BEAR BLUFF CHARGE and 12 minute Standoff w/ Hikers in Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park, California

[@NorwegianXplorer]

I get asked a lot of questions and get a lot of suggestions about Bear Safety, I would recommend reading this info from NPS www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm also, I will prob not be answering more questions about where my Bear Spray is. Bear Spray is not allowed in this area, also comments are being moderated so no need to be mean or stupid, nobody will see it, unless I choose to pin the stupid comment of course...

[@NorwegianXplorer]

www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm

[@jameshudson7053]

I went and read the bear info it was actually interesting and surprising

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Yes, its a good read:-)

[@abovetheclouds1771]

@@NorwegianXplorer I am going to read it as I plan on going hiking,but I am kind of afraid.After all the videos I been watching

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Dont be:-)

[@pa_hyker7715]

I’d probably pack my gear a little bit faster. Was she folding linens or what?

[@heidiscott4363]

Primal outdoors

[@rsoubiea]

lol

[@rsoubiea]

I know people who camp with an expresso maker. yuppies.

[@zoellerzoeller105]

She was Ironing her lingerie.

[@shauna5466]

I think I'd leave my gear for the bear....

[@jordanw6830]

The Bears is probably thinking “I live here you go away” lol

[@NorwegianXplorer]

You think?

[@josephkelley8641]

Bear thinking aloud: He's SUPPOSED to be afraid of me -

[@WhereWeWild]

Hahahaha that’s what I was going to say 😂

[@MarcusRefusius]

I’m a local. Those Bears have seen a WHOLE LOT more people than tourists have seen Bears. I did the Summer Garbage Service for Sequoia and Kings Canyon for 23 years. I knew that Bears’ Grandparents….lol. Cheers.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Wow! Awesome of you to help those people out Jarl. I was in the edge of my seat! Glad it ended well.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you Catherine, it was a tense but exciting moment or 10 minutes or so...

[@MaryannHazel]

That bear definitely smelled the food. Sadly, it has likely been conditioned to know that people = food because someone else probably abandoned their food and let the bear have it because they were scared. At least Yogi knows that getting to the picnic basket isn't easy every time. Yelling really seemed to do the trick! Thanks for sharing this!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you Maryann, yes, I am sure he had been used to human food too, 😢

[@francesth85]

I’m wondering what you thought of the bear’s overall condition, like his coat, health, approximate age, overweight/underweight, etc.? He seemed like, as others suggested, he may be somewhat familiar with humans. Of course I wasn’t there but his body language didn’t seem threatening, even the bluff charge; it seemed more like an attempt to communicate or waiting for response of some sort. Thank you for posting this!!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

@@francesth85 This is good observation, I would say I never felt threatened by the bear, I felt a slight connection that he was just communicating and wanting me to move away without attacking, but he did want that camp food I am sure. At the time I didnt take too many notes on the condition of the bear, but I felt it looked healthy and in good shape, but I am not an expert. Coat seemed good, it seemed to not be underweight at least.

[@hermeticxhaote4723]

I hate that Bears are euthanized because of that. Honestly if we started euthanizing the human that left the food we'd solve the problem real quick.

[@francesth85]

Norwegian Xplorer Thanks for taking the time to reply!!

[@bigwavedave350]

Thank god for people like you. That was pretty brave of you to risk your life for other people you don’t even know.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you:-)

[@bigwavedave350]

Norwegian Xplorer just being honest!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

I try to help and do my best when asked to, I appreciate you noticing:-)

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

Agreed 💯

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

@@NorwegianXplorer your a straight hero in my book pal. You have a friend here in West Michigan

[@NorwegianXplorer]

If you have strong opinions regarding this videos or have a bear story you want to share to educate anyone, please share your comment and insight as a reply to my comment. Love to hear from all of you, but dont be mean and angry. I would also recommend reading this info from NPS www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm

[@LetzBeaFranque]

The bear wanted more cowbell!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thats the funniest thing on the interweb today😂😂😂

[@TheKrjr13]

Wouldn’t it be a bearbell? 😂

[@bonnie_gail]

Lol

[@davidhuber9418]

Thanks for the relaugh, I needed it just then.

[@billahler7728]

Thanks that made my day

[@rickdimaio]

Well done! You handled the situation very well! This bear has clearly learned to associate humans with food, which is a sad situation.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, yes, I agree, makes me sad too.

[@tjenki00]

WOW!! What an incredible experience, both scary and awesome and thankfully you showed up when you did, you saved those people from a certainly bad situation. I’m guessing they were being quite careless with food. This is a perfect example of absolutely what To do when there’s a close bear encounter of this kind. Good job Jarl!!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you I appreciate you saying that:-)

[@allisonm.6165]

Thanks for posting!!! I did some trail work in kings canyon and was surprised by how many hikers simply let the bears steal their food. This video is going to help teach so many people how to keep themselves and the bears safe :)

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Allison, thanks for the comments, really appreciate it!!

