Campground closes due to bear activity

Citing the arrival of hungry bears seen wandering the area, Glacier National Park has temporarily closed St. Mary Campground, located on the park’s east side.

No visitors to the park have reported encounters with bears in the area, but the glut of huckleberries in the area around the campground — particularly given the poor berry crop overall this year — has resulted in bears flocking to the area to stock up.

At this time of year, bears enter hyperphagia, a period of concentrated feeding to prepare for hibernation.

The campground was restricted to hard-sided camping only beginning Aug. 28 due to heightened bear activity, which has increased in the days since. A press release from the park stated that efforts to haze the bears from the area have been unsuccessful.

Elsewhere in the park, campers are still being reminded to keep campground and developed areas clean and free of food and trash. Regulations require that all edibles, food containers, and cookware be stored in a hard-sided vehicle or food locker when not in use, both day and night.

Visitors are also required to place all trash in bear-proof containers. Visitors should report all bear sightings to a park ranger as soon as possible.  

For updated information about campgrounds and campground status, please visit www.home.nps.gov/applications/glac/cgstatus/cgstatus.cfm or contact the park at 406-888-7800.