Take a test to see if you know the difference between black and grizzly bears. This interactive quiz, developed by Montana, was created for black bear hunter training. CLICK HERE         HIKING IN BEAR COUNTRY + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Below is some suggested reading we think you may find both informative and entertaining. Great reads for the airplane on your way here! Outwitting Bears GARY BROWN Mark of the Grizzly SCOTT MCMILLION Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance STEPHEN HERRERO   TOP   PLAYING HERE  >  WILDLIFE >  BEAR AWARE We have camped overnight, traversed the back country, and taken short day hikes in Glacier Park, and for the longest time we didn't see a bear. No black bears, no grizzlies, no bears up close or far away. Although we didn't see any, spending time in a place where nature's top predators can still be found gave us a sense of heightened awareness and anticipation. So it was with the arrival of my friend Shanon from Rhode Island that everything changed. As we always do when our guests arrive for the first time to the area, we plan a 'perfectly Glacier' day. With Shanon it was the Iceberg Lake trail, located in the Many Glacier section of the park. July in Glacier Park in unparalleled, and this day was no exception. The sky was deep blue, the wildflowers everywhere, and we laughed and chatted as we climbed through meadows and forests to the trail namesake at the end, which even in July still has icebergs floating on its surface. The Iceberg Lake trail is fairly popular and well traveled, so we weren't alarmed when hikers walking in the opposite direction came toward us with increasing fervor. One man stopped to tell us that a bear was swimming in the lake. I figured by the time we got there the bear would be long gone, so we continued on our way. We did put Shanon in between us, since both Jay and I had pepper spray and Shanon did not. A short while later we were coming around a turn when Shanon asked me if I thought Jay and I would ever see a bear, given how much time we spend in the park. Before I could respond, no more than twelve feet away was a grizzly, about to cross our path. I remembered not to run and not to look him directly in the eyes. I grabbed Shanon's arm and told her not to run. Even though Jay and I had read many books on bears and grizzlies, and had watched the standard video presented by the park to all backcountry campers, everything in that moment came down to instinct. It seemed that if we stopped walking the path we would alert the bear to something being wrong. I distinctly remember how lazy and unconcerned he seemed, which may have been the result of living next to such a frequently traveled trail. So rather than stop, lay on our stomachs and put our arms over our heads, we kept walking and talking as if nothing were wrong. I slowed my pace to match Jay's stride as he brought up the rear, and asked if he thought the bear was following us. He took his camera and shot this picture blindly over his shoulder. By the time we reviewed the image in the viewfinder the bear was gone. It seems after we passed him he stopped in the trail to watch us leave (perhaps smelling our ham sandwiches?) before continuing his lazy summer day. The main point of this story is bear encounters CAN and DO happen, even on the busiest of trails. Even if you don't end up using the skills, it is extremely important to take time to learn the difference between black bears and grizzlies, and to arm yourself with both pepper spray and knowledge. We are of the opinion that you can only truly enjoy getting out into Glacier Park if you know what to expect and how to best protect your family.