Camping Where a Grizzly Bear Tried to Kill Me.

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[@JustinOutdoors]

I want to take a moment to offer my condolences to the friends and family of the couple that was killed by a grizzly bear in Banff National Park at the end of September, 2023. It was heart breaking to hear about the tragic incident. I filmed this video a month ago and questioned whether to still release it. But I think it is still important to share my experience and learnings from an interaction with an aggressive grizzly bear that thankfully ended positively.

[@GenX_outdoors]

Thanks. You take bear encounters seriously, and that’s both respectful of those who have lost their lives or been injured, and educational for all hikers. I had a bear encounter last month and it was the scariest thing. With more people going into the backcountry, there are more interactions with big wildlife. We have to give them respect, keep our distance as much as possible, and be prepared in the event of unexpected encounters.

[@meganh7526]

Such an incredibly sad outcome for an experienced pair of outdoor enthusiasts. I don't know if we'll ever really know what happened leading up to the attack but it's definitely got me second guessing how much I want to backpack in autumn.

[@christianb8228]

Yeah it’s sad man, glad you made it out alive…

[@woodchip2782]

You have my admiration, Justin! Those who have it are few…✊

[@panhandlejake6200]

I seriously wonder if the dog had something to do with aggravating the bear. Naturally, the dog would react and would be difficult to control. There are few details but it also sounds like it was a highly aggressive bear - there may have been a bad incident even if the dog wasn't present.

[@messagedeleted1922]

I ended up living out in the woods for nearly 8 months. I had a tarp shelter, and in the fall, my camp started getting visited daily by a bear looking for food. At one point I was in my shelter leaning over to do something, and I feel something brush my hair. I look up and Im nose to nose with a black bear who had stuck his head into my shelter and sniffed the top of my head. He pulled his head out in a second, but for that second my nose was nearly touching his and I was staring into his eyes.

[@luboyanev]

That's wild! What happened after that and the following days? :)

[@eric55406]

Thankfully it was a black bear and not a grizzly.

[@TheDpower12]

Hey Justin, I was struck by lightning 2 years ago and I completely understand that physiological response you were talking about when you hear something rustle in the bushes. I get the same response when I hear thunder. Just wanted to comment that for me it has gotten better a little bit. I don’t think it will ever be 100% where I don’t have that adrenaline rush and fear when I hear thunder, but it’s become more manageable. The first few times I went out camping afterwards I bailed on a few trips when I knew bad weather was coming. I’m now at the point where I can still enjoy my trips without horrible anxiety. I just accept that I’m going to be a little afraid during storms, and that’s okay. It’s normal. Glad you’re on the healing path!!

[@joelkinzie8128]

I was on that same section of trail 2 years ago. Very bushy. I had watched your GDT hike videos previously including the bear encounter one and came prepared with a pocket air horn for hiking by creeks. I blew into that sucker every 10 min or so on that part of the trail. Lots of scat and berries about so it probably worked. Thanks for posting.

[@tamstergirl62]

love the air horn idea.. I have one as well !!

[@cpruns4501]

I think this was the perfect time to release this video. Everyone (including myself) has a heightened fear of being in bear country right now so it's great to hear stories where bear spray worked and we can be in bear country without fear of bears. I live in Lethbridge so I know people who knew those people who died and my heart just goes out. So sorry for them and their family. I think it's important to understand this was a one off bear situation and we shouldn't fear going into bear country given the proper safety precautions.

[@glazierd55]

I’ve been hiking in grizzly country in Alaska and what would freak me out the most was when I was by myself. The fact that you went back there by yourself is impressive only exceeded by your reaction to the bear. Thanks for sharing and be safe out there!

[@paulb6428]

The bear has now had an experience that will make it think twice before doing that again

[@davidfisch7654]

Justin, you are among the rare few to have experienced a bear encounter, so no one better than you to educate the rest of us. Excellent video! It's very natural to be fearful in nature, especially when alone and at night. It's amazing how in your tent at 3 am a squirrel sounds like a cougar, bear or Sasquatch himself!!

[@ropersix]

Thanks for walking us through this. It is a big help, to hear an actual story about what actually happened, rather than theories (like spraying a wall). Like with navigation and getting lost (and maybe dying), the more you can study it and how others' trips have gone wrong, the safer you'll be. Which is why currently I'm following two stories of lost hikers, in an effort to learn exactly what happened, and learn from their tragedies. Thankfully, yours had a happy ending!

