A friendly grizzly bear visit while hiking off-trail - Yellowstone National Park

I was sitting in the rain under my poncho just kinda gazing off into the distance while resting under a tree when I took a look to my left. I immediately saw a grizzly walking towards me. I was not very visible to the bear because I was under my poncho but the grizzly finally spotted me from the movement I was making while going after my bear spay and then my camera. You are never suppose to get within 100 yards of bears in the park but with close surprise encounters you have no choice and at that point you have to do the right thing. As most people know, my thinking is to never do anything that can upset a grizzly. So I moved away at the opportune time. It turned out to be another great experience in the backcountry of Yellowstone.
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Knife - amzn.to/3vElZTe

[@johncarlo2630]

100 yards, thank goodness he was a friendly bear. Many thanks Stan for this authentic footage with no annoying music to boot

[@owenpeller6471]

Yes, when people add annoying music I turn off their videos

[@jamwerx]

100 yards is the rule but you’d be a fool to think you’re “safe” because you’re 100 yards. A grizzly can cover 100 yards in 4-5 seconds… I wish they’d explain this instead of ppl thinking they’re safe, if a grizzly wants you and you’re not by adequate shelter then it’s going to get you. Luckily, they’re very tolerant of ppl and will nay attack under certain conditions (momma, surprised in close range, by food source, enter they’re personal space, etc… ), even then unless it’s a rogue bear it’s not trying to kill you just take away what they perceive as your weapon which is your mouth. Personally, I’d rather them be closer and know I’m there and let them decide the distance but still have spray ready. Just educate yourself on bear behavior before going into bear country. While they can be unpredictable being able to read the situation is critical but also understand that going into bear country is a risk that can have consequences. Great video as always

[@yourrealdad816]

Yes, he was a very sweet bear. You can pet the grizzlies in Yellowstone.

[@traviscoates6878]

No such thing as a “friendly” grizzly. Just Grizzlies. Most of the time they’re calm and docile, some of the time they’re aggressive and predatory. Just gotta be able to decipher which

[@jimblack8027]

I suspect there is no such thing as a "friendly bear". There are bears who are hungry and bears who are not. That's all... :)

[@tinydolphin9818]

Came for the danger, stayed for the relaxing wildlife sounds

[@mikebaker3036]

The info on where and when you hiked is great. No drawn out worthless time wasting. You also can talk without the camera pointing at you but instead shows the wonderful landscape. Totally enjoy all your videos.

[@StanMills]

Mike, thank you for the very nice comment.

[@jessicalazar4163]

Great video! That bird had such a brilliant blue color. I walked up on a moose once. He was sitting down and I didn't see him.. He stood up and I slowly and carefully walked backward. He showed me the same respect and left me alone. I was grateful!

[@marilynwillett804]

Me too, a mama moose with her calf, me and my German shepherd, in Alaska. I just said hi Moose and walked past her.

[@larmolarmo]

@@marilynwillett804 I've heard that moose attack and injure more people in Alaska than Grizzlies do. Wild animals can be unpredictable. I hope you walked past at a good distance. Otherwise you just got lucky.

[@truthkitty8198]

I appreciate your actions with the bear. You didn’t stress it, you were calm, you gave it space. Good for you. 😊

[@SheilaNoya]

Thank for this, Stan. It felt like I was there walking through Yellowstone with you. To be the only human in sight must be a different kind of alone-ness, and peaceful. Nature's landscape and its creatures are a great gift.

[@jazzfan7491]

At 8:17 where he sits up to look at you I know I'd be scared right out of my pants

[@shirleywashington4969]

Thank You for sharing your hike with those of us who can’t, at 80 my hiking days are memories… But like other comments PLEASE DON’T Suggest that Grizzlies are FRIENDLY!!! For the gullible and the bears…. 🤷‍♀️ Be Safe, ❤️ that U share your experiences !!

[@DougHinVA]

correct ... anyone who spent much time in the Appalachians knows that bears are predators and foragers. They are animals that kill to eat and are NOT 'friendly' ...

[@jago76]

We are fortunate to be able to experience the wild Yellowstone back country through your eyes. Thank you!

[@larmolarmo]

Great video, Stan! I think I'd describe that bear as unconcerned, rather than friendly.

[@MikeNaples]

It's all relative, some of us consider a grizzly friendly if he doesn't maul or eat you.

