Hiker Tip #7: Black Bear Encounters on the trail

[@HughButler-lb6zs]

The outcome was good so you did the right things. The key to this encounter was the bear was moving away from you and not towards you. He didn't exhibit any of the predatory movements like making himself look bigger, bluff charges, flanking moves, and tree climbing. The bear obviously did not have any fear of you and did not wish to flee the encounter. This was an off the charts encounter.

[@sstritmatter2158]

Give you an A for absolutely calm. This is like someone who is experienced with bears. I may not have been so nice. You're brave, too.

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

Thank you! 😊

[@fieldlab4]

The longer an encounter the riskier. I think I would have backed off.

[@BPRescue]

To some capacity you are correct, but the bear knew he was there and working away from him. There was little danger at this point. Had the bear been working his direction and still ignored him, then yes. But his initial action does not change in scaring the bear away. Also keep in mind this was a black bear, so how you manage the situation changes. Had we replaced the black bear with a brown, I would agree with you.

[@IngoSchwarze]

@@BPRescue For brown bears (which i'm more familiar with than black bears) the best recommendation definitely is: (1) *never* approach them (2) never challenge them - except when you are a professional working in bear management protected by a car or similarly robust protection (3) do not attempt to bypass them on a trail (4) make them aware of your presence in a low and calm voice to prevent subsequent surprises (5) always back off promptly, slowly, and carefully. Most of the time, even a brown bear _might_ tolerate the challenging behavior shown by the hiker in the video, but it would definitely be a high risk endeavor, and _if_ it goes awry, you rarely get away without at least some broken bones, which isn't great for a solo hiker, and you also put the bear's life in danger. Bears communicate very clearly, but they are not _fully_ predictable. If you annoy a bear enough, it might suddenly change tack. This one clearly said: "Look, i'm here for business, and i don't have time for nonsense. I don't have any interest in you as long as you don't come too close. So just go away and let me do my work in peace." Yes, it did say "as long as you don't come too close" by repeatedly glancing over its shoulder. And yet, the hiker kept edging closer and closer, and even passing it by, even tough it looked like he couldn't properly see where exactly it was in all that foliage. For all i can tell, it might have been merely a few meters away, which i would regard as dangerously close even with a black bear considerably habituated to human presence. I'd say behaving like this hiker did at least requires *lots* of experience with bears. Sure, he explained that he had some experience and rather solid knowledge, but it sounded to me as if this was probably his first close face-to-face encounter? So i'd not recommend emulating this kind of behavior, in particular not to the general public. Professionals, on the other hand, no doubt know what they can or cannot safely do without looking for advice on YT. 😄

[@gboltonatrail1099]

Shame we can't tell what the Bear was thinking or what he would have said back! Probably, "Why you hassling me... timeline... what timeline! Learn to stop and enjoy the little tasty morsels in life! Well at least you aren't taking fifty million pictures and trying to get me to pose for you! I guess I'll let you by but I'm gonna growl so we still know who's owns the trail and who's in charge!" Great Vid... I'm not sure I would be that calm and just keep filming away; but what a special experience. Thanks for sharing

[@1billiedale]

This bear was a trained Park Service trail guide.

[@GucciGirlandGrumpy]

We loved it. Each and every time we are out hiking in SNP we see bears. This particular bear seemed to like you. LoL

[@raybrensike42]

Well it might have been a people trail, but it's a bear trail now. I would have backed off and called it a day. I might not do so well in a bear fight.

[@texanoutdoors6409]

Steve, you handled that alot better than I would of. Grade A+

[@faautobahna9416]

F. Never intentionally follow path of bear. You were very lucky.

[@BPRescue]

Not true, the bear was aware of his presense, and only interested in finding insects. He kept a safe distance behind and was not unreasonable in how far he followed. At lenght to this, closing distance, or the bear walking towards him, and you need to address the issue quickly. But luck per this encounter, and most has nothing to do with it. His actions did.

