Grizzly encounter in Glacier backcountry

Just my dad and I having some Grizzlies visit us at Glacier National Park.

[@matthewstone3220]

We were at the Granite Park backcountry campground just off the highline trail!

[@willong1000]

A notorious site, that, for grizzly attack. I scrolled down through the comments to see if you mentioned the location. Was going to ask if you were near Swiftcurrent Pass, because the terrain and vegetation made me think of that location. From Swiftcurrent Peak, I spotted a grizzly that was following along behind a group of hikers who had recently left the trail intersection area at the pass. They were unaware of the bear's presence as they traveled down to the east. At that distance, which suited me just fine 😁, I could not tell even with binoculars, if the bear was a grizzly or a black. However, I radioed a backcountry patrol ranger stationed next to the Granite Chalet location, and he hiked fast enough to catch sight of the bear before it diverted from the trail farther down the mountain. All these years later, I can still hear him in my memory radioing back to say "It is a grizzly; and it's a big one!" I remained anxious for those hikers until the ranger said he found were the bear had left the trail. I worked on the special projects crew affecting historical preservation work on backcountry structures in Glacier during the 1999 season. My foreman, Jack, when packing materials and supplies into one of the projects (Scalplock Fire Lookout) had to abort his task on one occasion in order to attend to three tourists who had just been mauled by a sow grizzly on the trail ahead of him. Jack suspected that the tourists had crowded the bear too closely while getting their snapshots 🤣! The scars they obtained probably left a more lasting impression than the photos anyhow.

[@user-dy5ue2tb6u]

Looks like they can recognize bear spray

[@willong1000]

@@user-dy5ue2tb6u I would postulate that the not-intimidated demeanor of the hikers played a bigger role in the young Grizzlies' departure.

[@mrs.seaturtle66allen78]

Saw a grizzly there myself years ago.

[@dersu60]

Appeared to be young subadults, probably siblings. Luckily !

[@ManivanAdventures]

This is one of my worst fears in the backcountry. Great job staying calm. 🤙🏼

[@johnhollander9022]

Because your a flatlander 😂

[@aLfPlaysGames]

@@johnhollander9022 really dude? they literally eat people. Mr MoUnTaIn LaNdErP.

[@johnhollander9022]

@@aLfPlaysGames ever been near one?

[@GamerplayerWT]

@@johnhollander9022Because “you’re” … not “your”. 😎

[@aerodicus]

@@GamerplayerWTtell that to the bear.

[@ropersix]

For those of use who have yet to encounter a grizzly out on the trail, it's very helpful to see other people's encounters, and how they handle them. Thanks for posting it!

[@user-wx8uj4xr2q]

Yeah, but my encounter, I YELL and throw Rocks. works every time in 2 seconds flat, there is NO time to record them. this is ridiculous.

[@MrAtom55]

​@@user-wx8uj4xr2q The US National Park Service's advice: Talk to the grizzly bear in low tones; this will help you stay calmer, and it won't be threatening to the bear. A scream or sudden movement may trigger an attack. Random KZbin Commentor: What do those dumb-dumbs who spent their entire lives studying these animals know! Do the opposite! Anyway, don't listen to this person.

[@user-hi3hk7te8i]

They handled it terribly they should have scared them away immediately they got lucky that's all

[@mthabitX]

It's a roll of the dice. Many people have died in the same situation.

[@ShastaBean]

for sure - the sudden action of reaching towards a backpack that bears determine it could contain a nuclear weapon worked like a charm!!

[@freedompanda9438]

I live in NW Montana, not far from Glacier NP. Beautiful area. And those little fur balls can MOOOOOOOVE.

[@nikiTricoteuse]

Amazing that something being that cute can, at the same time, be utterly terrifying.

[@flightographist]

And that folks, is an example of how fast a grizzly can move. I was a forestry researcher, travelled all over. I camped quite a bit in grizzly country but never had such a close encounter. I did almost step on a sleeping black bear in thick alder on Haida Gwaii though! That fella exploded out of there like a rocket, if I had been a target, I wouldn't be around to type this.

[@ublade82]

LOL

[@garyconnors2104]

I seemed they took a long time to ready their bear spray. Those bears could have closed the distance faster than they could unholstered the bear spray.