[@m118lr]

@@MikeNaples ..yep.

[@kcallaghan7839]

The bears not being kind and pleasant to you.

[@kostapapa1989]

All living beings need love. With love and care they can be friendly. Even huggable.

[@JackClarke561]

What a hike, to the people giving him crap about the bear, he did so in a safe and responsible way he did not approach the bear he kept his distance and backed up when he thought the bear could be a threat. Great video👍

[@bbfanmo]

I love your videos and the natural sounds… no music is the best part! Keep the videos coming and be safe out there 😊

[@marklalone3091]

Enjoy every second of your content... every single time. Through and through. From the scenery, trails and tracks, to signs, scrapes, scat and rubs. Makes your videos so much more interesting then seeing only animals. Watching your episodes gives us an idea of how you move about, observe and happen upon the animals. And sometimes, the animals find you! Thank you for what you do. Looking forward to the next.

[@crazeecip]

Thanks Stan for the relaxing, beautiful look into Yellowstone. Been there once as a tourist but have never seen the side you show us.

[@williamchristy3063]

The grizzly wasn't being friendly. He simply had no interest in you!

[@petersiegfriedkrug]

No, this bear is a sweet bear.

[@briscoedarling3237]

Thanks for showing us parts of Yellowstone that very few people will ever see. Can’t wait for you videos when things are greening up!

[@chrisanngianoli2206]

Just watched this yet again. And the make. Bluebird just made my morning Thanks again. I watch them over and again each morning

[@StanMills]

Chrisann, Thank you very much. You should like the next video that I will probably publish on Sunday. I had a scary (but amazing) encounter today with a couple grizzlies.

[@Scanjoon]

In my world, friendly wild grizzly bears are non-existent.

[@gkranch990]

In my opinion, the best part of the video is all the precipitation we're getting this spring. Here in Cody we have had such dry springs lately that it is a wonderful blessing to get some rain/snow and grow some grass!

[@1jesus2music3duke]

Aaaaaand now it’s flooded lol

[@mmsdecorator928]

That grizzly bear had been smelling you when you were 20 miles away. He wasn’t interested in harming you. Thank you for sharing!

[@Chris-cf2kp]

That one looked rather alert, with a bit of an aggressive stance and like it was sizing you up initially. Glad it turned out alright.

[@domif.b.7657]

I've been watching a couple of your videos, since yesterday, and I am impressed by how cool and calm you manage to hold the camera while the bears are looking at you from a very short distance ( I'd shake at the mere sight of a big spider, so... ). Thank you for sharing those amazing footages, I travelled and hiked across Yellowstone and Grand Teton many, many years ago, and do have fond memories of those 2 parks.

[@desertfairychickres4021]

Wild animals are unpredictable. Your going to end up like that dude in Alaska. At least your not dragging a girlfriend or wife along. May God bless you and keep you.

[@marianfrances4959]

Beautiful little lake. Quite the boneyard! Beautiful to see all the animals. Awesome grizzly encounter!! Thank you, Stan! 👍😎🇨🇦🐦🎩🎖

[@mtb4ever285]

Thanks for sharing, Stan. I always look forward to every one of your videos.

[@flacat6437]

The bear encounter was amazing and so was the bluebird!!!!

[@leslie6938]

I came here to note that gorgeous bluebird too. Such a rich vivid color. The grizzly seemed much less interested in Stan than Stan was in the grizzly. That said, both kept an eye on the other. It's so nice when people, animals and nature can all interact in harmony.

[@Mimi_and_Wellie_the_GSD]

The 2 deer at 3:50 were like.... "Hey Carl Look! is that Stan?!... Carls buddy Cliffy takes a look-see... Yup, that's a roger on our good buddy Stan!" LOL 😊 Just brilliant Stan. Last hike, you'd explained to me how you handle bear encounters. What a treat to see exactly that! God bless you

[@cribbsprojects]

That was a beautiful hike. Rain can make for the best of times... and good to see the land replenished too...

[@jolenecreech7648]

Don’t think I would feel comfortable having a grizzly stare at me. Thank you for sharing, Stan.

[@StanMills]

I think most people feel that way. But when I does happen I think most people feel like it was a very rewarding experience and thankful that they got to experience something like that. Most of the news you ever hear about grizzlies is when something bad happens.

