Hungry bears close St. Mary camp to tenters

Hungry bears have caused Glacier National Park officials to close the St. Mary auto campground to tent campers. Hard sided-campers, such as recreational vehicles and truck campers are still allowed in the camp.

The campground has seen a recent increase of bear activity, as they feed on berries in the area, creating a high potential for close encounters with bears. No incidents between humans and bears have been reported in the St. Mary campground to date.

Camper vehicles such as buses and pickup trucks with small canvas pop-ups are allowed as long as the canvas is not exposed.

Park rangers and wildlife managers are initiating some aversive conditioning, or negative reinforcement, to attempt to modify bear behavior near the campground. Rangers generally use non-lethal shotgun charges to ward off bears.

The effort will be ongoing. The berry crop across the Park was generally poor this year, but bushes and trees near water did relatively well. The St. Mary River runs right past the campground.

Glacier National Park is home to black and grizzly bears. Campers are reminded to keep a clean camp 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. Place all trash in bear-proof containers. Glacier asks that all bear sightings be reported to a park ranger as soon as possible.