Aggressive mountain lion in Upper McDonald Creek area

Glacier National Park officials report a mountain lion has been seen this week displaying aggressive behavior near areas in the Upper McDonald Creek Valley that are highly frequented by visitors.

According to a Park press release, a woman and her niece were confronted by an adult mountain lion on the Sperry Trail near the Lake McDonald Lodge on Tuesday, June 23. The mountain lion was dark in color and was crouched adjacent to the trail with its ears back when the two saw it. They spoke firmly to the lion and it eventually left the area.

Rangers received a report on Sunday, June 26, of a large hiking group that encountered a mountain lion with a similar description on the Upper McDonald Creek Trail, between the North McDonald Road and the horse bridge across Upper McDonald Creek. The lion was spotted less than five feet off the trail and showed no signs of being frightened by people.

Rangers began to actively patrol these trails. They ask visitors to be on the alert for mountain lions and report all sightings to the closest Park Service facility.

Visitors are advised to hike in groups and are reminded that unlike bears, if a mountain lion attack seems imminent, visitors should act aggressively and not crouch or run away. For more information, visit online at www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/mtnlionsafety.htm.