[@ouroboros4664]

@@BPRescue that isnt a safe diatance lol, ffs

[@davidsomerset8411]

Dont throw rocks at a bear. Security guard at a vacation place did at it attacked him. He was lucky to get away unharmed.

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Cool video!!! My wife, son, and I have ran into several bears while hiking. The closet Bear we encounter was at least 50 feet from Mamma and I.

[@bobkat5145]

Great advice and you get a big gold star for this one. No bears were harmed in making this video.

[@GaryTwoKneeDailey]

Had 5 encounters, two of which ended up with my bear bag being taken, those two were at night.... the other 3 were hiking on the trail similar to yours. They walked in front the slowly veered off trail into the brush.

[@pr5pr]

hahaha nice one, also ironic that actually u are on his track.. because nature is his home. and also you are very lucky that the bear wasn't rly hungry or agressive, because otherwise it would have attacken you as you try to scare it off

[@lizjones7220]

So scary, you never hear them, & once they get off path you can’t see where they are! When I 1st moved here 2005, church group from Ohio, family of three attacked by black bear, mom, son & daughter.?? I’ll never forget reading that.

[@kevins3828]

Still my favorite AT bear encounter on KZbin, most are a grainy brief glimpse for obvious reasons. Q&A: since you brought it up, what was your scariest moment on the trail since this wasn't it? Thanks Colonel!

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

Great question for my next Q&A

[@josephshields2922]

@Keltic34 1ThoughtYouKnuskii!!1 Yep, everybody and his brother MUST hike it, better off taking a parallel trail,

[@Ranger98837]

I don't think that bear was ever 'afraid', he didn't enjoy being 'pushed' as he was looking for food, it takes a lot of grubs to fill that belly.

[@jacquelineworthington9585]

YELL IN LOW VOICE HIGH PITCH VOICE REMINDS THE BEAR OF PREY

[@funfitnesslife7791]

Thank you for sharing. That was intense for me to watch.

[@Loner2012AT]

Great video and info Big Bird. He sure wasn't in a hurry was he? I remember this during your hike and like the way you talk to the bear - without showing aggression. "Be a good bear" should be on a SNP t-shirt - with full credit to you of course!

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

Maybe with a "Thank you for not eating me!"

[@twomikeshiketheappalachian8897]

I’m not so sure I would of walked toward him, it worked out but if it were me I would of backed away slowly not turning my back to it. I’m glad for you it went the way it did. I guess in short, your braver than I .

[@jordanbell4736]

that is the right reaction to a grizzly (or just falling down covering your neck with your hands and praying you survive the mauling). For a black bear the right reaction is being bold and getting it to take an escape route. Backing away from a black bear is probably worse than just standing facing it until it leaves.

[@maxinemcclurd1288]

Way too close and pushing the bear could have dire consequences.I stand my ground and raise a ruckus until the bear is gone of the trail.

[@JohnDoe-mp1zk]

Im soory, but stupider is what comes to mind, but ignorant would probably be more accuater and poloite. I'm no expert, but I've watched enough of these now to know that this guy was extremely lucky and could have handled far better or ncreased his odds in the evnt it went soar. While I'm glad the hiker is fine I would not follow this guys protocol of speaking like you are talking to an adorable little child. I would speak LOUD. I woulkd slowly walk backwards not turning my back. Truth be told if I did not have a bear banger, air horn and or gun my confidence would not be that strong. Which I will say the one thing I saw from this video that he did do right was that he remained calm and his fearless demeanor probably was the best thing you could do if you didn't have or couldn't do any of the the things i mentioned. So kudo's to you there. However, I definetley would not be pressing forward and getting as close as he did or consider throwing a rock ( either he or someone else mentioned this idea but it sounds like another horrible idea. Especially, if the only reason was because you were growing inpatient. Unless maybe I was a professional baseball pitcher or the like and my accuracy was just so that I could hit him in the head or of course an act of desperation. So, I guess you did handle it ok, but there are for more more things you could do that would better prepare oneself. .

