Hiker charged by grizzly in Glacier Park suffered broken arm

A hiker charged by a grizzly bear in Glacier National Park last week suffered a broken arm, park officials reported.  

The 32-year-old man sustained the injury during a surprise encounter on Thursday, May 28, at approximately 12:45 p.m. on the Grinnell Glacier Trail.  

The incident occurred in a snowfield approximately 3.5 miles up the trail where the sound of loud rushing water made it difficult for either the man or the bear to detect one another, a park media release reported.  

The bear charged and fractured the man's arm.  Nearby hikers responded quickly to assist, and the bear moved away from the area. The hikers provided initial medical aid to the injured man and initiated emergency communication. 

At approximately 12:51 p.m. park dispatch received an SOS for an injured man who had an encounter with a bear. Park staff and ALERT were dispatched. ALERT transported the man to Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell.  

The incident follows an unrelated fatal bear attack on the west side of the park earlier this month. A 33 year old man from Florida, Anthony Pollio, was killed while hiking near Mount Brown Trail.  

As of Tuesday, The Grinnell Glacier Trail is temporarily closed and will reopen when deemed appropriate by park staff.  Mount Brown Trail remains closed as well. For information on trail closures in the park, visit the park’s trail status webpage.  

Stay safe in bear country: 

Never approach a bear.   

Stay alert and avoid headphones on trails.   

Hike in groups when possible.   

Make noise near streams, dense vegetation and blind corners.   

Store food, trash and scented items properly.   

Carry bear spray.   

Never run from a bear.   

For park-specific bear safety information, visit the park’s website before arrival.