[@ChuckNorris-ju5fn]

I live by glacier, it’s the bears that pop out of nowhere and charge you in 2 seconds to worry about, not ones like this

[@hbofbyu1]

It's easy to see how fast a bear can close the distance on you before you even have a chance to spray or fire. Did you see that sprint?!

[@huntstyle]

They can run 35 mph. That's why you start discharging the bear spray when they're at 60 feet, even though it only sprays 30-40 feet. They'll be in the cloud in .2 seconds.

[@IdahoLife]

Nice job. Nobody got hurt, you saved your pepper spray for a much more dangerous encounter should it have arisen, and the bears didn't get rewarded from a human interaction.

[@jackw6259]

Certified arm chair advice giver here: One thing I would have done differently and I’m conscious of when in the woods, is keep my pack on - especially with grizzlies who will usually attack to neutralize, rather than attack to consume. The pack can be the thing that gets torn to shreds vs your spine.

[@vigggwhirhb9062]

They say it’s good to not hike alone because a bear’s more likely to attack one person than multiple…but it seems here the bears got the same memo

[@chrismackay8314]

Thanks for sharing! Glad the bears were not antagonistic! Good to see the bear spray at the ready...

[@BadBiden]

Always carry firecrackers and a lighter in a Ziplock. I promise you, they will leave...

[@chrismackay8314]

bottle rockets would be glorious but may burn down the forest

[@donnaw9040]

Now I like this idea!

[@ChrisWeaver10]

how about just take a gun like most people?

[@BadBiden]

@@ChrisWeaver10 I own multiple firearms. I'm not looking to kill it. Just scare it off..🤔 I carry everywhere. The gun would be on me.

[@davidsuch8942]

​@@ChrisWeaver10lmao. Most people don't bring a gun into the woods, dumbfk.

[@gcruishank9663]

"I think I'm pretty good to get a move' on sooner than later......LIKE RIGHT NOW!!!" Seriously great job staying calm and having at least spray ready.

[@logankidwell2011]

Great way to handle that situation! Staying calm and cool (and then moving on)! Well done!

[@user-wx8uj4xr2q]

NO. What you do is YELL as loud and make noise, not whisper lullabies.

[@MrAtom55]

​@@user-wx8uj4xr2q You're literally giving the opposite of the National Park Service's advice for how to handle this situation: "Continue to talk to the bear in low tones; this will help you stay calmer, and it won't be threatening to the bear. A scream or sudden movement may trigger an attack. Never imitate bear sounds or make a high-pitched squeal" Should people listen to the National Park Service, or a commentor with a default KZbin username?

[@user-wx8uj4xr2q]

I am giving advice on how I have handled the same situation, with a park ranger, whom threw rocks at the same situation and YELLED. I know you are not a wilderness person, you a a KZbin person.@@MrAtom55

[@lavapix]

This is the bear's channel. They submitted the video. The hikers didn't notice the two coming from the other direction.

[@Chris-mx4jb]

dang look how quick they are

[@Mileyz8899]

Best part about these videos is reading the comments. All these brave dudes sitting on the toilet telling the people in the video what they did wrong.

[@BlazinBlades]

Very calm and polite Grizbait 😂😂 Lucky 🤞🤞

[@hikewithmike4673]

wow!....your calm demeanor was amazing!....I had a black bear encounter in the Green Swamp in Florida in the middle of the night it was circling me in the saw palmettos surrounding my tent it was a moonless night and I could hear it growling I crawled out of the tent threw some dry saw palmettos on the fire to stoke it and banged on the fire ring as it circled me stood up on 2 legs a few times and clucked it's jaws, I started singing Led Zeppelin's Immigrant song and after awhile it went away when it left I hiked back to my truck to spend the night there..needless to say I always carry bear spray now.

[@carreraf7]

Bear spray useless to grizzly

[@VIpanfried]

He prolly couldn’t tolerate your singing.

[@SerafinaTorgul]

you need to carry bear spray AND a 10mm.

[@marianfrances4959]

​@@carreraf7not always

[@MarieAntoinetteandherlittlesis]

Excellent strategy. It’s a well known fact that bears do NOT like Led Zeppelin.

