Bear Charges Hikers in Glacier National Park, Viral Video Highlights Importance of Safety
A dramatic encounter in Montana’s Glacier National Park has taken social media by storm after a bear unexpectedly charged toward a group of hikers, sending them fleeing in panic. The video, originally posted by TikTok user @madylame on August 25, captures the tense scene as tourists gathered on a rocky slope suddenly found themselves in the path of a fast-moving bear.

In the clip, the hikers’ relaxed demeanor turned to terror within seconds. Screams filled the air as the group scattered in all directions, their chaotic dash for safety reflecting the sheer unpredictability of wildlife encounters in the park. The video’s caption noted that the bear was most likely chasing goats when it crossed paths with the hikers. Luckily, no one was injured, and the uploader reminded viewers of a crucial safety tip: “Friendly reminder to carry bear spray.”
The short video quickly spread across TikTok, racking up more than 3.6 million views and over 152,000 likes. While some viewers were amused by the startled reactions, others recognized the incident as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with venturing into bear country.
Glacier National Park, located in northwestern Montana, is celebrated for its rugged beauty and remarkable wildlife. It also hosts one of the densest grizzly bear populations in the contiguous United States. Because of this, park officials strongly encourage visitors to take precautions such as hiking in groups, staying alert, securing food properly, and carrying bear spray—an effective non-lethal deterrent that has been proven to stop aggressive encounters.

One TikTok commenter who claimed to be present during the incident offered additional context, explaining that the mother bear was hunting goats and that two adolescent grizzlies were also nearby. This effectively surrounded the hikers until they were able to move aside, heightening the tension of an already nerve-wracking situation. The commenter described the ordeal as “the most insane thing that ever happened to me,” giving firsthand confirmation of just how frightening the encounter was.
Experts note that while instinct may tell people to run when faced with a charging bear, doing so can actually provoke further pursuit. Instead, wildlife officials recommend standing one’s ground, making noise, and deploying bear spray if necessary. In reality, however, many hikers in surprise situations react as these tourists did—by fleeing immediately.

Ultimately, this viral moment served as both entertainment and education. While it provided a gripping spectacle for millions online, it also reinforced the importance of respecting wildlife and preparing for the unexpected. Glacier National Park remains one of the nation’s great treasures, but as this incident shows, it is also a true wilderness where encounters with powerful animals are always a possibility.
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This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.