[@SummitSeeker546]

Now that was authentic reality tv. I could feel the adrenaline pumping through your body. Very cool to see you in action; calm, assertive, thoughtful... Well done sir!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, appreciate you saying that!

[@lhud4285]

SmartyThe Pants 😆

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Lol!

[@coryburns9161]

@@NorwegianXplorer braver than me

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

Dudes a straight hero for putting his own life in danger to stand tall for strangers!! God double bless this brave man!! ❤️ SALUTE

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you!

[@pilowespo]

Do you ever carry an air horn? That combined with a burst of bear spray might have got him moving quicker and he would remember it and stay away from people in the future. Good job taking control of the situation!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, bear spray is not allowed in Kings Canyon. I have heard of people using air horns to good effect.

[@martinclennon4640]

​@@NorwegianXplorer ask Joey about air horns. Air horns have a number of benefits: 1. accidentally triggering will do no harm, 2. works inside a tent 3. works on windy days and when you are downwind of the bear 4. has a much better range

[@juliozz59]

@@martinclennon4640 Time to get an airhorn

[@pilowespo]

@@NorwegianXplorer What is the reason given for the ban on bear spray?

[@NorwegianXplorer]

I know about Joeys airhorn lol😊

[@misguidedangel6550]

Nice job!! I really love how you had that little nervous laugh when you were confronting the bear, that was pretty cool.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Hey, thanks!

[@tonytnlvsn6659]

Great content, I just got back from visiting the sequoias this past weekend. Keep up the great videos my friend. Cheers from California

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, appreciate that!

[@SacWildlife]

I've never seen a bluff charge - always wondered what that looks like. Very well done all around. THANKS!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, appreciate it!

[@marianfrances4959]

Sometimes the charge is much more animated than that!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

marian frances yes, you are right, this was more a stomping of the feet, I am adding a note in the info about that.

[@sassytbc7923]

SacWildlife I have seen a bluff charge before... this one was a little different.

[@gooona]

Norwegian Xplorer tøffing!:-) Vh Gunnar A

[@jameshudson7053]

Your the man... I would have been frightened petrified! The lady owes you a big hug for saving her life!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you James:-)

[@TheTracystella]

The "meeting" only lasted several minutes on video...it felt like hours to me watching! You were really calm, cool and collected! Thanks for sharing!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Wow, thank you! 😊

[@wmpopper]

Well done Norwegian Xplorer/Hiker...Good that you were there to lend such competent and capable intervention as required...and to record the encounter as well to inform others. Enjoying your informative documentary video works, take care and safe journey.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

William, thank you, I appreciate this:-)

[@neiyuemo1501]

It was great to watch your bear encounter and how you encouraged him to hit the hills!!! I've been going to Yosemite and camping nearby for years....still haven't seen a bear....but maybe it's a good thing!!!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you! Its a good thing to see one too, this one was not acting like they usually do, running away..

[@johnwren3976]

lol, doesn't mean bears haven't seen or smelled you...

[@ayurgal]

Just finished my trip on the same route Monday. Ran into two other backpackers that mentioned this video. Thank you for getting the word out. I didn't see this bear, but I did see others by Paradise Valley.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

That is awesome!

[@TRUUTAH60559]

Beautiful bear. Good job staying calm. I loved how you were still laughing during stressful situation.

[@Temptresstoo]

It was definitely a nervous chuckle.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Haha, thank you:-)

[@arturobel1992]

@@GVH1305 lol

[@kristinetrott5087]

Actually, that bear's coat was rather ratty looking--perhaps he's shedding out his winter coat. Our bears get sleek and shiny. His coat is dull as well. I do think he looked well fed though.

[@mikel5582]

I think you handled it well. While being more assertive earlier might have ended the standoff faster it also may have escalated things unnecessarily. In the end the bear learned that the strange bipedal life form isn't an easy meal and is best avoided in the future. You also got some really cool video footage.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, appreciate it, thats pretty close to my own assessment of the situation:-)

[@jeffb587]

whole time I am thinking "they arent being loud enough". then 9 minutes later...

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Lol!

[@CBF5star]

Somehow I don't think the bear understands English.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

I think the bear understands a whole lot lol

[@chrissessions6108]

It's because of the accent lol

[@IMP3TIGO]

Klingon works as well.

[@jonnieinbangkok]

Agree...it only left when they started making the atavistic guttural sounds.

[@Arcanus31]

I agree, kinda seemed more like maybe French ?

[@LukesHomeTube]

Thanks for sharing your bear 🐻 standoff. That’s the scariest black bear encounter that I’ve seen in a while. Glad you all kept your cool and knew what to do. That’s really unfortunate about the bear spray ban. Thankfully, everyone was ok.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, it was tense, but I never really felt I would have wanted to shoot off a bear spray.

[@LukesHomeTube]

Norwegian Xplorer You’re right to not use it in this case. But it would feel better to have it in case one of those weren’t a bluff charge. Great work out there regardless!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, really appreciate that!

[@mountainwanderer]

Great camera work, Jarl! Great job of staying calm in the face of that bear!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thanks man, appreciate that!

