Bear in Glacier National Park Montana Postcard

Grizzly bears in Glacier National Park are one of the park's most iconic and awe-inspiring wildlife species. The park, located in northwestern Montana along the U.S.-Canada border, is part of the larger Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem, home to one of the largest remaining grizzly bear populations in the Lower 48. Glacier’s rugged terrain, alpine meadows, huckleberry-rich slopes, and river valleys provide an ideal habitat for these solitary and wide-ranging animals. With over 300 grizzlies estimated to roam the park, sightings are relatively common—especially in areas like Many Glacier, Logan Pass, and the Two Medicine Valley during the summer and fall. Visitors often see grizzlies foraging for berries or roots, or moving across meadows and alpine ridges. In late summer, bears are especially active as they enter a period of hyperphagia, consuming thousands of calories a day to prepare for winter hibernation. While spotting a grizzly is a thrilling experience, Glacier National Park emphasizes strict safety practices: carrying bear spray, making noise while hiking, and storing food properly. The presence of grizzlies is not only a highlight of a visit to Glacier but also a powerful reminder of the park’s wild and untamed nature. Their continued presence reflects decades of conservation success and a commitment to maintaining the natural balance of this extraordinary wilderness.