[@vern0018]

@@StanMills sorry to ask such an idiotic question. In what way was the grizzly friendly.

[@StanMills]

@@vern0018 In what way was it unfriendly? Grizzly bears are not out to eat you like everyone thinks.

[@vern0018]

@@StanMills I didn't say it's friendly or unfriendly. I just asked to describe which part of the behavior was friendly. Just trying to learn more of bears.

[@m118lr]

@@vern0018 ..the fact HE DIDN’T CONFRONT OR CHARGE maybe..?

[@tjenki00]

Absolutely incredible experience Stan, thanks for sharing.

[@CastleMc]

Love your videos and glad to see that you received some media notice for this one. I will not hike in grizzly country, especially not alone, so your videos are the closest I will ever come to that experience!

[@petersiegfriedkrug]

So friendly bear! He is so sweet.

[@harlanwhitley5911]

Close encounters of the BIG KIND! Stay safe out there and thanks for the beautiful videos!

[@harlanwhitley5911]

Wow, this video made Newsweek!

[@7Saturdays]

Great stuff as always, Stan. Looking forward to a summer full of your videos. Thank you!

[@robertkraychik1884]

really great scenery, thanks stan.

[@berthamiles6507]

Love your videos. and love your detail referencing where you traveled! Thank you so much for doing them!!!!

[@StanMills]

Bertha, thank you for your nice comments. I like putting the detailed reference but not all videos will have them. And there is a reason for not including them. Some places I hike are along the boundary areas just outside of the park. You may notice they will say “Yellowstone Ecosystem” instead of “Yellowstone National Park” and there will be no map or information about the spot I am in. The reason for that is the possibility of de-listing of the grizzly bear and opening up trophy hunting. I don’t want to give away locations. I know I have a couple videos out there that do give locations but I try not to do that. Thanks again.

[@elizabethwhite6364]

Winter wants to hang on! Great trip! That grizzly was curious - glad he was focused on waking up and roots! Really enjoy these walk hikes! Looking forward to the camping season!

[@bobhohne5583]

These videos are just brilliant. He always leaves me wanting more.

[@rhondasanders4323]

Thank You! I miss the mountains n going camping n hiking n seeing the wildlife around me. Thanks Again.

[@charlottebailey1124]

I enjoyed every second of this film. Wish there was more! Thanks!!!

[@amyenglish621]

Just found your channel yesterday while watching the Scary Bear Attacks channel….I have watched a few of these and love them! Thank you for showing us the park….it is on my Bucket List to hike Yellowstone. As someone mentioned above, you are SO CALM when you see a Grizz and you deal with the situation calm, cool & collected! That is such a excellent example for us all to follow in any bear country. I really appreciate the tips and pointers that you share….it does make a difference how you react and handle a bear sighting and can be the choice between living to tell the tale or becoming part of the food chain because you needed the “perfect selfie”. Thanks so much….A new super FAN!

[@lisatoronto7265]

Love the quiet, sound of the rain, heavenly.

[@manusterra1236]

Well played, sir. Beautiful experience you were able to share.

[@Eibmozluver]

What an amazing experience! Thanks for sharing!

[@carolwhittaker1905]

Great video, wonderful experience! and I agree that the moisture is a blessing. We are already in fire season in Arizona.

[@terryharl7949]

What a great walk you had! I probably would not have been as calm! Thanks for sharing.

[@JulieAiken]

Stunning! Thanks for posting.

[@waynedixon2975]

That was a nice video of the mountain lion cool that you got to see all those animals

[@chrisanngianoli2206]

I see you made the Cowboy State Daily newsletter. I am sitting here enjoying reruns of all the hikes as I review emails. thanks always also, saw that bluebird shot - making me happy

[@axe2grind244]

It seems like they know you at this point and that it’s just Stan passing through.

[@shirleyduncan3653]

Stan I had to put a jacket on from the comfort of my home seeing the cold weather! Beautiful as always. We went to the swinging bridge there last August.

[@LindaSmith-ye3oc]

I watched the video for the Grizzly, but thoroughly enjoyed your hike in this beautiful place. Stay safe out there!

[@dml4283]

Great video as always. Looking forward to your next.