[@jillvasquez1010]

Camped in the park many many times throughout childhood, will never forget waking up in the middle of the night and hearing a big hulking bear snuffling around just inches away with only a thin layer of nylon between you. Major goosebumps but an experience I wouldn't trade for anything in the wirld.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Haha, thats quite the experience, I am always listening for those noises when I go to sleep.🐻

[@mjwmjw470]

Dude Jarl...you did an amazing job handling that situation. My heart was racing. Came across a few bears in our local mountains but never in the Sierras. Couple weeks ago I took the 108 through the Stanislaus mountains of the Sierra's and car camped. Lol I pitched my tent 4 ft from my car and left keys inside and doors unlocked...had an ice chest and can't hang that in a tree so took precautions. And thx for the safety links brother. Good looking out. Happy trails and cheers Jarl

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, haha, that ice chest prob had some valuable content😁

[@mjwmjw470]

@@NorwegianXplorer 😂👏you know it😉

[@davidskaggs9914]

You are one lucky dude. That could have went south for all of you real quick! Maybe next time you will carry a fog horn and bear spray. Go buy a lotto ticket buddy👍

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Hey David, Bear spray is not allowed in this area, a fog horn might be a good idea, I have seen that work other places. I try to follow this when in bear country www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm

[@gregall2178]

A whistle would be a better option than an air horn. What happens when the can runs out of gas? ...plus it's bulky and weighs much more than a whistle.

[@Strider362]

how can it be that bear spray is banned in Bear country? btw better to get caught by park rangers WITH Bear spray then caught by a bear WITHOUT it.

[@Mikelen11]

@@gregall2178 from what I've read, high pitching sounds are not a good idea.

[@israelrios7612]

Or a gun...

[@juditate111]

Whoa, BIG BEAR! Also, a very stubborn bear. You guys did a heroic job by not backing down, but what choice did you have. Thank goodness, he decided to leave. Good job.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thanks Judi!

[@jesc6802]

So glad you got this on video and shared this with us!! You were excellent and gave a great example of how to react when in these types of encounters. I watched this with my 8 year old son with whom I do the majority of my hiking with, and I absolutely loved that we were able to get such a wonderful example of how the change in tone and shouting can scamp them off, and how they will stick around if you do not show aggressive behavior towards them, Bravo!! I am just curious, did you or the others have any bear spray, certainly not the case where it would be needed with this beautiful bear, but just wondered if anyone had any in the event things were to get more hairy? Thank you again!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you so much, appreciate it! Bear spray is not allowed in Kings Canyon, and I do not personally think that it is needed, this is a rare behavior from a bear.

[@jesc6802]

@@NorwegianXplorer Absolutely agreed. Thank you again for taking the time to share this with us! Happy trails and safe travels to you!!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

You too, thank you!

[@MDrepresentah]

@@NorwegianXplorer is this in California?

[@marjorjorietillman856]

@@MDrepresentah I think the bear is from Norway and this website, if I’m not mistaken!😃 Can’t you tell, California bears are more laid back! Just kidding😂!

[@brakk727]

You handled that encounter very well. I grew up camping and hiking in that area. Bears were a nightly thing. My dad told us not to back down from the bears. If you retreat, they will follow you and become more aggressive. Just stand your ground, get big, and be loud. Beautiful and powerful animals. Nothing like seeing them in the wild, where they belong.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thanks, I agree bears are wonderful animals!

[@homemadefoodie2607]

Textbook bear handling! So helpful!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you!

[@waketime1111]

Excellent video NX, thanks for sharing. I think you handled it perfectly. I was at Lodgepole campground at Sequoia National Park last week. They were taking bear activity very seriously and said they had bear activity in the campground for the previous five nights and that bear(s) has been successful obtaining food from campers not following the rules. Rangers were walking around camp more than once a day, patrolling for unattended coolers and camp boxes as well as educating campers. I saw the bear removal team rig with their trailer cage drive by a few times. FWIW, a park ranger I spoke with specifically said to yell "Go Bear!" and throw pine cones and sticks, although if I was in your situation, probably I would not be okay to crouch down to finding potential projectiles.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, appreciate your comment!

[@HuskyMike]

Amazing and scary! Interesting to read and hear that yelling aggressively is not recommended. The video shows what appears to be an immediate flight response from the bear once the aggressive yelling started.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Yes, the bears might counter the aggressiveness as far as I have read.

[@TheMrTruckee]

SDDucati, I disagree with that assessment. All of my Bear Smart, BEAR League, and California Fish and Wildlife experiences state the opposite. Be LOUD, make yourself look larger. California Black Bears are more timid, and prefer to avoid interactions with humans, as long as they perceive the humans as threats. I definitely Would NOT act the same way in Alaska, the Rocky Mountains, (Colorado, Montana, Utah), or the Midwest, (Minnesota & Wisconsin), their Black Bears are definitely different.

[@austinado16]

@@TheMrTruckee Absolutely correct.

[@TheTrailDancer]

Mr. Truckee I think black bears are the same everywhere. Do you think they are more aggressive outside of California?

