Rule 8

Montana is full of wildlife, and they’re not here for your entertainment.

Stay at least 100 yards from bears and 25 yards from everything else with hooves, horns or fur. Do not try to feed them, pet them or sneak up for a better photo. Just because an animal isn't running away doesn't mean it's OK with you being there—it might just be deciding whether or not to charge. You're not special. You're just in the way.

If you're on the trail, make noise. Clap, talk, sing—whatever it takes to let animals know you're coming so they can clear out before things get awkward. Stick to designated trails, hike with a buddy, carry bear spray and know how to use it. And respect the land while you're at it. That means no trash, no food scraps and no excuses. If you're in wildlife country, common sense is important.

Recreating in Bear Country

Also known as: how not to get eaten.

Montana is bear country. Grizzlies and black bears roam the forests, trails and riverbanks of Glacier Country like they pay the mortgage. They do not want to meet you. You probably don't want to meet them either.

Grizzlies can weigh more than 1,000 pounds, run 35 mph and stand 8 feet tall. This is not a joke. You are not faster. You are not stronger. So you need to make sure you're educated enough to be smart.

Here is how to avoid becoming a cautionary tale:

Keep your distance.

Stay 100 yards from bears at all times. If you can count the number of teeth in its mouth, you are too close. If it stands up, you are probably part of the problem.

Carry bear spray.

And no, it's not like bug spray. Don't mist yourself with it like it's mountain cologne. Learn how to use it—and keep it handy. Not buried in your backpack under three trail mix bags and a camera lens.

Hike in groups.

Three or more people is best. Bears are less likely to approach a group. A solo hiker is just a walking granola bar.

Skip the scents.

No perfume. No coconut lotion. No “essential oil bug spray” you were influenced to purchase on Tiktok. If you smell like a fruit basket, don't be surprised when something takes a bite.

Make noise.

Clap. Talk. Sing badly. Just don't be sneaky. Most bears don't want anything to do with you, but you have to let them know you're coming so they can leave before you show up.

Follow closures.

Trail closed due to bear activity? Stay out. That sign is not a dare. It is your last warning.

Clean your camp.

Keep your campsite clean. That means, food in bear-proof containers or hung like you're storing treasure. No trash, no crumbs, no “but it's just an apple core.” Properly store and pack it all out. Bears have better noses than TSA dogs and are way less chill.

Pack out everything.

Orange peels, cherry pits, that half-eaten PB&J—they're not part of the forest menu. They don't decompose quickly, and they do attract bears. So unless you want to teach a bear how to eat like a toddler, clean it up.

Never get between a mother and her cub.

This is not up for debate. If you see a cub, leave. Getting between a mom and her cub is how people end up on the news. You're not the cub whisperer. Get out of there.

If you do see a bear.

The goal is not to, but if you do, stay calm. Don't run. Don't scream. Slowly back away. Use your bear spray if needed.

For more details, see:
Be Bear Aware
National Park Service Bear Safety

If you recreate in bear country, do it responsibly. You're the guest here. Respect the wildlife and give them space.