‘We’re Going to Die,’ Hikers Share Their Close Encounters with Charging Grizzly Bears at a U.S. National Park

A frightening encounter with young grizzly bears has highlighted the need for vigilance among hikers in Glacier National Park, Montana. Two hikers, Alyssa Olsen and Mason Van Zeeland, found themselves in a close call with the bears while navigating a trail on Monday, 25 May. Their experience, shared on social media, raises important safety concerns for outdoor enthusiasts.

Olsen, who hails from New Zealand, and Van Zeeland from Wisconsin, recorded the incident, in which the bears unexpectedly crossed their path. In the footage shared on Instagram, Olsen can be heard exclaiming, “We’re going to die. We’re actually going to die. Holy heck!” as one bear dashed past them, leaving the hikers startled and unsure of how to proceed.

The pair had stepped off the designated trail just moments before the encounter, a decision that would quickly become nerve-wracking. Olsen recounted that the bears ran within a few feet of them, with one of the animals stopping briefly in front of the hikers. Initially joking about the situation, her mood shifted dramatically when a bear growled, prompting her to realise the seriousness of their predicament. “That’s when I thought, ‘Oh no, this ain’t happy times anymore,’” she reflected.

In a bid to ensure their safety, Van Zeeland deployed bear spray, a precaution that ultimately succeeded in deterring the animals from approaching them further. Although the frightening moment was not captured on video, Van Zeeland confirmed that he hoped not to use the spray, but felt compelled to do so as the situation unfolded.

After the close encounter with the grizzlies, the hikers encountered another wild animal—a moose—leading Olsen to jest about their adventurous day, saying, “Wasn’t the bears enough?” Despite the humour in her remark, they later sought guidance from park officials about their experience, who assured them that the bears were young but exhibited unusual behaviour towards the pair.

In a post on Instagram, Van Zeeland expressed the unexpected challenges they faced during the incident, noting, “We did some things right and some things wrong. We weren’t perfect in the moment, and situations happen fast. Safety should always come first.” This comment underscores the unpredictable nature of wildlife interactions in national parks.

The National Park Service (NPS) has reiterated the importance of adhering to safety guidelines when hiking in bear country. Park officials advise visitors to hike in groups, create noise to avoid surprising bears, keep a safe distance from wildlife, carry bear spray, and remain aware of their surroundings at all times.

The unexpected nature of the encounter serves as a stark reminder that nature can be unpredictable. While young bears may pose less risk than adults, their behaviour can still be erratic and alarming. The incident has highlighted the necessity for hikers to remain aware of their environment and remain informed about the wildlife they may encounter.

As emotional as the experience may have been for Olsen and Van Zeeland, it is also a valuable lesson for others. Visitors to national parks must understand the respect needed in wilderness areas and the importance of being prepared for unforeseen circumstances. By following safety protocols, hikers can help protect both themselves and the wildlife that inhabit these beautiful natural spaces.