[@jenna_marlene_]

With the recent events in Banff and hearing your story. I am definitely more scared then I have ever been.

[@justinw1765]

Appreciate both the honesty and the good information. That whole body stored trauma thing is very real.

[@ofthenearfuture]

Thank you for making this video, and for having the guts to travel back to that spot and confront your trauma. Definitely not an easy thing to do. But it is very helpful and educational for people to hear about, understand, and learn from your experience. Especially with the recent news... When I first heard it I can't deny you were first person I thought of, since I think you and Kane were in that same area earlier this year. So tragic.

[@samleoe]

I literally just finished watching your GDT documentary (I hope to compete the GDT too as I am lucky to live close by). Kudos for you going back to the spot the bear charged you and sharing what you learned for others to learn from. With all the sad news about the recent Grizzly attack I think its vital that people be aware and knowledgeable about the risks in bear country and also come prepared. Thank you for bringing knowledge and awareness to the topic.

[@funshinebear4822]

The reenactment 😂 So glad everything panned out well!

[@PierreFarrugia]

You deserve a 10/10 for the bear graphic 😅

[@tamstergirl62]

Running into Bears is the major reason I most likely will not hike alone. However, I did not say NEVER. I so appreciate you re -visiting and sharing what you did right, or wrong, in this bear attack. This is very good information. I just recently found your KZbin channel and that Great Divide trip was the first one I watched. I was home recuperating from an illness and having a hard time sleeping. I would watch an episode and the views, your stories, even your singing (LOL) was fun and took me to places I can only imagine. Each episode was so enthralling and entertaining. I feel your anxiety and admire your ability and determination to "overcome" your fears, share them with lots of people and thus make us all better safer backpackers. Thank you for sharing your vulnerabilities not easy for anyone to do. Best to you. Tammy

[@williethejones]

Thanks for sharing, this was a great video to watch and hear some quick tips. I'm always a bit nervous about bears.

[@heatherpears7625]

Thank you for this video Justin! And for being so honest about your thoughts and feelings. And, lastly, for sharing some very useful information and advice. Safe travels!

[@whistlerrealestate1]

What happened to that couple and their dog at Ya Ha Tinder last week is my worst nightmare when out hiking in the mountains. Thanks for releasing this video.

[@deekelley891]

Happened to a solo lady in a very small town behind a building in Montana. I imagine she would never believed it could happen there among humans. But it did. Be as prepared as you can and that’s really all you can do.

[@scottschwensohn1811]

Glad your encounter ended positively as Grizzly encounters are no joke. I was in Glacier and camping below Stoney Indian pass with my daughter. It was raining so we retreated early to our tent early to play cards only to have a grizzly come up on our tent nosing it and circling us. We kept calm, talked to the bear and increasingly began to raise our voices to a shout when it ran off. Difficult night of sleep. I have researched what to do in this situation since it happened but really haven't found a "what is best to do". Any advice from your followers is appreciated.

[@wolfeadventures]

I have always wondered what to do in this scenario. I also have found no information. Do you let it sniff around? Talk to it? Yell at it?

[@cn8529]

Excellent video Justin, and one that cannot have been easy to make. Well done!

[@crflashyfox]

This was super helpful! I watched the initial video when it came out and it definitely has made me think about bears more and I believe has made me better prepared. Most of my hiking is in black bear areas and I have heard them but not seen any yet. Since the video of you being charged I have taken bear spray out with me on almost every hike.

[@adventurousbec]

I appreciate this video as an example of the steps to take during an actual encounter. You spoke well and provided clear guidance.

[@michaelcrawford9425]

Thanks for sharing and reliving the experience with us. I appreciate your insight.

[@SteveSerrano65]

I'm terrified of a bear encounter. I just won't pack where bears live. Great video.

[@PierreFarrugia]

Wow, amazing video, I remember that episode. In Malta we don’t have any wild life, cannot imagine having bears. Also thanks for sharing your emotions ❤

[@RichardTongeman]

This is such a powerful topic, really heartfelt

[@ursulaanne]

Really admirable for you to take that exposure therapy head on. I've always skipped out on a lot of my dream hikes because I'm super weary about grizzlies.. I appreciate you sharing and teaching about bear safety !

