Kalispell woman injured after colliding into bear while running in Glacier National Park

A Kalispell woman sustained minor injuries to the head and arm after colliding with a bear while running on Huckleberry Lookout Trail in Glacier National Park. The bear was believed to be a young grizzly according to a press release from Glacier National Park.

The surprise encounter occurred about four miles down the trail and was called in to dispatchers at 9 a.m., Saturday. The woman, who was in her 30s, was running ahead of two other people when she and the bear collided. The woman and bear reportedly tumbled off the trail and, once separated, the bear ran off.

The woman walked back down the trail with friends and met rangers at the trailhead according to the release. The woman went to Kalispell Regional Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment.

No other incidents or encounters with the bear on the trail were reported. Rangers have posted warnings about bears frequenting the area, but have not closed the trail.

The last injury by a grizzly bear occurred on Aug. 27, 2016, when an off-duty park employee surprised a grizzly bear while picking huckleberries in the Swiftcurrent Valley. She sustained non-life threatening injuries to the leg and hands.

Glacier National Park visitors are reminded that the park is home to black and grizzly bears. The press release noted the risk trail running in bear habitat may pose:

“Trail running in grizzly habitat is dangerous because runners traveling quickly and quietly through bear habitat have a higher risk of surprising grizzly bears at close range. Glacier National Park discourages trail running in order to protect the public and the bears.”

In addition, hikers are encouraged to travel in groups, make noise and carry bear spray.

“It is especially important that visitors keep campgrounds and developed areas clean and free of food and trash,” the release stated.

Regulations require that all edibles, food containers, and cookware be stored in a hard-sided vehicle or food locker when not in use, day or night. Place all trash in bear-proof containers. Do not burn waste in fire rings or leave litter around your camp. Fire rings should be free of trash before vacating a campsite.

For more information about recreating in bear habitat visit https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/bears.htm.