for investigators.

Germann said it is the first incident she’s aware of involving a firearm and wildlife in the park since 2010.

“Park visitors are encouraged to carry and know how to properly use bear spray as a deterrent for a charging grizzly bear,” according to a press release from the park.

“No single deterrent is 100 percent effective, but compared to all others, including firearms, proper use of bear spray is proven to be the best method for fending off threatening and attacking bears, and for preventing injury to the person and animal involved.”