Man injured following encounter with grizzly bear in Glacier National Park

FLATHEAD COUNTY, Mont. – A 32-year-old man was transported to a local medical center on Thursday, May 28, after a surprise encounter with a grizzly bear in Glacier National Park left him with a fractured arm, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

The incident took place around 12:45 p.m. NPS officials reported that loud rushing water near Grinnell Glacier Trail prevented the hiker and the bear from detecting one another. After the bear charged, hikers in the area responded and began providing medical aid to the injured man while attempting to contact emergency responders.

The bear had reportedly left the area by the time park staff and Advanced Life-Support and Emergency Rescue Team (ALERT) personnel were dispatched.

According to NPS officials, the injured man was transported to Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell, and Grinnell Glacier Trail was temporarily closed by park staff. No estimated reopening time for the trail has been shared, however, officials encouraged the public to visit the NPS website for updates on trail information.