[@markdesmond3659]

Props on staying calm, I’m sure your heart was about to explode. Very cool experience

[@davidcronenwett2381]

Amazing…if nerve wracking encounter! Looks like a couple of subadult siblings…probably just got the boot from mom and trying to find their own territory. These kinds of experiences, and even just the possibility of them, are what make Montana uniquely wild. And yes, they are not risk-free experiences, and that is part of what we love about this place. Thanks for the great clip.

[@Velodan1]

Yeah you’re so right, that was explosive movement.

[@173jaSon371]

It's not really unique. Grizzlies used to live all across the west right to the Mississippi River and quite far south. It's just that we have killed most of them off, like most species. It's unique that we DIDN'T kill the ones in the north, but that's likely just because they couldn't profit off of the region enough to ruin it more.

[@bobbiingram4258]

Subadult siblings is exactly how I’d describe the filmers here

[@GPosner8]

That clanking sound must be your cajones cuz you’ve got brass ones😄 Well done handling that encounter. Looked like two juveniles just having fun.

[@gdx52]

i camped there in august. no bears but some other campers were pretty flippant about washing food prep gear and dumping a lot of food filled grey water near by. i wish the rangers would discourage this somehow.

[@justjudy7320]

❤ one year I was waiting at the trailhead right there at the Swift Current Lodge Restaurant half dozing off half reading waiting for my two sisters to come from their hike up the trail😮 I'm in it later a grizzly bear walks out of the woods and straight up the trail they were coming down from😂 I thought to myself oh boy and I know they were going to be coming face-to-face because it was almost the exact time we were supposed to meet up😮 I got out of the car stood there and I heard their voices I heard them calling out to the bear😂 and I thought oh crap😂 what if they turn the bear around back towards me😂 thankfully it went off to the side in a couple of minutes later with dirty panties😂 they arrived safely at the trailhead😂 to those of you that live in the Northwest keep an eye out for their Advocate author Doug peacock who spent many years as a fire lookout in Glacier❤ he's written a new book and he's bopping around Montana Idaho and Wyoming so check your local bookstores for when he may come to visit

[@kennethwilson8633]

Yep you can wipe now….Have fun stay safe.

[@susans8539]

My heart was probably beating faster than yours! Great job on handling the situation.

[@IntenseAngler]

Now that was an awesome encounter man! Excellent job at capturing it brother 👍

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

Changing times! This year has been one of the most active in a long time on record for Man & Bear

[@samspade1841]

Couple of sub adults that are probably just establishing themselves after being pushed out by the sow. Lucky momma wasn’t there as she wouldn’t tolerate people that close to her cubs. Sub adults can be very unpredictable and hence problem bears. The fact the one bear approached and was trying to determine if there was a food source is not a good omen going forward.

[@jeffdur1330]

That's a nice developed camp site for "backcountry"

[@pattylovesbenj]

Just found your channel and subscribed. I love your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@mattfinch3895]

Wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

[@Erin-uz2gf]

I know the odds are low that anyone would have a serious encounter with a grizzly, but this video is a perfect example of why I don't ever want to camp in grizzly country, let alone backpack! I don't think I would ever be able to relax and enjoy the beauty of where I'm at, unfortunately. Man, that was so scary to watch! But what a relief when the pack scared them away.

[@shinhochulp]

All things considered, we partake in much riskier activities on a daily basis. Driving a car or using an elevator. Just use common sense, like storing your food in a bear proof container, travel with a buddy or in a group, carry bear spray, and read up on what to do in an encounter.

[@Erin-uz2gf]

@shinhochulp nope, still not gonna happen lol. Nice try though.

[@MNP208]

I would only camp with a guide who was armed. Also, probably not in the fall when the bears are hyperphagic.

[@Epicsendz]

Oh they make these 12 gauge tools that inspire confidence around the beasts mother nature creates

[@NPCHSN]

If you have the right tools, you are never in fear for your life.

[@parabola8933]

I was in back country in Sequoia, hiked deep in and set up my tent by a lake. There was no one around. At night while sleeping I was awakened by the sound of foot steps around my tent, heavy pounding foot steps with huffing and puffing. The creature circled my tent a couple times while I lay still in fear. Things went quiet and I fell back asleep. The next morning I carefully exited my tent and found small chipmunk foot prints all around my tent. It was terrifying.