[@davidterrie7661]

Great to see this through your eyes. When I went over Glen Pass, I got hit by a rain squall, and had to get down off the top after snapping a quick photo looking north. I missed a lot of views that you showed. I'm doing trips I can do with no resupply these days, so the Rae Lakes Loop is on the radar. The rain stopped on the way down and I had a magical pass through the Rae Lakes region. Four of five of my best photos ever that evening and the next morning on the way north up the JMT.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Its one of the prettiest places I have ever been to!

[@davidterrie7661]

@@NorwegianXplorer Can I ask what brand of hiking pants you are wearing? I've been going with Columbia Silver Ridge convertible pants, but when hiking I never use them as shorts.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Of course, I use Norønna Falketind, very happy with them, I have 4 pairs, Rei used to carry them, but I dont know if they do anymore.

[@davidterrie7661]

@@NorwegianXplorer I looked on their web site, and didn't see any models with a contrasting zipper, but the ABISKO LITE TREKKING TROUSERS seem close. So they still sell what you are wearing?

[@NorwegianXplorer]

They change the color each year, so the contrasting zipper ones are not available any longer

[@parkspursuit7515]

Spooky stuff. Those false charges were something! How extensive was this campsite that was being packed up?

[@NorwegianXplorer]

I didnt get a close look at the camp since I was focusing on the bear

[@parkspursuit7515]

@@NorwegianXplorer well thank you for putting yourself out there for somebody else. In my experience, black bears (cinnamon one in that one's case;p) usually scare off WAY easier than that, so that one seems like it's grown accustomed to humans and campers as a food source.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

I appreciate you noticing that:-) I think you are right about it being used to humans and campers unfortunately😔

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Wow. Seriously don't know how you stayed so calm. We rolled up on a momma bear and her cub in Yosemite last week and I thought my heart was going to stop. Heading to backpack Rae Lakes in a few weeks. Definitely mentally preparing now for potential bear encounters!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Good to be prepared!

[@canadiancryptidscanadasbea8335]

Your a good guyfor helping her out

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you!

[@liziellangston5586]

That was intense! Thank you for sharing and educating about bear safety. Well done handling the situation and glad it ended safely for everyone involved including the handsome bear.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

🙏 Thank you

[@coniferousforests8030]

bluff charge was according to the text book - ears up, head up, puffed up to look bigger, moving/bounding in big leaps forward and stopping. He wasnt too aggressive though. Pretty docile)))

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Good to know, he/she had good vibes but it was a bit tense, I would have backed slowly off at once if I hadn't promised to assist the couple.

[@jdgoodwin325]

I backpack Sequoia/Kings Canyon frequently, and often encounter bears. I was only bluff-charged once, and that was on the High Sierra Trail...at a point where it was difficult for the bear and I to get past one another due to the steepness of the slope. After tossing some rocks in his direction he kindly scrambled up the hill, at which time I skedaddled forward. No hurt feelings, and we both went on our way. One other thing about that area. I never eat dinner anywhere close to where I sleep, and of course, my bear canister is kept far away from me overnight. Good on you for coming to the aid of your fellow backpacker, btw. Well done.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you J.D. I am totally agreeing with you on your comments:-)

[@RTcarmines]

Just curious why you and the packing hiker didn't try the "get big and yell like crazy" approach off the bat? It all ended well, but seems like the bear was quite content just hanging out until you guys really ratcheted up the volume. Great educational video of a scary situation that can come up out of nowhere.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, I try to follow the advice from www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm but I do see and hear a lot of people saying we should have gotten louder, I felt that the bear was backing away to start with, but he came back and then we decided to get louder.

[@erinchillmusic8930]

Thanks for posting!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

You're welcome

[@hikerstl]

I liked your bear video as it reminded me of my bear encounter in Sequoia while doing the Rae Lakes Loop many of years ago. This was before bear canisters were required and there were some very active bears in those days. Just after we got to camp a bear kept coming into our campsite The ranger had warned of active bears and she told us to just bang some pots. That worked for a while, but it kept coming back so I decided, rather stupidly, to chase off the bear. It ran for a bit and then turned around and false charged. That certainly got my attention. Anyway, the next morning we talked to some other campers in the general area and they related their bear stories. A group of fisherman said the bear got their fish. A big group of young people said they lost 5 lbs of cheese and a British guy said he lost most of his food while he was actually watching. The bear wouldn't leave once he found the food and was undeterred by his yelling. The strange thing is I haven't seen a bear in the Sierras since then and I have spent many weeks there. I have seen their footprints many times, however, so they are certainly around as you found out.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you! Yes, I saw 3 bears this trip, but this one acted like you mentioned above and wouldn't leave

[@austinado16]

We've been camping in Kings (Cedar Grove area) and Sequoia (near Dorst CG) since 2008. We frequently saw bears at "Roads End" in Kings, as well as being awakened in the middle of the night in the Cedar Grove CG's by bears tearing through the campsites of people who didn't observe the extremely strict (and correct) bear rules for food and trash storage. No amount of pot banging, setting off car alarms, air horns, or yelling (by other campers....(our site was always kept spotless) deterred the bears, and often, the rangers would come rushing up in a vehicle and shoot them with rubber bullets, even in the middle of the night. Each time we camped in Sequoia, we were in the Nat'l Forest, not in the actual park, and the bears were ridiculous. It was like having unruly neighborhood dogs just roaming around. They would walk right into the outdoor kitchen area, among the other people, like they owned the place. The first time I was exposed to this, and watched that pot banging, yelling, waiving arms, and air horns did nothing, I learned the lesson. On the following trips, I armed the camp with bear spray in 2 locations and was "on duty" all night as well. The bear spray was extremely successful.

