Avalanche Creek Trail closed due to bear activity

Glacier National Park officials have temporarily closed the Avalanche Creek Trail following reports of up to six different bears approaching people in the Avalanche area during the past week.

The closure does not include the Trail of the Cedars.

According to a press release from park spokeswoman Lauren Alley, the bears are exhibiting some signs of habituation, appearing to be unnaturally comfortable around humans.

“On Saturday, the park rangers received a credible report of a group of people nearly completely surrounding a grizzly bear along Avalanche Lake, causing the bear to swim out into the lake to create distance between itself and the crowd,” the release stated.

The temporary closure is expected to last several days as park managers assess bear behavior and movement, allow the bears to move to more remote areas and identify any additional actions the deem necessary.

“One of the best things people can do if they see a bear is to make sure they back up, and create 300 feet of distance,” Glacier Superintendent Jeff Mow stated in the press release. “That helps reinforce natural bear behavior, and keeps both people and bears safe.”

To reduce the possibility of running into a bear while in the park, visitors are asked to:

- Travel in groups and make loud noises by calling out or clapping frequent intervals

- Remain aware of their surroundings, especially near streams and at blind spots on trails

- Not approach any wildlife — instead, use binoculars, telescopes or telephoto lenses to get a closer look

- Maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards from any bear within the park

- Carry bear spray while hiking, keep it easily accessible and know how to use it properly

- Store food, garbage and other attractants in hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof food storage boxes when not in use

- Report any bear sightings or signs of bear activity to the nearest visitor center or ranger station, or call 406-888-7800

For updates on the Avalanche Lake Trail and other trails within the park, visit www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/trailstatusreports.htm.