[@letitrest4662]

Why does everyone who encounters bears say the same thing, heh bear, heh bear ? I'd be, screaming at them, "get the f--- otta here, you mangy bastards". Heh bear, heh bear sounds like inviting them to snack on you for Sunday brunch.

[@jacquir8331]

😂😂😂

[@TC-dw6wg]

These guys luckily escaped as the one gentleman told him not to grab the backpack, but in doing so it scared away the bears. If he hadn’t grabbed the pack who knows what might have happened.

[@martinginsburg7222]

bear would have approached pack, smell food, take pack. He should have grabbed pack one minute earlier as soon as he saw bears, but as most he thought filming was more important. Duh move filming first.

[@173jaSon371]

@@martinginsburg7222 Exactly. I'm no Grizzly expert but I am quite confused by the comments stating he did a great job. They saw the bears well in advance yet instead, left their gear on the ground and filmed the encounter for 90 seconds. Then when the bears got DANGEROUSLY close, they crouched over and walked forward. Pretty sure that is the exact opposite of how to handle this situation, but what do I know? lol. They did stay nice and calm, but that's about the only thing I saw that was done correctly.

[@pretzelhunt]

@@173jaSon371 It's not the opposite. It turns out you do not know how to act. You and Martin are thinking of black bear behavior, and how to properly defend against those. These are not black bears, in Glacier. It's all about watching behavior, not freaking out like in the movies. These guys did fine.

[@psfoster2]

Was hiking there three days earlier, no encounters this time, but ran into an adult 4 years ago on Avalanche Crest. Great job handling the situation.

[@rikellis7871]

Those are two siblings, probably just leaving their mother in their second year, you're probably their first human beings they've seen and therefore are staying a safe distance from their education. The defense method is generally staying clear but talking to alert them of danger, I'm confident you had returned safely. Bear attacks are increasing because our world is changing, they are affected more!

[@ladetto69]

When I see this videos I’m in awe of how fast the grizzly bear runs. If those bears suddenly charged those campers at that speed they’d be dead

[@joelechner466]

Bro, love Glacier - and that area of Glacier especially. But that's definitely closer than any run in's I've ever had with bears out there.

[@zzz7zzz9]

Wow. You let them get WAAAAY too close. Shoulda been scaring them off right when you first spotted them.

[@martinginsburg7222]

exactly, make noise, but our new world is film first

[@TinCupOutdoors]

I don't think "scaring" them off works with grizzlies. Definitely works with black bears but grizzlies will just eat you lol

[@zzz7zzz9]

@@TinCupOutdoors it 100% does. They took off, eventually. He should have been making efforts to scare them off right from the start. But they wanted social media footage, it seems.

[@sethpatrick]

Commenter is absolutely wrong

[@sethpatrick]

@@TinCupOutdoorsYou are correct. Other people on this thread must just have no idea how to act with grizzlies vs black bears

[@banbeocca9451]

What a terrifying situation to be in but glad all ended as well as can be. Thanks for sharing the encounter.

[@dyates6380]

I was at the Granite Park campsite exactly 46 years ago. Hasn't changed a bit. Great encounter and experience.

[@aguelch]

Is there a fire pit there? I've been looking at places to stay in glacier for a road trip.

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

I don’t know how anyone could get a good night’s sleep while camping in areas with grizzly bears. I’d be afraid every time I heard the slightest sound.

[@mikekelley8291]

It can be scary thinking about only that tent wall being between you and whatever is out there.

[@lananavan1885]

Electric fence, with 440 volts,,lol and a cannon for a gun

[@chobby1830]

Attacks are extremely rare. Bears are curious sometimes but often indifferent and even afraid of humans.

[@taylorbrasher4252]

Unfortunately not that rare. There have been 8 charged hunters/hikers in the past month up by Island Park/Lake Hebgen area. @@chobby1830

[@bobcaygeon6799]

Normally, I agree with you. However this time of year and early spring, their level of satisfying their hunger is at another level. I recommend you "pepper" your optimism with a good dose of caution :-) @@chobby1830

[@klemieux66]

That's the same campground where Julie Helgeson was killed during an attack in 1967. Read the book Night of the Grizzlies. You did a great job handling those bears!

[@jodybogdanovich4333]

Wasn't she near a chalet where other people in her party were sleeping?

