After some hurry-up-and-wait, I received my official backcountry permit for Glacier National Park. I am officially permitted to hike in the woods. I even had to take a test on bear safety.
If you’ve been to the Boundary Waters and sat through the bear video, you’ll appreciate the order of magnitude here. For example, I recall the Boundary Waters instructions were to yell, bang pots, and throw stuff at any bear in camp. Here, you are supposed to stop, speak firmly, walk backwards, and not look the bear in the eye. And whatever you do, don’t run.
However, if this fails to avoid an encounter, you are supposed to use bear spray and/or play dead while laying on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your head, presumably to protect vital organs. Of course, the video says if the bear is deliberately attacking, not just startled, you should fight with sticks and rocks or climb a tree.
I wanted that permit very much, so I kept my mouth shut. Still, I was left a bit confused. For example, who penned the scientific study on the importance of avoiding eye contact to prevent mauling? Were volunteers divided into two groups of Direct Stare and Averted Eyes and then put in the pathway of a grizzly? What was the sample size? Another question I had was discerning between whether I was being attacked or just encountering a startled bear. I’m sure there are some people adept at quickly discerning the difference, but personally, I still need a few seconds to decide between paper or plastic bags and indoor or outdoor seating. Lastly, regarding the old playing dead thing; have these people not watched Revenant?
Please don’t think I am disrespectful of the National Park Service. They are trying to preserve and administer access to some of the world’s treasures. Permit systems control volumes, track hikers, and increase safety for people and animals.
Glacier National Park is stunning. I still have not seen the tops of most peaks due to storm clouds. But what I have seen is amazing. Just this afternoon I enjoyed a five mile walk in sun, rain, and snow.
I take a shuttle van to the Canadian border tomorrow and start walking south in the afternoon. Fitting my current physical condition, I am going to hike the Belly River. Most likely I will not be able to post for two days until I approach another park lodge.
Until then, I hope you stay safe and either avert your eyes or attack.
backpacking over the hill 