When 27-year-old Jackson Reed set out for a solo hike in Montana’s Glacier National Park, he didn’t expect to be tackled by a 200-kilogram (450-pound) grizzly bear.
But that’s exactly what happened.
“I heard a rustle, turned my head, and boom—a bear was sprinting at me like a linebacker,” Jackson said. “I barely had time to think before it was on me.”
And what did he do? Nothing. Literally nothing. He played dead—and it saved his life.
When Playing Possum Pays Off
Now, let’s be clear: this isn’t always foolproof advice. But in this case, Jackson did exactly what experts recommend when facing a defensive grizzly.
Grizzly bears are powerful animals known for protecting their territory—especially if cubs are nearby. According to the National Park Service, the best move during a defensive attack is to lie flat on your stomach, cover your neck, and do not fight back.
And that’s what Jackson did. The bear gave him a few hard nudges, swatted his backpack, and eventually wandered off into the trees.
“It felt like hours,” Jackson said, “but the whole thing lasted maybe two minutes. Longest two minutes of my life.”
Grizzly Bear Attacks Are Rare… But Terrifying
Despite how it sounds, attacks like these are still extremely rare. Grizzlies usually avoid humans altogether. But when surprised or defending their young, they can become aggressive in seconds.
There are only a few bear-related injuries each year in the entire United States. Glacier National Park, for example, sees around three million visitors annually—and maybe one bear encounter that results in injury.
What makes Jackson’s story stand out is that he stayed calm in the middle of a full-blown bear charge. That, and he lived to tell the tale without so much as a scratch.
Moreover, a grizzly bear trailing people is not uncommon in that area. As a matter of fact, there have also been recorded various incidents of bears walking towards a group of hikers.
Tips for Staying Bear-Safe on the Trail
If you’re heading into bear country, don’t just wing it. Pack bear spray. Hike in groups. Make noise on the trail. And yes—know when to play dead. (Hint: only for grizzlies, not black bears. They require a different strategy.)
As for Jackson? He says he’s still hiking—but sticking to shorter trails. And maybe carrying two cans of bear spray. Just in case.
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