[@frankfitz3421]

Oh ya you "handled" them 🤣

[@mschrank1]

The OP says they were at the Granite Park backcountry campground, which is near Granite Park chalet @@jodybogdanovich4333

[@richardbrophy4120]

lol@@frankfitz3421

[@mtadams2009]

Handling them? It’s just luck their life’s did not end. I am an avid backpacker but if I am in grizzly county I am bringing more than bear spray and even then it’s a crap shot.

[@noelslater822]

Big animals! You could hear them thundering off when he grabbed his pack. Raw power! Way to stay calm and collected. I prolly would've needed to change my drawers! 😆

[@Taskerofpuppets]

Well, that went rather well. Glad all were safe. Good job grabbing that pack. I wonder if the shiny aspect of you bed pad frightened them.

[@alpineearth]

Nicely done! You were close enough to deploy that bear spray.

[@CarnifaxMachine]

1:36 look how fast they run away. Now imagine them charging AT YOU at that speed. You'd have almost no time to react.

[@pretzelhunt]

uphill, downhill- theyll do that at all angles..

[@parker6711]

They are so fast! Y'all handled that really well.

[@JohnDoe-xu2vx]

I am a chicken...no hiking or camping in bear country for me

[@zzz7zzz9]

Chickens are tasty.

[@aztronomy7457]

You’re not a chicken you’re smart.

[@KamrynWalks]

Very cool seeing nature like this. I was in Missouri a few weeks ago camping solo and I took a dip in the river facing south. I get out and start drying off to go back to my tent. Turn around to the north and see a herd of 5 wild horses standing in the river i was just in.

[@MrBigPipesYT]

Wow. That must have been a rush. I've only encountered black bear in the wild and their size made me recognize my position on the food chain. Must be terrifying to face off with a grizzly. Based on other videos, I'm truly shocked at their sprint acceleration and speed. They can cover that distance in the blink of an eye.

[@1d1oteque]

You guys handled that so well. I almost filled my trousers just watching this!

[@alandsofairandbright]

Oh wow, this was before hibernation too . Your lucky..they could be very aggressive during this time of year.

[@KUEHLKUEST]

Whoa! Now that was a very close encounter! What trail were you on?

[@kookietherapy9398]

The bear's trail.

[@GrowBetterOnYoucrap]

Granite Park Camp just off highline trail he said in another comment. Pinned on top now.

[@geezluis5105]

Crazy how fast they move

[@garyconnors2104]

Perhaps I missed something, but it seemed you took a long time to get your bear spray ready to shoot. Bears can close a distance like that faster than you can pull your spray canister from its holster.

[@eman4k23]

they could have very easily grab their packs and backed. but they chose to just wait there? idk not a great example of what to do.

[@MarcusAlexanderMagnusson]

I always carry on me lol, not taking any chances.

[@austinado16]

100%

[@danthemansmail]

Two young siblings who were just curious. Fortunately.

[@campland2880]

Man, just shows that being a bit louder and more aggressive, (and not acting timid and submissive to the point that they get IN YOUR space), is th eway to deal qith bears that don't see humans as a threat (i.e., very dangerous bears). At least one of you had a pepper spray at the ready. Me, I wouldve sent them a shot of that spray for getting that close. . .could help with the next person they encounter too (or rather, maybe they'll stop feeling so dominant around humans)

[@boytoy7605]

I went there in August Outback camping and did not see one at all... we did however in the distant C2 trees snap right in half by the third one suede back and forth.. could have been a grizzly.. I did have the pleasure of seeing a mama moose and its baby... absolutely breathtaking.

[@all-to-Him-I-owe100]

Wow! Imagine if they had ran at y’all at the speed they ran away! Thank the Good Lord! Shoosh I was sweating just watching this!!!

[@BB-ts2gu]

OMG that was too close for comfort!!! Thank God y’all walked out of there alive. Y’all were smart to not panic. Very smart!

[@sjferguson]

WOW. Textbook handling of the situation. Hell, your voice was making me calm down along with the bears 😂. When I was a little girl, my very first dream job was to be a photographer for National Geographic and drive around in an old beat up Jeep and take pictures of grizzly bears in Montana. I was probably 8 or 9. It's still one of those childhood dreams that I wish I could go back in time and make come true 😊

[@leelynn659]

It's expensive but there are photography tours with professional wildlife photographers where you can do that! Minus the Jeep. But still, you should treat yourself if you can!

