A hiker was injured after a bear with two cubs charged at her in Glacier National Park, Montana, on Wednesday, August 28. The incident occurred near Lake Janet at approximately 3:15 p.m., according to the National Park Service.
Officials reported that the 34-year-old woman and her hiking partner encountered a medium brown colored bear with two cubs when it rushed out of the brush. “The woman dove off the trail, while covering her head,” and suffered injuries to her arm and shoulder when “the bear swiped at her,” officials said.
During the encounter, which lasted fewer than 30 seconds, the woman’s hiking partner deployed bear spray. This action “caused the bear to immediately run away,” officials said.
Afterward, the hikers made their way toward Lake Janet Wilderness Campground where they met other hikers equipped with an InReach device. They used this device to send an SOS alert to park dispatch. Officials received the alert around 3:45 p.m. and responded to assist the injured hiker.
The woman was transported to a hospital in Kalispell and was reported in stable condition.
“No action will be taken against the bear at this time,” officials stated. They explained that “the encounter was a surprise to a sow with two cubs that reacted defensively.” The trail where the incident happened is bordered by both dense brush and the lake, which limited visibility for both hikers and wildlife.
Park staff have closed Lake Janet Wilderness Campground until further notice. It will reopen when deemed appropriate by officials.
“Visitors are reminded that the fall season is when bears are more likely to be active due to hyperphagia,” officials noted. “As bears prepare for the long winter, during which they will hibernate, they need to eat as much as they can to prepare to go months without food.”
According to information from the National Park Service, bear attacks remain rare in the United States. Most such incidents occur when bears defend their food, young, or territory. The agency also provides guidance on steps people can take to reduce risks during encounters with bears.