[@BackcountryTreks]

Intense! Glad it went your way! I’ve read the book bear attacks based on your recommendation. Excellent information. Thanks for sharing! Be safe🤙

[@DynamicJon]

Maybe when the time is right I'd love to hear what you think would improve the odds of survival if a bear is actually coming after you in a tent like the unfortunate situation in Banff National Park

[@nikujaku1610]

There is not much you can do ,maybe take 2 bears sprays with you so that when he comes back for a 2nd round you are still equipped .

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Great video, thanks! I've bike toured on the Great Divide Mtn Bike Route from CAN to CO. The way you described the five things that went against you was perfect. Cycling along dirt roads and trails I did a lot of whistling, hollering, bad singing, and slowing down on corners. With bear spray in a holster on handlebars right in front of me, I practiced the reach every day. A person riding with me off and on got ahead by three hours, he stopped at a primitive campsite to filter water, left his bike to filter, and returned to find a grizzly digging into the food on his bike. Lesson, do not leave the bear spray anywhere, anytime, in grizz country. Lucky for him a truck with campers pulled up and fired off a shot overhead.

[@CdnRockiesRadio]

scary man, huge props for getting back out and facing the fear. myself and my hiking buddy were talking about you yesterday and this situation while hiking out hunter valley road up waiprous and I had to come check out your channel. great stuff I subscribed and look forward to your future videos. we do lots of hikes all along the east face as well doing amateur radio from summits , maybe catch you on a trail someday.

[@sorted.1235]

This is timely and helpful. I've taught my kids the "wall" approach, but I'll rethink it after watching your story. I've had black bears charge, and that was terrifying enough. I'm not sure that I could wait to deploy the spray ... I'll work on that, but mostly I just hope never to get that close. I'm glad you were "shook" that day, and nothing worse.

[@mikevargas809]

great stuff Justin, congrats on doing this too

[@charltor6]

Glad u survived your experience and then came back to face your fears. As it happens, I walked through the same section solo last summer as well, including camping exactly where you camped the second time. Height of the Rockies section in the Palliser section of the GDT isn’t too long but, like you, I found it’s very overgrown and spooky. I was thinking in some places a Grizzly could be ten feet from me and I wouldn’t have known. I was doing a lot of calling out but, like you, I’d walked from Upper Kananaskis Lake, a long day, and was getting pretty tired. I was glad to get to leave Height of the Rockies and see the trail improve immediately when I crossed back into Alberta. Glad you’re doing okay. Your report brought back some memories but I was fortunate I had no problems.

[@omalleysmith9100]

Good on you and thank you for showing the correct way to use bear spray as well as tips to stay safe.

[@personal.YouTube.channel]

I commend you for going back ! .... You face your fear. Your learning to deal with it. THIS IS MORE THAN I CAN SAY FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE IN TODAY'S TIME.

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Way to go Justin. Thanks for taking us back to the scene.

[@leeanderson5955]

I watched your Great Divide video and empathize with your bear encounter. My wife and I were charged by a monster grizzly when we were line cutting in a very remote mountain region in North central BC. We had bear spray, a banger and I had my modified I.e., loud chainsaw, off at the time, the bear came at Pauline at a dead run? It’s fur rippling, monster head and glaring eyes bobbing, I only had time to yell NOOOOOO! At the same time Pauline fell to the ground and rolled under one of those stunted, but stout alpine balsams and I think bear got confused, losing sight of her and suddenly being aware of me, it came within feet of where she was standing, turned a 180 and sped back from whence it came, a mountain meadow. The thing our charges have in common is are the creeks! Our trail parallel a noisy creek at high water so we’re sure the bear saw us before hearing us. So your correct when you mention the creek noise in your charge was probably a big factor.

[@TelosBudo]

I was following that trip. Glad you made it out okay

[@overwatchxrescue]

Sounds like an intense experience! Glad you were okay.

[@patandandrea]

I never had to deal with Grizzly bear as I live on the east coast of canada. But I’m thinking to go on west coast one day to do some camping adventures. Of course I will get prepared for that but your video gave me a bit of confidence and I will remember for long time. Thank you for that.

[@smallberries]

This was great. I've done two trips in Grizzly country but with a large group both times, like 7 or 8 people hiking along in a tight group, which I know lessens the odds of getting attacked, but it was still pretty stressful. I trend to be lead hiker so that adds to the stress. Luckily the only bears we saw were very far away and heading away from us at speed. The one I got a look at through binoculars was an old backcountry bull who didn't want anything to do with humans.

[@filmic1]

Thanks Justin. Herrero and Andy Russell's Grizzly Country are terrific reads.