[@veronikalugitsch]

I had the same dream! You should do it❤ i also should so it😮

[@sjferguson]

@@veronikalugitsch we should totally do it! I've actually looked into getting a nice beginner camera but every time I get a little bit saved the universe is like, naw, your car needs new tires 🤣

[@veronikalugitsch]

@@sjferguson same here i only do pictures and Videos with my mobile phone until now! But i saved some money and got myself a galaxy S21 Ultra and managed to take some pics of birds

[@rage801]

I would not have been able to compose myself as well as you did lol I would have let that bear spray fly 😂

[@Lando62]

Smart to have the bear spray out and ready. I've met many a bear in the backcountry and this is how it USUALLY goes. BUT...they can change their minds in seconds. And if they do the spray adds a tiny bit to your safety. If they REALLY want you they'll get you. But always be ready with it. It may be enough.

[@lisacooper3991]

I've read bears are getting more aggressive and not afraid of humans.And been lot more charges at people. Thank you for sharing

[@ixxgxx]

in the fall most dangerous. because they are stalking up their refrigerator for hibernation.

[@robertwaid3579]

Great Job of Handling a Rather Sticky Wicket like the British would Say. Obviously You did what you were supposed too do in the Given Situation and the circumstances of the Encounter. The Two Grizzlies we're just Gorgeous too See & it appears they were just Curious about your Campsite and it's Item's Which you Folk's had all ready gathered Up for the Day. Congratulations on having an amazing & Excellent opportunity too See the Bear's 🐻🐻‍❄️🐻 So Flipping Close. May God Bless US All.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️.

[@cheeseymccheese7249]

Juveniles this size and a bit older are just as dangerous as a mom with cubs

[@Studawg30]

I think that “no hiking” sign is there for a reason

[@dpacheco7349]

You're only alive because they didn't feel like killing you...

[@davidsuch8942]

You can say the same about yourself and the people around you in society, dumbfk

[@MNP208]

Or they were young and they weren't too hungry.

[@user-op9mv5lq1u]

That's it

[@ryanbishop9646]

Same could be said about most humans

[@jesssimpson5959]

I’m only alive because my wife doesn’t feel like killing me😊

[@IAmSarlosCantana]

I’ve been tent camping outside glacier on the west side of the reservoir the last week. I could hear something walking around my tent on three different nights. Found a giant grizzly print in the mud about 200 yards away from my tent. Idk if I was supposed to that casual about it but I never had an encounter luckily

[@bobcaygeon6799]

I'd call that an encounter...that you're here to tell about :-)

[@joeygoexplore]

good thing you were recording, camera man never gets killed!

[@Jaxon1127]

Best possible outcome

[@mrfofff]

electric fencing is a must at camp.

[@GrowBetterOnYoucrap]

I've seen dogs squirm under electric fencing, getting shocked and yelping continuously for 5-10 seconds just to get out of the yard. Not something I'd count on too much against a hungry bear myself.

[@mrfofff]

I would rather have something around camp. But hey, if you want to be attacked by a bear. go for it. @@GrowBetterOnYoucrap

[@atatterson6992]

Pretty nice campground for "backcountry". Did you set up all those stones amd all? Very nice of you...

[@RyanRussell885]

Wow! What an encounter!

[@californiasounddesign3921]

cant believe that quickness when they run away, damn they're fast!

[@bquade70]

Was awesome! Stay safe, been there too....

[@matthewcarey3148]

I’m from the Midwest. When I went camping in Montana I first thought it was strange that so many people brought rifles or high powered pistols with them. Not anymore.

[@pretzelhunt]

yeah that Yellowstone show is overly-popular, and monkey see monkey do..

[@grahamfloyd3451]

Sincere question: wouldn't it be better to put on your backpack first rather than enjoying the moment with your camera? On the safety first principle.

[@silverzelenia5549]

Having been to Yellowstone 10+ times growing up, I’ve seen a lot of grizz & black bear but always from the safety of a car… now as an adult I’m just starting to get into backpacking and THIS is my biggest nightmare even with all the bear spray stocked up 😅

[@willienillie6337]

Yeah you should probably get going.

[@lindaj5492]

When they run off at 1:50 and you turn the camera to the left…. I half expected to see what it was they’d really been scared by!