[@tonya6105]

The park rangers are doing great job. keeping the bears out but they do show up sometimes. The only time you want to stand the ground like this guy did in the video is if you have a bear spray.

[@davidskaggs9914]

Pretty soon banging the pots and pans will simply mean dinner time to the bears around there 😂

[@gradacac107]

that's looks a lot like Bubbs Creek trail .. Last year I did Rae Lake loops, but from Mist Falls, clockwise. Also, I ran on similar size bear around Mist Falls area, not too far away from your spot.This one went away as soon I called loudly.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

I think I ran into that bear the day before, its in my Rae Lakes video

[@steveduffy5784]

Good job - that bear was larger than most black bears. I've had many black bear encounters, over the years, and never any problems, even being in a tunnel, with one at Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. He was a little behind me, about halfway through the tunnel, when he started running - and I ran as fast as I could - but by the end of the tunnel we were neck in neck, and thankfully, as we exited the tunnel he took off to the left up some steep granite. Knowing that you should never run from a bear my adrenalin kicked in before my mind did, and it was off to the races. Thankfully he wanted out of the tunnel and wasn't really after me.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you Steve, they dont really want anything to do with us, but sometimes it doesn't feel that way lol, great story!

[@joefrench5924]

What a great story! I know that tunnel well. Remember, if you hike with another person, you never have to outrun a bear. You only have to outrun your companion.

[@IMP3TIGO]

Glad you didn't have a heart attack! We know what's usually the case but rarely a bear can be after you as prey so that must have been insanely scary, but makes for a great story! And at the tragic hetch hetchy (valley) reservoir no less.

[@wolfeadventures]

Wow you really handled this well. Very calm and collected in a stressful situation. Glad it ended well for all parties.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thanks, me too!

[@waltflythe2399]

Thank you for posting this. Is this a black bear or a grizzly?

[@NorwegianXplorer]

This is a cinnamon colored black bear.

[@prob1643]

No grizzly bears in California.

[@deboraholsen2504]

That’s so decent and kind of you to wait for the woman! Thank you!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you:-)

[@HockeyGuy_in_STL]

He didn’t really run away. He was standing his ground while his mate was packing up the bear cub’s toys. Right now, he is circling behind you so you don’t feel trapped!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

I love that angle on it

[@JavierFernandez01]

Hahahha. Yea. :D

[@MarcusRefusius]

I’ve lived just outside Sequoia’s Gate for twenty years. I was a Garbageman in Sequoia and Kings Canyon for 23 years. I’ve dealt with countless Bears. Black Bears are not aggressive and the last thing they want is a confrontation. The only time to worry is when a Sow has young Cubs. NEVER get between them. I usually run right at them. If they think you’re a maniac, they’ll head up the nearest tree. The key is to be convincing. Incidentally, 134 square miles of it just burned. The Sheriff just lifted our evacuation order today. That particular Bear has no ear tag or collar so it hasn’t misbehaved too much. Cheers.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Hey Bob, good to hear from you and get your advice, I hope you are safe from the fires. I didnt feel that this bear was interested in being aggressive, it wanted to test us I guess and see if we could be made to abandon food, in the end we did what you suggest, which we should maybe have done earlier.

[@moniquem830]

You could tell by his "mouth-movements" he smelled food.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Yes, thats what i figured

[@bocomocla]

When a bear moves their mouths that way it is a sign of nervousness or stress.

[@209Twinz209]

Bless you for not running away, leaving your friend behind... I live here in the Sequoia national Forrest and we have bear in our yard 5/7 days a week. Mostly they're docile, bit every once n a while. They act tough

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, it was the first time I met them, but they asked me to help so I did

[@francojosemuertes4273]

I think this bear really has to work on it's self-confidence and body language, what was this first bluff attack? stand up straight, shoulders back, chest out and look people in the eye. You are a bear goddamnit, go for it king.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Haha for sure!

[@girlwithiceandfire]

I got a sense that the bear was not as afraid, and wary of people as it should have been. In my area ( Canadian west coast ) bears are more and more common on the fringes of our large cities ( Vancouver ) and many of them come to a bad end because they come to close and unfortunately the bear is the one who pays the price. Interesting video, and great, clear footage. Glad you're all safe.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you Bella, yes, this bear has gotten food, it is known by the park service and hangs around this very popular area of Kings Canyon.

