Glacier National Park officials announced today, Sept. 18, that the St. Mary Campground on the east side is currently available to hard-sided camping only.

Park officials say there has been a recent increase in black and grizzly bear activity, increasing the risk for human/bear interactions. So far, no incidents between humans and bears have been reported in the St. Mary Campground.

Park rangers and wildlife managers will begin aversive conditioning in an attempt to modify bear behavior near the campground. It’s unknown when the hard-sided camping limitation will be lifted in the campground. 

Glacier Park is home to black bears and grizzly bears. Campers are reminded to keep campground and developed areas clean and free of food and trash. Regulations require that all edibles, food containers and cookware be stored in a hard-sided vehicle or food locker when not in use, day or night.

Place all trash in bear-proof containers. Do not burn waste in fire rings or leave litter around camp. Fire rings should be free of trash before vacating a camp site. All bear sightings should be reported to a park ranger.  

For more information about bears, visit online at www.nps.gov/glac/naturescience/bears.htm. For updated information about campgrounds, visit online at http://home.nps.gov/applications/glac/cgstatus/cgstatus.cfm or call 406-888-7800.