"hope to hear you first" Top 5 Page for this destination Glacier National Park Favorite Tip by richiecdisc

Fondest memory: Bear spray is another can of worms. Many novices carry it and then proceed to ignore the most important suggestion from the National Park Service, and that is to make a lot of noise. I saw many people hiking without so much as a peep, often alone. More experienced hikers in the park differ on their opinion of bear spray but a common belief is it will provide one more course of action provided you know how to use it. Wind is a big factor with a spray and you need to realize that for it to be effective, that bear is going to be within swatting distance. You have to ask yourself if you in have the nerve to stare down a grizzly and spray it in the face at the last second as it charges within inches of you. If it will make you more relaxed, that's fine as long as you remember the cardinal rule of making noise.

So, why would anyone want to subject themselves to this nerve wracking hiking scenario? Well, Glacier National Park is not only one of the most beautiful places on this planet but it's also home to a great host of wildlife like Bighorn Sheep as well as grizzlies. The fact is 99% of bears have absolutely no desire to meet up with a human. If it weren't for the tasty and often too easily obtained food we carry, they would give us the widest berth possible. We remain their only mortal enemy. Some people are lucky enough to see bears at safe close distances and it seems to be a profound experience for them. The perfect glacial valleys of Glacier are stunning and made even more so by a healthy ecosystem that includes wild animals wandering through them as they have for thousands of years. These are the rewards for those willing to take the risk but more importantly the responsibility of doing everything they can to insure it remains a wilderness, a place where grizzlies still thrive as they did once upon a time in the wild, wild west. If you're willing, I'll see you on the trails but I hope to hear you first.