[@bevanweyburn9089]

And the bear says “ I’m not listening to you; I don’t hear you.”

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Yes, he/she does, but still.. www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm

[@Leyymo]

Nice job! & beautiful video! What trail in kings canyon is this if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks in advance!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Bubbs Creek, thank you!

[@mysticalmisfit1332]

Great video! But how do you make yourself tall? I’m 5’5 not much more I can do without stilettos 👠 😅 did you stand on one of those boulders?

[@NorwegianXplorer]

You get a branch or a hiking pole and hold it up in the air to give a perception of being taller than you are.

[@mysticalmisfit1332]

Norwegian Xplorer Wow. Thanks for the tip! I’m inexperienced & want to start hiking in the near future (bears, mountain lions & snakes are a few of my fears). Thank you! Good info. I hope I never have to use it 😊

[@NorwegianXplorer]

@@mysticalmisfit1332 Pleasure, enjoy the hiking!

[@mysticalmisfit1332]

Norwegian Xplorer also forgot to add, you were really brave! You laughed in the face of a bear😃🙌🏽🙌🏽👍🏽

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, I do not feel brave, the couple asked me for help and I did my best:-)

[@pozee1111]

New to your channel. Oh my goodness very scary😬😬 Glad you are safe. Good job maintaining your composure .

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you!

[@cmills53]

Let’s keep in mind thar this is the Bear’s Home!!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Yes, it is and should be respected as such!

[@LifeProducersofNewJerseyLLC]

Yes, and humans live here too.

[@rea8172]

I'm sure that didnt escape anyone's attention but since you know so much,, what would you have done?

[@AlexAAAAAAA7]

Keep in mind planet Earth is owned and managed by human not animals. It is absolutely not a bear's home but human's home instead. If people decided to create cities and town to built infrastructure to make life easier it does not mean they have no right to be in nature. No one gave animals right to own nature same way no one can take away human's right to be in nature.

[@cecarblanco9933]

@@AlexAAAAAAA7 Planet earth owned by humans? How so?

[@NatalieGoldReacts]

I just had my first encounter with a black bear today and then this video comes up in my suggested 😂 I guess my phone was listening to me, but I don’t care cuz this was super cool to see! You’re a badass!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Awesome, thanks!

[@pct2025]

Interesting morning for you Jarl...

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Yes, I would say so lol!

[@proakis6429]

Thanks for helping other backpackers.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Always!

[@panzerthecat]

What trail was this please?? We are up there all the time!!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Bubbs Creek

[@HikingWithShawn]

I think you showed folks the best way to get a bear to leave you a lone! Great work showing us what to do!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, appreciate it!

[@charlesruelas3962]

Well how long did she need to pack? She put on makeup too?

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Haha, took while, I wasnt looking in that direction

[@BadBoyHank]

I don't understand why someone would be packing, just leave!! What an idiot! Unless there is something I'm not understanding.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

@@BadBoyHank You could read this www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm

[@jago76]

@@BadBoyHank If you leave food or any bear attractant, the bear will associate people with it and become a problem bear that could be dangerous and possibly have to be killed.

[@zoellerzoeller105]

She was curling her hair and Ironing her lingerie.

[@swashfrogsailor]

Great video and commentary. I especially appreciate the invaluable NPS link. There will always be Monday morning quarterbacking, but I think you did a great job maintaining assertive pressure without instantly ratcheting up to outright aggression. Prompting the other hikers to join your efforts similarly was a good move. I imagine they were quite stressed and perhaps impaired as a result. Your clear thinking may have saved their bacon... and eggs and muesli and wet wipes. 😉👍🏼

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Haha, thank you very much I appreciate you being able to analyze the situation better than most:-)

[@TheMrTruckee]

Nice video, thanks for sharing. I volunteer for Bear Smart Incline Village, as well as the BEAR League, in Lake Tahoe. We go out on Bear Calls, to "encourage" Bears back into the woods, if they get to close to visitors to Lake Tahoe & Truckee. I refer to our volunteers as "Bear Shouters", as opposed to "Bear Whisperers", . Looking back on your experience, where hindsight is 20/20, what might you have done differently? I ask that, because when you got more aggressive, and yelled at the Bear, rather than talking to it, that clearly seemed to be the difference. I have been fortunate enough to work with local UC Berkeley Research Biologist, Mario Klip, on several "hard releases" of nuisance Bears. Here's a link to one of those releases, making lots of noise, as well as Karelian Bear Dogs. Thanks again for sharing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYDTZayjdsZpntU

[@NorwegianXplorer]

I know that one should prob not act "aggressive" like we did towards the end, so that is something to think about, we were at that time to grown men with poles over our head standing close and the Bear had started coming closer so we thought it best to show some muscle, the person packing her stuff was very slow so I would have encouraged her to pack faster. Any advise you would give about what I should have done differently?