[@masonicmachine]

@@jordanbell4736 grizzlies you better hope you have a shotgun after you realize the mace just pissed it off more. Black bears yeah better to be aggressive.

[@rudbel88]

@@maxinemcclurd1288 this was the most stupid beahviour ever following a balck bear

[@OutnBacker]

I would coach you to practice your bass and projection, but that didn't work for me either. Some bears have a high tolerance for the presence of people . Maybe it's because certain individuals have observed us so much that they know we are slow and non-aggressive I general. Hunting pressure does change their presentation. In my encounter, I was challenged directly b a standing jaw popper at 35ft. He changed his mind and walked away, and I didn't have the need to shoot and probably miss. I'm glad for both of us and I hope he hasn't run into trouble. Bears are NOT predictable, and the rules are changing. Some are mean tempered, like people. Most aren't, but a bear that shows no respect or fear is one to be concerned about.

[@sstritmatter2158]

Good post

[@josephshields2922]

No, he's just one who's seen a lot of people, the Scientific evidence suggests that the bears who are pedantry are more likely to be the ones who've had little contact with folks.

[@friarfox]

That bear is acclimated to humans enough to know he has nothing to fear from them. Not great. He seems uninterested in the human and is going about his day. Food is plentiful based on his condition so he is not starving. Still it would have made more sense to drop back and take a break for awhile to give the bear distance. Fighting a bear definitely something to be avoided because it resembles a child's chances against a line backer for the Rams. Wishful thinking.

[@shauna5466]

That all seem to work it looked good except I don't think I would have kept marching on towards the bear

[@davidlentz9683]

Big Bird versus Big Bear. I think the tip chart for dealing with bears left off one item, batteries for Mr. Bear's hearing aid.

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

LOL, he did appear to be and "elder" bear

[@alansach8437]

Every time I've ever seen a black bear on the trail it either just looked at me and continued what it was doing, or it took off running.

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

My exact experience. They all ran but this one!!

[@tm75_88]

Such underrated video !!...you deserve much more views Though I'm not sure that your behaviour was the optimal...first for your safety (probably better to move backward) and second for not giving a warn to the bear about humans Anyway, I've seen lots of video on bears encounter and this is that one with longest and calmest talk. It gives a contribute about interaction between us and them

[@Evolvingwithin777]

This is good information. I live in Utah. Utah has many places that can be considered black bear country. We have a lot of black bears here. I've only heard of a few attacks here. But a camper was killed, when they were sleeping in their tent, a few years back. And a black bear was terrorizing Ogden Canyon residents. Which was intimidating, but it didn't end up hurting anyone. But thanks for the info... I'm glad you were okay when you had your encounter. Must have been terrifying and exciting, all at the same time... Edit you handled your experience well. I don't know if I would've been as brave as you. I would have been afraid to follow it.

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

Honestly, I probably should not have followed him

[@jerryjbloodworth6010]

I would have been concerned more after passing him because he was behind you at that point.In my case,I would likely not hear him coming if he decided to head same direction or stalk etc.At least he was going away from you initially which was good!This particular bear appears to be habituated for sure.Glad you had a happy ending.

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

Trust me, I kept checking over my shoulder for some time.

[@jerryjbloodworth6010]

That would have made me anxious.Most hikers don't carry bear spray but I do just for bears like this one who has gotten too used to people.

[@denimacaz]

Hahahaha! I think your bear is deaf...poor Smokey! That’s a pretty bear 😁

[@davidsmith-ri3fi]

I think you handled that great . I have watched you from your first video . Always great info from you . Wish you the best .

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

Thank you

[@VacationStationTV]

Your info is So important. Thanks

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

Thanks

[@0zthehikingsailor]

Loving these tips. Just started my AT update and gear videos. Late putting everything up as too bloody cold up here to be outside. Thanks for the info as my group plan on getting into camp early. Get this, the IAT Quebec Trail I finished last fall is also known as the northern terminus of the Eastern Continental Divide Trail. Surprised I was. I also now have 530 subscribers 🤗. 🇨🇦⚓️🇺🇸.

