Last updated: July 17, 2024
Thing to Do
Bears
Harold Blackwood photo
Glacier is home to two species of bears: grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and black bears (Ursus americanus). Both species come in a range of colors from black to brown, reddish, or blond.
Visitors should be aware that all bears are potentially dangerous. Park regulations require that people maintain a distance of at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears. It is against the law to feed any park wildlife, including bears. The mantra that "a fed bear is a dead bear" is unfortunately a reality.
To learn about safety in bear country, visit Glacier National Park's website for resources on how to recreate safely in the park at NPS.GOV/GLAC.
Visitors should be aware that all bears are potentially dangerous. Park regulations require that people maintain a distance of at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears. It is against the law to feed any park wildlife, including bears. The mantra that "a fed bear is a dead bear" is unfortunately a reality.
To learn about safety in bear country, visit Glacier National Park's website for resources on how to recreate safely in the park at NPS.GOV/GLAC.
Details
Activity
Wildlife Watching
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Various locations
Bears can be seen anywhere within Glacier National Park, including roads and parking lots. Using binoculars and looking in open areas before sunrise greatly improve your chances.
Grizzly bears spend most of their time in meadows while black bears spend most of their time in forests. Both will move around when looking for food. They can also be found in avalanche chutes, mountain meadows, or areas where berry bushes are plentiful.
Grizzly bears spend most of their time in meadows while black bears spend most of their time in forests. Both will move around when looking for food. They can also be found in avalanche chutes, mountain meadows, or areas where berry bushes are plentiful.
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
In addition to driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road and other park roads, the Running Eagle Falls Nature Trail, the Swiftcurrent Nature Trail, and the Trail of the Cedars are three of Glacier’s most accessible areas.
Improvements in accessibility are being made each year, and with a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find Glacier to be a rewarding experience. Details on Glacier's accessible facilities and services can be found on the park's website nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Improvements in accessibility are being made each year, and with a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find Glacier to be a rewarding experience. Details on Glacier's accessible facilities and services can be found on the park's website nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.