[@bucky716]

Informative video and epic reenactment!! Even got the bear to make an appearance. lol

[@worstuserever]

Thank you for reconstructing your experience for us so vividly. I'm trying to learn as much as possible about hiking and camping in Canada, particularly the West and North West, for my first trip to your beautiful nation. Having no experience in bear country I want to be fully educated, equipped, and prepared to minimise the likelihood of an encounter, and develop the presence of mind to act appropriately if one were to occur. Oh, and have you spared a thought for your traumatised grizzly? Whose friends have been encouraging him to return since he was terrified by a marauding Justin?

[@pattycameron9730]

We hiked section C in August….the Palliser Pass area was nerve wracking! It was very overgrown and brushy! We luckily didn’t see anything but were prepared just in case. However, not sure I would act as bravely as you!

[@millerhoo]

Crazy story man. I remember when it happened but the recount made it more real.

[@stevefrompeterborough4007]

Scary stuff but very educational. You need to be thinking about these types of scenarios and go through how you would react before you head out into the wilderness.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

Amazing that you were able to use bear spray to save yourself. Thank you for sharing what worked.

[@Suluk46]

As someone who lives in Black Bear country, but just returned from a trip in Grizzly Habitat, AND actually had a grizzly encounter, I can imagine that getting back out there would be intimidating. Nice video dude.

[@denismoreau3646]

Good advise I will read that book. It’s always been a deterrent of camping in the backcountry alone. All the stories s as y there unpredictable 😊

[@SARGEinc]

I just got home from a 2 month trip where I was doing a lot of solo hiking, backpacking, and canoe tripping, in BC and also the Alberta rockies. That was my first time in real bear territory solo, and it was definitely top of mind the whole time. Totally different experience than being in a group, I find that I can definitely spiral out I'm alone and hear something in the woods. Especially late in the evening when it's dark and I might of partaken in that canadian legal stuff.

[@personal.YouTube.channel]

I don't know if you thought about it or not ! .... Can you get into one of them areas that's a little sketchy. You can always take your drone and send the head. So you can see what's there before you get there.

[@WeekendsOutsideFL]

It’s a great lesson to learn your experience. I am fortunate where I live there are only a subspecies of black bear which are more timid and smaller with nary any deaths recorded in the state. But I do carry my spray and keep it in my front.

[@christiankammer2379]

Cool, man. Well done!

[@Sushi2735]

Ouuu ya cool dude!

[@alexandrahilditch4566]

This video makes me really want a collab between Justin and the guys from the Tooth & Claw podcast.

[@jukkavv]

I like sound granates... But with distance that you got ... I think you did movie scene there 👍🏻 Well done!

[@don7294]

Justin I have been chasing Grizzly bears since the early 70's. My first encounter was on a trip to Yellowstone with a avid outdoorsman who taught me so much. This was after I spent two years with a Mandan indan learning bushcraft etc. On our Yellowstone trip we were canoe camping and fishing on Shoshone Lake. At night the Grizzy bears would come into camp putting their noses on our tent and take a big sniff. We didn't even sleep in the same clothes we were wearing when we had dinner. People need to realize that humans are NOT on a bears diet. I have had to work very hard to get close to Grizzly bears since they are so afraid of humans. Very important to practice using your bear spray. Buy a couple of cans and use one of them to see the coverage/range. Be careful in the Fall when bears are fatening up. They are eating machines that will aggressively protect any food source.

[@nikujaku1610]

Do you recommend keeping bear spray inside the tent and doesbear spray work against hungry bears

[@wanderworm]

As soon as I saw this video drop I, too, thought of the terrible accident in Banff. I’m very glad you made this video and faced your fears. It’s a huge safety message for all to understand what went right and what went wrong that day for you. It is scary to know that large predators are out there in places we really don’t belong and to let that scare us out of going but we can also die in many other ways in every day life. Well done, also, to face your PTSD and go back. I watched that GDT video a few times when you first published it a and this recent one of yours caused quite an emotional response in me so I can only imagine how hard this was for you. And thank you for talking openly about all you are and we’re feeling.