[@josephshields2922]

Anyone who intends to make a hobby of of hiking in the woods should consider taking a Field Study Course (4days) at the Wildlife Research Institute in ely Minnesota. I took it as I had a fear of Bears vicariously learned from media misinformation that inhibited my enjoyment of the woods. I learned more in four days than spending years in the woods. I found that a lot of the information we get from supposedly reliable sources is not accurate nor science based but are simply clichés repeated over and over until it becomes dogma. Now I enjoy these beautiful animals and even do photography and look forward to seeing them.

[@josephshields2922]

PS: The Field Study course includes studying bear behavior up close accompanied by a bear biologist.

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

@@josephshields2922 Thanks! I enjoyed your comments - sounds like you weren't offended that I didn't turn and run??

[@maxinemcclurd1288]

Air horn didn't work,caused a bear to turn up the trail toward me,shouting worked.I encounter up to 12 a hiking season here in the southern Appalachians. I've been stalked once during a berry crop failure year.That's way too close for video,I use a zoom lens and carry a 357 Ruger, I'm licensed to carry in 23 states and have never had to shot at a bear.Jeez,that bear was way too close!

[@firefly12345ish]

I really liked the way you talked to the bear. With respect. I'm glad no one was harmed.

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

Thanks for watching

[@erikao2876]

"Thanks for not eating me", that was great!

[@joe_hoeller_chicago]

Erika O I doubt he would’ve been ate by the black bear.

[@jameshunt1221]

that bear seemed so relaxed; what is the rush; it did not seem to mind you being there. I probably would have strolled behind it at a distance. It did not look like a big bear. If it charged, I could spray it with bear spray. I do not believe in raising your voice and being aggressive; just use bear spray if needed. animals are not always in a bad mood , ready to kill you. As I watched the end of the video; you did have a positive encounter and were polite with the bear; good times.

[@yvonneost12]

Can I just ask as i'm a aussie and don't know , what in the hell is up that trail that is worth risking your life for ???? I'd be perfectly happy to head the opposite direction myself ( better still , just not go hiking where animals might eat me ) just saying....

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

The national park I was in has the black bears being over exposed to humans. When I met him on the trail he was sitting there looking at me. When he got up, he just sauntered away. Anywhere else along the AT I probably would have just held back and as long as he was walking away, just would have let him alone.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

He kept looking back to see if you left yet. Lol

[@muleyscousin6258]

BEARE EXPERIENCE GRADE: Good, you're alive with no scars. I'd have been throwing small rocks at it after that much time.

[@valerielhw]

That bear was in no hurry to get off that trail. The hiker was great. He was assertive while remaining calm.

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

Thanks for watching and the complement

[@rkf2746]

Good job on how you handled that. I laughed when you said to ms. bear, "you're not interested in my time line today". I was on a day hike here not long ago, (No.Colo.) when I noticed a bear on the trail. 50-75 yds away. He or she knew I was there, but totally unconcerned. Since it was a day hike, and I was completing a loop, I knew that, if need be, I only had to back out, and pick up the loop else where. Sure enough, after 15 or 20 minutes, this bear laid down right in the middle of the trail, and stretched out like siesta time was on!!! And yes, totally uninterested in my time-line.😊 The problem we're having here, more and more, is too many idiots visiting, and moving here, thinking we live in a huge petting zoo, which is causing dangerous encounters. Enjoyed your video. Be safe. Roger

[@joe_hoeller_chicago]

RkF yes I have a lot come to my tent Bc ppl feed them. I always run them off, but one hung out at my campsite for 3 days and played w us. It was the strangest shit ever. We were in Estes btw.

[@josephshields2922]

@@joe_hoeller_chicago Yep, they want to see them but don't realize that the next camper does not want to see them. It's selfish.

