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Kalispell woman collides with grizzly on running trail

Posted at 4:29 PM, Jul 11, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-11 18:29:35-04

A 30-year-old Kalispell woman ran into a younger grizzly bear while trail running on Huckleberry Lookout Trail, on Saturday morning.

She was running the trail with friends, and was a head of them when the bear and her collided. The bear reportedly ran away afterwards.

The woman transported herself to Kalispell Regional Medical Center for treatment and evaluation. She had minor, non-life-threatening injuries to the head and arm.

Rangers checked the scene and determined it was a surprise encounter with no further issues. No other reports of the bear or additional encounters have happened on the trail.

Rangers posted there was a bear sighting, but have not closed the trail.

Visitors to Glacier National Park are reminded that the park is home to black and grizzly bears, and discourage trail running in order to protect the public and bears.

Hikers are highly encouraged to hike in groups, make noise when hiking, and have bear spray accessible and know how to use it.

It's also important that visitors keep campgrounds and developed areas free of food and trash. Regulations require that all edibles, food containers, and cookware be stored in a hard-sided vehicle or food locker when not in use, day or night. All trash should be disposed in bear-proof containers.