[@TheMrTruckee]

@@NorwegianXplorer , I think you handled it well. Since you had another male there with you, I may have joined forces sooner, and acted aggressively, (Louder), sooner. That being said, Nearly All of my Bear interactions have been in the Greater Lake Tahoe area, and I feel comfortable acting aggressively with our local Bears. As I previously mentioned, I consider myself a "Bear Shouter", I get loud with them right away, if I'm attempting to coax them back into the woods. (I'm 6'3, 200 lbs. and I try to make myself look larger during Bear interactions, as you did.) When I go out on a "Bear call", I typically take one of my large wooden walking sticks, or my telescoping walking stick, just in case. One time we had to "baby sit" a Mom and her two cubs in a tree, near the Hyatt Regency in Incline Village, NV. They were about 40 yards away from the Hyatt, in a tree. Our Volunteers kept them up in the tree until dark, as there were at least two weddings going on at the Hyatt. Each of the cubs tried to come down out of the tree at different points. I yelled at them, and banged on the tree with my walking staff. Thankfully, I was successful in 'encouraging' them back up into the tree with their mother. Mom simply watched these scenes, and barely stirred. She did however, stand up at one point and grabbed a limb overhead, as she both urinated and defecated, while still in the tree. I'm guessing the cubs had not learned how to do this yet. :-) In the video, Mama Bear is comfortably resting off to the right, in a large crook in the tree. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKiQioVopN2ro8U

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thanks, gonna watch this one asap:-)

[@TheMrTruckee]

@@NorwegianXplorer , if you go to my KZbin Channel, you'll find more Bear Videos... If you ever get to Lake Tahoe, would love to connect with you.

[@TheMrTruckee]

@@NorwegianXplorer Bear Biologist Mario Klip, explaining "aversive conditioning", for Bear releases. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJumZYmpgKeofK8

[@dalemyers9439]

Excellent post!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@chinoodin4735]

He didn’t feel threatened at all. Bear spray would have been beneficial here. Bear has gone through this routine like others have said. Food smell is the draw for sure. Loud noise obviously was helpful. Numbers of people is helpful to. I never liked being solo against any bear that found interest in me. It’s only a problem when people back up and let him have his way. It can be intimidating for sure. They are a big animal and this one had a few seasons on him. Thanks for sharing

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you!

[@HeadNorthMikeMcKay]

Glad you got this on video, Really shows how a bear will/can react to certain situations. Good things to know.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thanks Mike!

[@aleramo]

Thanks to that bear, this is one of the most popular videos on your channel. You should share with that beast some of the monetization provents in forms of apples or so. 🙂

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Haha, indeed!

[@Whocares.........]

Thanks for that, well done!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, appreciate it!

[@sassytbc7923]

Ya Need to get out of there. Beautiful bear really blends into the surroundings.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Yes he/she does, beautiful bear and beautiful surroundings!

[@Starkraven100]

Here's a comment for you...good job! Nobody commenting was there and can know the full context of the encounter...except for you. A veteran of several encounters with Black Bear ...he clearly wanted something in your immediate area ( Not You) and was hesitant to leave. You stood your ground, made yourselves big, made noise, aware not to make the Bear feel trapped, and warned other hikers. Standing your ground and becoming more aggressive proved as it often does to be the thing that finally moved the Bear on. Your not hurt, the Bears not hurt...and you have this to share with others.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, really appreciate this, there are a lot of people with less insight making their opinions known, so your experience and insights are welcome!

[@kimikoifish7]

Now that I have a child I get scared of running into bears! I have the utmost respect for wildlife. I feel so sorry when they’re too acclimated to humans usually because of irresponsible people letting them get a hold of food. They’re such beautiful creatures. Great job you did exactly what you should have done!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you appreciate it!

[@deboraholsen2504]

I know what you mean about dangers being even more concerning with children. When you’re blessed with a child, suddenly life takes on a whole new meaning and they are your #1 concern!

[@amandajs971]

Awesome, informative video! Thank you!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Ginette688]

It’s very important with black bears never to back off. I’m pretty sure there is never a reason- but I could be wrong. They have to learn humans are dominant and to be feared. You can throw rocks around it, and charge it, bang things, point branches at it and yes that’s good to yell super loud. Even if a black bear attacks you have to fight it. It’s grizzlies you need to slowly back away and never fight. I’ve had black bears sitting around me like that while eating up by Half Dome, it’s pretty bad up there. In Tuolumne they would not leave the trash cans so we had to throw rocks in their direction. When they get too conditioned to humans because of being fed they lose their fear. That’s when they get put down. It’s very helpful to the bear to help it learn people are to be feared and they are NOT to eat our food. We are the dominant ones. When I worked in Yosemite, my neighbors left a lot of food out. The bear got chased into the street and got hit by a car. Then the rangers had to put it down. They used the wrong bullet and the poor thing ran up a tree. It was horrible. LETS ALL DO OUR PART! Don’t leave food out and don’t let them push you around for the next person to deal with!! Also don’t speed in bear country!!!!! ❤️❤️lets be good stewards of our beautiful nation!!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Beautifully written! Thank you!