[@BPRescue]

I will tell that your knowlege, at least what you spoke in regard to was spot on. Worse than irrational fear many have of bears, and the lack of true knowlege, is the emotion attached. You speak to facts, common sense and logic. You handled it fine in the sense you kept your composure, made sure the bear was aware of you, but not to the point of getting too close and forcing a bad situation. That said, I do have some points I would like to make. The video does not say how long you were there, but I assume you just came accross the bear. Seeing a bear in it's wild setting is not something a lot of people see, even you per your point of infrequent encounters. Some people like me have the benefit of seeing more than can be counted, yet I still recognize the awe of a bear, especially a brown. Regardless of case, I wonder why you did not just enjoy the moment a bit longer? You made your presense known, so removed the danger of startling the bear, and it was also clear he was habituated to people as he really had no interest and ignored you. You also mentioned you had a "timetable", which is to say you likely had a certain distance you wanted to acheive. But again, this is something considered rare for many reasons, not the least of which bears don't tend to hang around once they know you are there. Given he was looking for moths, grubs or whatever it was, he was pacified and you were of no threat. So given the opportunity to view wildlife doing something natural, like turning over rocks for food, I would have taken some time to enjoy, get some great pics that can only come from patience and opportunity. In short, I don't think "timetable" is an applicable term for many reasons when it comes to the outdoors, not the least of which becasue it could prove dangerous by forcing a situation. Instead, the timetable is what is given to you based on the environment. In that regard, family, freinds, or anyone keeping tabs on you should recognize that. This means, you may be late for checkin, or your return. But again, you never pushed the bear to the point it was truly threatened. I had no fear of you, which does happen with habituated bears. While habiituation, especialy when combined with food conditioning can create dangerous situations, this bear knew you were there, and ignored you, but more importantly is how he ignored you. He did not approach you, nor did he get closer to you. Instead, he kept looking for food with his back to you, and given it was not a cache, danger is removed for you. He had no curyosity in you, nor did he attempt to approach you regardless of reason. There was no behavior that suggests he was the least bit concerned with your presense, nor other variables that could make him aggressive. So, as I said, even with my career that has forced immense time in the field, I will still stop and enjoy certain gifts that are afforded as they don't happen often and it is truly why you are there anyway. "I" would not have pushed the bear just yet, but instead watched him. I would have matched his pace, and if he failed to hop off the trail, nor was I unable to get around him, I likely would have started to get him off the trail in say 100 yards of travel, or 10 minutes. But there is a fine line between scaring and threatening. If you closed distance to much, he could have taken that as a threat, and since he allowed you to get that close, there was less room for error, potentially forcing a charge. You did not even come close here, but that is always something to consider. So, my grade per your request is a B+, only becasue I thought you could have been more patient not just to enjoy, but also give him some time to get off the trail himself. In the end, you did not harrass, or cause any issue that could put you, or others in danger, kept your composure and handled the encounter side well. As proof by alot of these comments, unfortunatly many would not do the same, nor do they understand the situation enough to recognize not just what is going on, but how to be safe for you, the bear and anyone else who may come in contact with it. Short answer, you did fine...

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful analysis. I know I didn’t do it all right so I am grateful for the B+

[@rickdean2141]

Very good job by the author here and also this response was excellent I thought

[@hikewithmike4673]

awesome that you remained calm and acted like you are at the top of food chain..wel done!

[@edwarddemedeiros3607]

You get an A+, my friend! If the bear was not afraid of people, you probably taught it to be concerned by following it.

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

Thanks

[@evanwindom3265]

It wasn't concerned enough to stop looking for food... The bear was basically just maintaining a buffer of space. Notice how the bear just essentially yielded the trail, but didn't flee. This bear wasn't afraid. He just wasn't in the mood to put the issue, either.

[@rrebelone0423]

Good info to know! Thanks for the education! 🙂👍🏻🐻

[@tijojose7966]

I’m going hiking for the first time next week. This video was very helpful. I’m bringing an air horn and bear spray just in case.