[@zacmagers]

Awesome video Justin, thanks for sharing this story. Its a recently sensitive time for bear attack stories, but the more awareness people have the better our safety and the safety of the bears can be. Im brainstorming some thoughts I wanted to share in an upcoming video regarding bear spray being labeled a weapon in Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, and therefore illegal. Do you have thoughts on these parks removing a protective tool from visitors, either pro or con ? Ive just spent almost all night researching this going down a rabbit hole. From what I can conclude ( Ill be reaching out to someone from the parks to confirm / deny / expand ) this comes down to these particular parks having never sustained an American Black Bear attack that led to a fatality, the odds such an event would occur, and potential lack of training a visitor would have needed to properly dispatch a bear spray " weapon " canister. Id be curious to hear your thoughts if you'd feel conformable sharing. Cheers

[@kmannewyork]

I feel a little bit better about dealing with animals in the ba country I am so glad you are ok. You did a great thing overcoming your fears 16:26

[@ColemanOutdoors]

Wow...that's bonkers!! Missed opportunities. Step 1 - turn on camera. Step 2 - deploy bearspray. 😉 Seriously though, so glad you were prepared and made it out safe. What a scary and exhilarating experience. Thank you for sharing.

[@Staypuff777]

So glad this incident went as well as it did. I'm thinking if I ever go into Grizzly country I'll be a bit more cautious than I would have been. Maybe double fist the bear spray. Do they make bear spray quick draw holsters? Lol

[@ryanhooper4660]

PTS sucks! Thanks for sharing your story and giving a space for others to share theirs!

[@woodyshepherd6904]

Would love to hear what gear you'd use if you'd do the trail again with all new gear!

[@edwin8808]

You have to be careful justin_indoors, if you stay indoors you never will find a bear!

[@vagabondwildernesswanderings]

Congratulations Justin for revisiting the site of your bear encounter! One of the best things you can do to overcome and diminish the trauma caused by that event. It's really hard, but it's so empowering! Good job!!!

[@andrew6815]

I want to applaud your decision to do this. It takes a lot of courage to face a situation like this again so soon after it happened. I probably would've gone up there but only with a large group of other people... A couple of questions though. You mentioned that you discharged your bear spray and then continued to be at the ready with your canister waiting for the bear to reemerge or leave the area. Did you have a 2nd can of bear spray or did you only partially discharge the canister? Do you think that its fair to say that the decision to take the pass and proceed in to the valley (thus extending your day over the ~15 mile mark) was a risk and increased the likelihood of this happening? If you had waited and taken the pass in the morning, you would not have been nearly as fatigued and weather conditions may have changed in your favor (referring to the wind that blew your scent away from the bear). I really am not trying to be critical, just wanting to have a conversation about risk assessment that might help others make decisions in the backcountry. And don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting there's a right answer, just that the conversation might be instructive to others with much less experience than you have. Thank you!

[@brycewalburn3926]

I've never tent camped in grizzly country, and I'm not sure I ever will. I know the odds of an attack are low, but I don't think I'm willing to take the risk of being asleep and defenseless for 8+ hours at a time. I'll take the risk of an encounter during a day hike, even if that risk really isn't much lower.

[@es0x]

I did some of this section of trail (upper K lake to Assiniboine) and was thinking about you getting charged. Saw 2 mother grizzlies with cubs

[@pithon3d477]

I'm happy to hear you got back ont the horse and faced your fears. Personally, I also carry an air horn. They are deafeningly loud and will scare most bears off in an instant. Bear spray is my second line of defense. Also, if you]re in your tent and a bear chooses to attack, bear spray is pretty much useless so carry an air horn. Just saying.....

[@chrisb8434]

Great video Justin! That scenery looks spectacular. That bear encounter you had must have been so scary, I got goosebumps just hearing about it! Thanks for the great tips and advice about bear safety!

[@mattjordan7309]

You have a big pair my friend . 😂🐻😂

[@azclaimjumper]

I'd be "uptight" upon returning to any place where I'd had a serious encounter with any creature. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada

[@donnajess]

Your dramatization of the event, complete with cartoon bear head had me in stitches! Comic relief at its finest 👏

[@matus201]

I always carry a bear spray, but watching this video made me realize I need to practice deploying it.

[@TheMadmacs]

well done man. thats not an easy thing to do. just try and imagine, theres a grizzly doing a vlog explaining how he was attacked by a human who wanted his berry patch and he assaulted him with a hose of burning liquid, but he managed escape. hehehe.

[@CaptainCamp]

Strong individual 😎👍

[@justintrainor2132]

Thanks for the video. Heading back to Yellowstone for another solo trip into Lamar in two weeks. I ran into four grizzly bears last year in Yellowstone and thankfully all went well. I always struggle with the decision to carry one or two spray canisters, thinking I’d really want another for the hike out if I did have an incident like you did and deployed my initial canister since it only takes a few seconds. What are your thoughts?