[@WEXIT59]

Great attitude, good on these guys

[@macioluko9484]

Thanks for posting. I’m glad you were ready with the bear spray.

[@MrAtom55]

Since some people on here are saying the poster should have yelled and thrown rocks, that is literally the OPPOSITE of what the National Park Service says to do in this situation: "Continue to talk to the bear in low tones; this will help you stay calmer, and it won't be threatening to the bear. A scream or sudden movement may trigger an attack. Never imitate bear sounds or make a high-pitched squeal" And if the grizzly bear did attack, YOU PLAY DEAD. "If you are attacked by a brown/grizzly bear, leave your pack on and PLAY DEAD. Lay flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck. Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over. Remain still until the bear leaves the area. Fighting back usually increases the intensity of such attacks. However, if the attack persists, fight back vigorously. Use whatever you have at hand to hit the bear in the face." Listen to people who make their living studying these animals. Not idiot KZbin commentors.

[@dmn3773]

“We should probably uh…” get hiking!😂

[@nickbrackett9023]

LOL bro said should I take the safety off the 'hey bear' 😂

[@scubarojo]

Notice how fast those bears can run. You have no chance. Luckily they are usually more scared of us than we of them. I've been charged at. You are lucky.

[@dontall71]

"Hey bears, we're good," good to eat....

[@joereeve2569]

Fwiw, you should probably be doing much more to scare them off in a situation like this. Met with park rangers in Kananaskis this last summer and their advice is to do the opposite of whatever the bear is doing. Bear is quiet and curious = you being loud and scary. If the bear is loud and aggressive just try to back away slowly. Had a few grizz walk through the campsite, very scary!

[@adammacer]

Precisely my thought - as soon as they start getting too close they need scaring away..

[@StevenTorrey]

Just picking up the backpack scared the bear. Really timid creatures for all their size.

[@yeolderooster8050]

Timid until they got your head in their jaws

[@austinado16]

You handled that well. I would have lit them up with the bear spray, as soon as the first one showed "intent" and came into range with that fake "I'm just gonna bite this tree" (test) move. Just a little half second burst would have provided enough education.

[@chrismackay8314]

ya put up a little fog barrier - they are fast...

[@GrowBetterOnYoucrap]

Absolutely. Any close encounter should be met with harshest consequences at hand. Their fear of humans bought by years of shooting them on sight, thus natural selection of bears that fear humans living must be maintained. Hopefully bear spray will keep the fear alive. Shooting it would even be justified here imo.

[@austinado16]

@@GrowBetterOnYoucrap Completely agree. Had those not been 2 young bears, "test driving" what they could get away with, this would have been the brutal eating, and then death of, 2 backpackers. If you watch enough bear footage on YT, you see their patterns. They bully their way through life, as their main survival tool. Doesn't matter if it's food related, or mating. If you don't stop their escalation of "who's the bigger bully right now" they will quickly discover/prove they have "won" and found the next meal... That might be your food cache, your backpack, or you. They don't care, and they don't kill before they eat. They hold their prey down and eat it while it screams. And these arguments about: "Firearms aren't legal in such-n-such back country/national park/canadian wilderness/etc. I'll take the .001% risk of being discovered carrying, or the .000001% of being found having saved myself with the discharge of; over the .01% risk of ever being attacked by someone or something. I have 1 job, and a Right to do so: Protect myself and my family, and friends...

[@jaybee7890]

no doubt a home schooler and special type of "patriot" - smart people break the law all the time using common sense, they just don't brag about it in a public forum. typical narcissist, always relating everything in life back to their own f'd up view of the world and them in it. lol. maga .... @@austinado16

[@CastleMc]

Not true at all. Almost all bear encounters end without attacks, and predation is the rarest outcome of actual attacks. @@austinado16

[@eduffy4937]

Was stalked by a large bear in glacier on the trail to Elizabeth and Helen lake . The day the trail reopened due to aggressive griz encounters.. thing came down from way up on the scree slide down straight to is 1,000ft below it.

[@ShastaBean]

"we should prolly, ahhh......" - - - start carrying a 10mm

[@sirql8]

Did they circle around behind you ?

[@pwk22]

Bear on the left is thinking, 'Hey, that guy looks like Tim Treadwell'.