[@gonagain]

Great video and I'm happy it turned out ok. I'm guessing a big can of bear spray in on your shopping list? But keep in mind that bear spray is pretty useless on a windy day.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Bear spray is not legal in this area

[@gonagain]

@@NorwegianXplorer I've been bluff charged before and if it wasn't a bluff I'd be dead.

[@1000unicorns]

I would had said “Hasta la vista Teddy”🧸💥

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Haha!

[@David-rx2to]

looked like there was plenty of good sized rocks in the campsite...would it help or hurt the situation if you hurled a few in the bears direction? Was that a grizzly? It had the coloration but not the hump. A cinnamon black bear?

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Black Bear can be all kinds of colors:-)

[@FitGrandpa]

Wow! I’ve been on that trail a lot and seen a lot of bears there, but never like that! I hope you reported this to the rangers.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Yes, I have contacted them

[@bobpadrick7718]

Excellent. But now I'm curious. Let's say the woman FINALLY finishes packing but the bear hasn't left yet. How would the three of you have left the scene without appearing to the bear as if you were retreating and inviting his advance?

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thanks Bob, we were heading separate ways, but if he/she was still there, I imagine we would have retreated very slowly in the same direction, maybe sideways, facing the bear, making ourselves look big with poles or branches or something else in the air, talking calmly to the bear, maybe spread out a little bit to make the group appear big. Any suggestion are appreciated for future references, learning a lot from (some) people because of this video.

[@ApeMan]

When necessary I like to condition bears to stay away from people. This behavior is usually associated nearer to trailheads and sometimes can lead to bears beings destroyed so I have no problem throwing rocks and chasing bears away. Of course if cubs are around give them a wide birth. In my old yosemite days before canisters nightly bear raids were the norm. Absolutely don’t do this but in the 1970’s we threw firecrackers at them to keep them away and to condition them to stay away from people. Very similar to the flash bang charges the rangers use today. No need to fear them if you are practicing safe food storage and keeping a clean camp.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you for this, did you work as a ranger? Cool channel, I subed!

[@ApeMan]

Norwegian Xplorer Thanks! I subbed back. Not a ranger. I’ve just been hanging around Yosemite and the Sierra for 45 years and have had lots of beat encounters. You handled that situation perfectly. Most bears would have moved far sooner which tells me that bear has secured food from sloppy hikers before and was far to comfortable around humans. I’ve had one stand on me while sleeping trying to get into my empty pack. My food was counterbalanced nearby but in the days before canisters bears assumed all packs were stuffed with picnic baskets. This was in Yosemite in the bear days. Another time nearby a friend awoke to a bear licking his face for the salt. They are only looking for an easy meal and almost always mean no harm. I consider it a great privilege to see a bear in the backcountry.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you so much, means a lot coming from someone with your experience! I consider it a privilege too, they are magnificent animals and I feel they radiate the calm, wise soul of the forest whenever I meet them. Some amazing bear stories there lol, and I agree it felt like he/she new about human food.

[@sierrashere8197]

Hey Hero !!! Awesome handling of that situation. !!! I would have freaked out and became the bears dinner : )

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Haha, thanks, no hero, but I love bears!

[@Russell.Jolly.2023]

The bear was not reckless either. He persistently, yet safely, tried and tried to run those pesky humans off and get to the prize. But he was not willing to risk his safety.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Haha, he was persistent for sure!

[@footprintsinthesierra2754]

Thank you for sharing! Good job standing your ground! Exciting video! I always carry an air horn for that reason.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thanks for watching! I have friends who uses air horns in Grizzly land.

[@larryp3641]

I would have thrown a rock at it. Its obvious that the bluff charge is a tactic that has worked in the past. This bear sees food when he sees people, that's a problem

[@NorwegianXplorer]

I agree!

[@nomad_unknown]

So brave if you Jarl! Whoa! It had me nervous for you. Glad it went well.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, it was a bit of a nervous situation for sure

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

Good job dealing with the bear. We use opsacks to contain scent from our food. Especially in bear country.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, I need to check those out, I use Ursack where it is allowed and Bear Canister when needed, do you use that in addition to those?

[@arsalaankhawaja5939]

What are you out filming on? The quality is excellent especially the color.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, I film on an iPhone 11 Pro Max

[@llo70422]

Rocks rocks rock .....throw at bear Why you ask because I’ve done it and it works

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Been hearing that from a lot of people, something to consider for the future, thanks!

[@latu8923]

You did very well there NX- you stayed calm the whole time...take care brother and GB!!!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thanks🙏

[@luciatrstanova8911]

Wow the place😍 are there any climbing routes or boulders? Its looks so nice there

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Yes 😊

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great job! I subscribed!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Criscross292]

This happened to us last month up in the California Sierras (Plumas National Forest). We had startled a mother and it’s cubs... not a good situation. Especially since we had our dog. Suffice it to say, we didn’t hang around to see what would happen.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Glad you are ok!

[@MarsOG310]

Love the videos, keep it up! The full one of this was my favorite so far. And please take this with respect you sound like Christopher Waltz, and look like a white Laurence Fishburne. Please keep up the great work!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, thats awesome, love LF!