[@vipvip5356]

Thank you for your comment my friend !

[@JustinOutdoors]

I deployed probably about 20% of my can in this encounter. Another reason to not spray a wall. If you use up all your can on a bluff charge and then they charge for real, you're in trouble.

[@ervinslens]

What a beautiful cinematography and storytelling bud, you have amazing content! 👏👏

[@jaredwhite489]

Would love to follow your mapshare page an see your adventures

[@pabloelsur1624]

Good decision to come back and face the fear. BTW did you find glasses or any equipment? did you even search?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I didn't really bother since that creek sees a lot of flow during spring runoff, so it was very unlikely anything was still there.

[@michelblack7506]

Help yourself when hiking in bear country, softly mumbling « hey bear » won’t let the animals know you are there unless they are 20 meters away from you. Take control, be loud, let the animals know you are there often. Blessings.

[@brent_f]

Thanks for sharing your first hand experiences and what you learned. Most videos on bear safety are largely theoretical; without the mindset of someone who had real life bear encounters. I understand the hesitation in releasing this video based on rawness of the recent tragedy, but I do think it is helpful to those who hike in bear country. Condolences to those who knew the couple that was attacked.

[@guykerr8111]

Thanks for this....

[@wesleycook8425]

I almost never comment on youtube videos. Thank you very much for this video. I live in Calgary and the recent deaths due to the grizzly attack in BNP have made me think about safety a bit more seriously. I intuitively do most of what you have shown in the video, but I will do so more diligently. Thanks again. My heart also goes out to the family of the couple that lost their lives.

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

Lucky enough the only thing we have to be real scared of here is wild boar😅 but unlucky for us...nature is not even a fraction of stunning as yours.

[@joeclark3149]

When I watched Jaws for the first time I was afraid to swim in Lake Michigan. Haha But I do think about noises outside my tent so I listen to music or put in ear plugs. No fun to be afraid. The air horn idea sounds good as I blow it in one hand I plan to wield a knife in the other and recite something iconic from William Wallace.

[@hoser7706]

Would a dog and bearbell make much difference out there? Noisier and more alert?

[@cypriano8763]

i was charged by a black bear 2 years ago gravel riding north of golden where i live.. he was running full speed toward me. just had enough time to get off the bike and spray him. he was 3 feet away from me. thats one of the only times ive ever had a bear react agressivly in hundreds of encounters. i does happen. havent been back to where i happened yet. my dog never slept beside the bed, he did that night, must have felt how rattled i was.

[@musingwithreba9667]

Good on ya for getting back out there Justin, that could not have been easy. But you did it! Kudos to you! And thank you for posting it, despite the recent tragedy. 😢 I was so saddened to hear about the couple and their dog in Banff. And to hear the deatails that the bear was still there when SAR arrived. A male, very skinny and starving. They had to shoot him of course. It really makes you think. I'm from, and live and backpack in Ontario. I was out on Labour Day weekend with my dog for a few nights, and night 1, we startled a black bear (big fat one!) out of a tree! It wan off in the direction we were heading toward a camp, but I just turned around and said "NOPE!" and ended up pitching for the night in an undesignated spot. I wasn't about to go argue with the bear who had just run toward the official camp spot! 😳 My wee dog likely would have had a few things to say to it 😂

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

PTSD is no joke!

[@beepsarieaniIwee]

You’re highly lucky that bear spray even worked for that grizzly and it didn’t get more aggressive after because you probably wouldn’t be here today. That Banff couple disengaged their spray and the grizzly didn’t care. I’d be packing a 10mm even though thats not a guarantee but another option to consider.

[@babar69110]

problem is not to use spray, but then meet another bear with empty bottle ;)

[@joez4284]

The Banff incident this week freaked me out... bad! I'm in Ontario, so no grizzlies at all. Yeah sure... black bears can rip your face off! But grizzlies are just way too savage.

[@DanielJMillette]

I think that sad story from Banff has us all rattled. My wife, five kids, and I had just returned from a week of hiking in Banff too (not backcountry, but still remote enough). I thought I was prepared for such an event, but now I know I still have work to do.

[@_68niou1]

Did you look for your sunglasses?

[@acme511]

Why no bear bells?

[@keithjones6633]

Did you find your toothbrush?