Bears in Many Glacier
Instructor: Ralph Waldt
Sat/Sun: June 9-10, 2012
Glacier National Park’s story would not be complete without a look at the bears of Glacier Park. Finding bears will be the focus of our evening and morning outings (while the bears are most active), as Ralph shares his knowledge of where and how to see bears in a safe and conscientious manner. We will take day hikes around Lake Josephine (with views of Grinnell Glacier) and to Bullhead Lake in the Swiftcurrent Valley. Along the way, we will learn about bear biology, habitat and foods, from a passionate and well-respected naturalist.
Meeting Time: Saturday at 9:30 AM.
Meeting Place: Glacier National Park’s St. Mary Visitor Center parking lot.
Accommodations: This course does not provide lodging. There are a couple of lodging options in the St. Mary Valley at this time of year.
In St. Mary:
Red Eagle Motel 406-732-4453
St. Mary Lodge 406-732-4431
Rising Sun Motor Inn 406-732-5523
(*open summer only – call Glacier Park Inc. during off season
at 406-892-2525)
In Babb:
Thronson’s Motel 406-732-5530
Food: Students will be responsible for all their own food. Please pack a trail lunch for both days as well as any extra snacks to eat while we’re on the road and a water bottle (at least one quart). There is a grocery store in St. Mary where you can purchase any food you wish.
Saturday evening we will eat at a nearby restaurant so please bring money for all meals.
Equipment: Please see basic gear list. Binoculars are essential and spotting scopes are helpful if you have them. A day pack with room for layers; lunch and rain gear is a must.
Physical Requirements: Moderate hikes, up to seven miles and 1,000 feet elevation gain.
Transportation: We will be traveling by Glacier Institute van.
Recommended Reading:
Crown of the Continent: The Last Great Wilderness of the Rocky Mountains.
Ralph Waldt, Riverbend Publishing, Helena, MT, 2004.
Grizzly Country. Andy Russell, Nick Lyons Books, 1967.
Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance. Steve Herrero, Winchester Press, Piscatawy, N.J.
The Grizzly Bear. Thomas McNamee, McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1984.
The Grizzlies of Glacier. Warren Hanna, Mountain Press Publishing Co., 1978.
Grizzly Years. Doug Peacock.
Weather: Glacier Institute classes will not be cancelled due to weather.
Tentative Itinerary: Itinerary subject to change due to weather, trail closures, etc.
Saturday: After a brief introduction to each other, bear safety and the objectives of the course, we will head out to Many Glacier for a hike. We will spend quite a bit of time glassing the mountainsides looking for bears. Following our hike, we will head back to town for dinner and afterwards we may opt to continue glassing the hills for big game.
Sunday: Our adventures today will be decided upon as a group either Saturday night or after breakfast and will be based on bear activity, weather and student interest (energy levels!). The class will adjourn around 4 PM.
Academic Credit: This course may be taken for 16 Office of Public Instruction (OPI) renewal units (for teacher’s license renewal). If you wish to take an Institute course for OPI credit, you will be asked to fill out paperwork and pay a $20 credit fee at the start of your course, payable to Flathead Valley Community College.
* Please print out your course packet under product files.