Glacier Bay: Brown bear charges park employee

Temporary Closure In The Bartlett River Area

Date: July 28, 2010
Contact: Allison Banks, Public Information Officer, 907-697-2230
Contact: Craig Smith, 907-697-2640

This notice is to inform visitors of a temporary closure to all human use along the Bartlett River upstream of the boardwalk (see map). On July 27 an NPS employee hiking in this area was charged by a brown bear (ran directly towards person at a fast pace) beginning on the other side of the river 150 feet away. The bear charged through the river to within 15 feet, at which time the person deployed a quick cloud of bear pepper spray. The bear immediately veered around the person and continued to run into the forest and did not return. Charging behavior is indicative of a brown bear defending a food source or cubs. NPS biologists are currently investigating the possibility of a mammal carcass or bear cubs in the area. This closure is to protect both people and bears from potential bear-human conflicts and will remain in effect until the investigation has been completed.

Visitors to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve can contact the park’s Visitor Information Station (907-697-2627) for the most current information regarding bear activity in Glacier Bay.

End Of Temporary Closure In The Bartlett River Area
Date: August 2, 2010
Contact: Allison Banks, Public Information Officer, 907-697-2230
Contact: Gus Martinez, 907-697-2628

This notice is to inform visitors that the temporary closure along the Bartlett River upstream of the boardwalk has been rescinded. On July 27 an NPS employee hiking in this area was charged by a brown bear. The person deployed bear pepper spray and successfully deterred the bear. NPS biologists and rangers investigated the area with aerial and ground surveys and found no indication that the bear has remained in the area. However, bear activity along the river remains high and hikers and anglers are encouraged to travel in groups, make noise while hiking, and have bear pepper spray immediately accessible. Please report any bear interactions to the Visitor Information Station.

Visitors to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve can contact the park’s Visitor Information Station (907-697-2627) to report bear encounters and for the most current information regarding bear activity in Glacier Bay.