Deeply imprinted trails clearly show the ancestral movement of bear generations over the land. Bear sightings mostly distant, memorable moments in any visit. However, these animals are large, fast and unpredictable. As with any large creature, they deserve your respect. Two bear-related fatalities have occurred at Glacier Bay.
Brown bears are most common on the park's outer Pacific coast and in the upper bay.
They are uncommon at Bartlett Cove and scarce elsewhere. Black bears may be found everywhere. Brown bears have claws adapted to digging rather than climbing. Black bears readily climb trees. Brown bears are generally considered the most dangerous species due to their large size and tendency to be less fearful of humans.