[@goliac492]

Well done sir

[@42guitars]

i live in the Rockies and black bears are seen almost everyday in Fairmont bears do what they want and are not afraid of you just don t act like you are afraid keep your distance and eventually they will leave . Bears are always hungry and are in search of food constantly just dont be in the way of their food source or you could be a threat to them .

[@0zthehikingsailor]

I talk to animals too.

[@saramyshihtzuloveyou1496]

The Hiking Sailor on the AT 2019 yes I do as well but only to my dogs or my rabbits or the neighbour's pets never to a wild animal while on a hike certainly never to any bears I encountered in my life time. not sure why 😉 mayhaps it could well be that they don't speak English like our domestic animals do 😆

[@brazeification2]

Was walking back through the woods yesterday after fishing and came across a black bear about that ones size, it ran up the into the woods and after realizing there were 2 adults and a toddler only about 30-40 feet from where the bear was headed before I scared it off...

[@musskeemark]

When we encounter beers, we’re supposed to give them a bad experience to make them afraid of humans. Talking sweet and being timid doesn’t help the next guy that’s coming up the path behind you. I know this comment will upset a lot of city vegans.

[@rudbel88]

is nothing t do withbeing vegan lol Iam vegan but this was irresposible behaviour - this is wild animals not a pet dog - going to the woods full of bears withoutbear spray and gun is just called stupid and stupid - he shoudl back off and leave the beard or make big noises instead of follow the bear how stupid

[@pbr2424]

I think it's great to herd Bears off the trail because as they say they are not a threat. Bears have never turned and charged anyone or attacked anyone and all the bear attacked are made up. You should go to Alaska and herd Bears off the trails to keep them clear for hikers. Good Luck and thanks for posting so the rest of us can herd Bears also now that you have shown how it is done.

[@gerismith8438]

Wow he was not concerned about you at all!! Good job on your part.

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

Thanks Geri

[@jaydow3209]

Don't be fooled Black Bears are up and moving throughout the day. Not just at dusk and dawn.

[@amonmcranny2654]

That bear is not afraid of people. But that people is most definitely afraid of that bear.

[@sleanie]

I would have yelled at that bear like it was my teenager caught lying. You were pretty nice about the whole thing. I would not have left either! ;)

[@MrGNX456]

Good job, I would have done the same thing. But just in case I don’t go out without my G29 with some underwood 220 HC, it’s a last alternative, but gives you fighting chance if things turn bad. Thanks

[@josephshields2922]

Do you live in the Arctic?

[@NYPrepper]

Best bet is to get a large bore handgun and learn how to use it

[@tonygreene81able]

Bear is like: alright man I'm leave on my own esteem. I heard you old timer don't start showing out in front of your camera I'M be on my way and don't come up behind me Pimp'n or we can get busy. Y'all got us made out to be savages yet you stalking me.... Ain't this some bs

[@gabe-po9yi]

Your dialogue - or, monologue, at the bear is hilarious. Did you find something good to eat? Wow, good for you!

[@BPRescue]

I did like that too. It was a bit much, but he errored on the side of caution and that is not a problem. You see many tend to lose their whits at a time you need to be composed and use your noggin. He did...

[@troubadouroutdoors2126]

Haha! I give you a 4 out of 5. I'll bet you could have yelled a lot louder and gotten that bear out of your way a little quicker :-). Actually I don't know much. In all seriousness, you handled it really really well! Thanks for the video!

[@koalabear6722]

I really think you should have had some bear spray just in case that bear turned ugly. Good video, but very risky in my opinion to hope the bear just keeps moving or goes into the bush. I think the bear must have just been in a good mood and you lucked out!

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

If I hadn’t been in the SNP where the bears are ambivalent to humans I would have backed away

[@tristanhamel1839]

Men im 14 and today at sunset i was fishing by myself in the wood and a black cub appeard at about 40 feet from me and i wasnt that scared of im i was scared to know that à mother could be around but everything went well

[@jtrose6995]

Tristan Hamel happy belated 🎉 bday

[@wyvernquill2796]

That bear just wanted snuggles

[@waldemar4919]

I always have on trail the 12 gauge bear spray ... So far so good. No bear harmed, neither me :)

[@ericj810]

Waldemar yep. And the 460 weatherby mag walking stick.