[@jettechdonatkins]

This was a very nice video.I came across your channel just two days ago and really enjoy seeing nature like this.I would have loved going on a hike like this a few years ago,and was in good enough condition to do so,but a stroke put a stop to that in '20.The good thing is I would have not found your channel otherwise,so good things do come out of bad things.Thanks for doing this,and I will be watching a lot more of you!

[@m118lr]

…same here. JUST found his channel. GREAT stuff, reminds me of NW Montana.

[@BuySellColoradoSprings]

Wow. And what a beautiful bird!

[@littlefox8352]

Thank you, I love your channel.

[@teresajohnson8988]

Your videos are relaxing and beautiful!!!

[@colleencarmichael6917]

Kinda glad you weren't sitting there eatting your lunch lol!! Great video Stan! Loved the bright colorful bluebird :)

[@duanemellenbruch2055]

Thank you for sharing! Enjoyed that!

[@debbiejohnson5610]

Nice one, glad to see a bear this time, and the blue bird 💙

[@MountainHobbler]

Of all the huge poops in this video I would have dropped the biggest after seeing that bear.

[@StanMills]

Bison scat.

[@jasonbamrick7518]

Great footage, and such amazing wildlife out there

[@bloodyeyeful]

Thankfully that wasn't a sow with cubs walking up on you. Stay safe Sir. I really enjoy your doings. Blessings to us all.

[@JohnERed]

Beautiful hike. Had a bit of rain and snow. Got up high. Incredible wildlife views. I wouldn’t go so far as to say friendly grizzly. You got lucky there. They’re an aggressive species. Thanks for sharing

[@djb523]

My brother and I encountered a black bear at Glacier Nat'l Park while walking on a trail. He was just lumbering along about 100 ft (yes feet) in front of us. We both stopped in our tracks and started walking backwards. After about 50 ft the bear, who was gaining on us, turned into the woods and walked around us and back onto the trail. Always regretted not taking a video. Your videos are great, thanks for sharing.

[@jaysong9843]

what a gentle boy

[@columbusohio72]

Love the sound of nature. Cool video

[@gracefranklyn5729]

Great footage, beautiful Life 🐻🌲🦬 🌿🐦

[@frisk151]

Another excellent video of places most people don't venture. Thanks!

[@ohhbobba3401]

Gorgeous Stan, the Bear's must spend a lot of time on the quasi mound you were on, so much Scat 👀. Be thankful you didn't run into one of the Forest People, `Sabe` (Sasquatch). Good luck in all your beautiful ventures.

[@markporter-thechurchhistor6784]

Another great video Stan👍

[@oldskool4612]

As always amazing content Stan. Curious as to the amount of snow the Yellowstone ecosystem received over the winter. You usually spot the Griz before they spot you but not this time. Impressed how you handled that situation. Stay safe and again many thanks for sharing your passion.

[@StanMills]

This area of the park seemed to have gotten less snow than usual. But it has been getting a lot of good rain over the last week. The west side of the park looked to have close to normal snowpack.

[@m118lr]

@@juliebryne2903 ..not necessarily at all. Depends on several factors: geography or topography AND most importantly..Wind direction.

[@ernestmartinez8198]

That was some really nice footage of the Griz Stan 👍

[@ocaphoenix5347]

Stunning!! Many thx -

[@castlemagic4746]

Going off trail by yourself in Yellowstone is risky to say the least.

[@kimjeffries7165]

That is what I thought. I do not think it is a good idea to hike alone in bear country.

[@castlemagic4746]

@@kimjeffries7165 wolf country too...

[@offgridselfteliant]

Well you need to carry bear spray, a loud air horn, and something to make you look bigger! I carry a umbrella for that image foolery. But with a animal that can smell a peanut in the middle of a truck of gravel, not smelling like food is the safest thing you can do. Never hike in clothes you just cooked bacon and eggs in. My group the poor designated cook of the day wanders away from camp to cook! Exhiled lol everyone gets their food eats the cook puts everything away. They all wash up and away we go. Snacks are in airtight containers.

[@johne.stinson9759]

Always a treat to view your wonderful treks in God's wonderful arena...

[@editingreality4779]

Wow what an incredible experience

[@jonEmontana]

Excellent prose for you in the end. Thankful it wasn’t a sow with curious cubs.

[@magma3525]

Really nice video series.

