A scary encounter in Glacier National Park shows just how important bear spray can be. A woman hiking near Lake Janet was charged by a brown-colored bear with two cubs. She dove off the trail but still suffered injuries to her arm and shoulder before her partner used bear spray, sending the bear running. The whole thing lasted less than 30 seconds.
Park officials said the sow was acting defensively and won’t be euthanized. The hiker was airlifted out and is in stable condition. It’s a reminder that in late summer and fall, bears are extra active as they bulk up for winter. I always carry bear spray when hiking in grizzly country, but this makes me think about whether I’m quick enough to actually use it. Do you carry bear spray when you’re in national parks, or do you rely more on group size and noise to stay safe?
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