A family hiking the Highline Trail in Montana's Glacier National Park were lucky they had their wits about them, as a dangerously close encounter with wild bighorn sheep could have ended disastrously.
Footage posted by Carrie, who describes herself as a mom of three teens who loves to travel, on her TikTok account (@postcardsfromcarrie) shows her family escaping up the side of a mountain to get out of the way of two approaching rams.
@postcardsfromcarrie Crazy encounter we had with two rams on Highline Trail in Glacier National Park #glaciernationalpark #highlinetrail #montana #hiking #hikingadventures #bighornsheep #rams #mountain #traveltiktok #travel #nationalpark #wildlife #wildanimals ♬ original sound - Postcards From Carrie | Travel
The hasty move to safety was clearly worthwhile, as once they got off the narrow path, one of the rams broke into a high-speed charge. If any of the family members were on the receiving end of the animals' horns, they would likely have been gored or even sent toppling over the steep drop on the other side of the walkway.
Fortunately, all family members were safe, and they were even treated to another viewing of a ram at full tilt, as the second followed shortly after.
It was a remarkable encounter with nature, and this group handled it superbly. Not only did they give the creatures a good amount of space to continue their route, but they also kept quiet as each one passed.
Unfortunately, not all tourists demonstrate the same levels of consideration for wild animals.
Stay hydrated and refreshed this holiday season — without any sugar or harmful additives Nuun’s zero-sugar hydration tablets are a perfect, guilt-free way to enhance your water throughout the day. You’ll get five essential electrolytes for everyday hydration — with zero grams of sugar. Plus, Nuun tablets are certified vegan and gluten-free, and they’re the perfect size to keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you'll want a healthy, restorative drink. Learn more → |
"Once in a lifetime experience," one TikToker commented. "Bighorn sheep are typically very reclusive. Very cool."
"Thank you for being respectful," another added. "Hikers [need] to know this for nature."
An unexpected TikTok account won the comments battle.
"Sorry just passing through," the Los Angeles Rams said.
There's a reason dermatologists personally use this daily moisturizing sunscreen more than any other brand Dermatologists see and understand skin at a much deeper level than the rest of us, and they know that the perfect SPF both protects and corrects your skin. That's why they trust, recommend, and personally use EltaMD more than any other brand. EltaMD's clinically tested formulas are designed with dermatologists to meet the needs of any skin type or condition. They're also designed for consistent daily wear to build long-term resilience with a moisturizing, lightweight, non-comedogenic texture — plus hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more → |
According to the Glacier National Park website, the horns on bighorn sheep can weigh up to 30 pounds, so being hit with them by force could lead to serious injury — that's without considering where you would land following a strike.
The park requests that visitors stay at least 23 meters (25 yards) away from wildlife at all times, but in this situation, the family had little choice. They were smart enough to take evasive action, though.
It's not unusual for wildlife to act aggressively when feeling threatened, especially if protecting offspring, so giving animals the respect they deserve in their natural habitat is essential for any tourist.
Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