[@davidprovolt9611]

Your videos are awesome Stan! Like hiking along with you.. thanks

[@ervinslens]

Definitely one of my biggest fears when I am alone on the trail. Nice video though.👌

[@andreisator362]

Is there a more powerful animal on earth that would act so unbothered by the presence of a human? It's like respect for the bear is repaid with a lack of interest in the human. Amazing.

[@neilholland6558]

"A friendly grizzly bear."

[@sharilynn3024]

You are living my dream life. ☺️💕

[@justinstratus5577]

incredible footage

[@Mssearay]

🇺🇲😲Beautiful scenery and filming. Looks exhausting, I now need to rest. 😳🐻

[@brookeshaffer4377]

Nothing friendly about a grizzly bear.Glad you are safe😰

[@PEDALSnPROJECTS]

Nice! Glad you were safe!

[@cindywestlake6278]

It just takes the wrong bear at the wrong time. I pray tou stay safe. Great videos!

[@maryscheidler8327]

You are GIFTED w/predator calmness... My first thought? Hiking OFF trail 😳❓ Not a genius move❗BUT, after I saw the amazing video of the OFF trail hike. I was blown away by the BEAUTY of the scenery & the "friendly" Grizzly ( lucky you) & that gorgeous blue bird. Not to mention the dinner table ground of left over "bones". You have such incredible CALMNESS that I believe two things: God was watching over you & the bear could sense your calmness. Had you displayed great FEAR. I don't think you would be here to share this AMAZING hike the "Adventurous Journey" I remember seen one of your videos before. That voice of calmness is what I remember 🤔 Thank You Stan for sharing such AWESOMNESS❗🙏 God keep you SAFE out there. I live in WA state I've done many many hikes over eight hrs. a day hike up Mt. Baker us 5 girls. It was beyond Gorgeous we spent so much time up there Glacier & lunch near Lake Ann we ended up hiking back in the dark ( stupid? Yes!) Had about 20 minutes till we saw the parking lot. But, dangerous and stupid as we had to move slow & almost feel our way out. It was dark! I 🙏 the whole time daylight/nightime. I NEVER leave home without my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. God BLESS ☝you Stan. 😊❤🐻🦌🌲🐦

[@StanMills]

Thank you. Remember, God sends his angles to protect you wherever you go. But always use His wisdom and don’t test Him. Thank you for your very nice comment.

[@maryscheidler8327]

@@StanMills Aww...you are so WELCOME & so SWEET, Stan. It was words written in my heart for Y❤U❗You made my day when I saw that video. I cannot tell you how much I APPRECIATED that. It was PEACEFUL, God's BEAUTY out there, HIS wildlife & your CALMING VOICE. Couldn't ask for more...God BLESS U & watch over U A L L the days of your LIFE❗❤☝😁🤗HUGS❗

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

Hoo-boy! It was staring straight atcha!

[@teresacorrigan3076]

Ohhh. I would have freaked. Good show!

[@FanceeName]

Actual title: “ Bear who is completely full from eating another hiker comes to visit me”

[@stevehisey389]

Stan, ever use an airhorn in a threatening bear encounter? I've had 2 episodes with momma and cub at about 35 yards and they all turned and ran quickly. Duct taped it to my bear spray. Nicely filmed as usual.

[@MikeNaples]

I watched an RV park manager chase off a trespassing grizzly in Haines Alaska with an airhorn. I carry a small one (fits in a shirt pocket) when in bear country. Figure it can't hurt and has greater range than spray.

[@sambrummett5002]

See you made all the news services...good job.

[@genefoxgreenmountaindroning]

That very cool I love bear. I had a black bear walk about that close to me also

[@dwagisp1308]

I have never seen a blue bird sit on a pile of poop (probably the bears LOL!!!) until I watched this video. Stan, you have a large set of stones. Most people would have not survived an encounter with a grizzly like that

[@MC-zz7eb]

Hoping to make it back up to Cooke City for a few weekend trips this year once the pass opens, such a great area

[@StanMills]

Yes, the Bear Tooth Wilderness up there is amazing.

[@PinkPotatoChip]

Just be careful you don't end up like Timothy Treadwell. He loved bears and made it a point to walk in their territory instead of safe zones. I made the mistake of listening to a reenactment of his last audio after watching the documentary about him.

[@Ena48145]

Beautiful video