[@josephshields2922]

@@ericj810 Weapons are illegal on most on the AT north .

[@josephshields2922]

@@ericj810 You're more likely to need them against the ex cons and parolees on the trail.

[@ericj810]

@@josephshields2922 I wasn't aware of that. It shouldn't be for safety but each place has it's own rules I suppose. It use to be illegal in the smoky mountains, now it's legal since 2013 I believe.

[@beckes1]

I thought you did great. The bear had to think you were crazy stalking him.

[@nicolemansfield3422]

BTW: what WAS the scariest? Other than bears with Cubs, a snake bite in the middle of nowhere.

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

That timber rattler justnafter Pearisburg VA was pretty scary. As far as non-animal scary, I took two bad falls where I could have been seriously hurt (slippery rocks)

[@nicolemansfield3422]

@@soaringeagleoutdoors oh yeah, never even considered that!

[@kiimabbey3528]

Say, go on, not come on!

[@thomasnugent7602]

Very good. Thank you very much

[@ladihawke205]

I'm thinking yell and tell him to get off the trail!! You were nice and he bear was like nope not getting off until i'm ready, however, you are alive so that's good!! I carry bear spray all the time!

[@ladymaiden2308]

Important to know about black bears. It's true, they are not known for being as aggressive as Grizzlies. Also true... They are large and strong and unpredictable, and you can simply piss them off by being within the vicinity of a cub you have no idea even exists. Or they can be chemically imbalanced as does happen even in nature. They can be injured and therefore defensive. They can be traumatized by an experience with someone stupid prior to your experience with them, and knee jerk react into f÷cking you up. So essentially, large animal, no logic. Careful out there.

[@ssiewnad]

Very nice

[@markio2010]

Lucky. Blacks can be very erratic. Not carrying a weapon or spray is really hard to understand.

[@maxinemcclurd1288]

My thought too!

[@djg5950]

Hundreds of bears are sighted on the AT every year. Black bear attacks are extremely rare. This was a National Park and that's why the bear was unconcerned. You cannot hunt or kill bears in National Parks. Aggressive or pesky bears are either captured and removed or killed. This goes for Shenandoah N.P. and The Smokies, GSMNP.

[@melissatodd4616]

That is so awesome were yu excited or scared?

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

A little of both. When I first saw him, he was just sitting on the trail watching me. Not skittish at all like the black bear is suppose to be. I assumed that he had been overexposed to humans in the Shennandoah National Park.

[@TheMccluref]

What about having a small blue tooth speaker and play loud music. They don't weigh that much?

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

Other hikers would probably complain.

[@TheMccluref]

Steve Walker I was thinking of using it for bear repellent. Not for camp or anything else

[@99cham1]

that will Dall your sense of hearing which is important in identifying where a treat will approach

[@vanity68]

I would have dropped dead lol. Def would have went the other way.

[@ericj810]

Id feel better with a 460 weatherby mag walking stick.

[@BPRescue]

This guy was never threatened to any capacity and handled it well enough. I don't have a problem with having a firearm for self defense, but the problem is too many don't understand the situation and tend to kill the animal when there was no need. Your actions in how you handle the situation is critical, then to use backup if nessesary. Put it this way, I have lived in the coutnry my entire life spending considerable time outdoors both by career and opportunity. I have never used my firearm in defense, though did come close once with a brown. But I have encountered more brown and black bears than you can imagine, and they werent all pleasant.

[@underdogontheappalachiantr9646]

exciting to see. from a distance...lol

[@MaryJ73]

I give you an A+

[@destinyranee8300]

Got bears at my work all the time they get into the trash none have been scared of me i always freak out

[@bigcatdaddy7573]

When you fight back it’s a good idea to carry a 10 mm in bear country also!!

[@DagoMongo]

Any encounter where you are not attacked, grade is an A. But in reality it’s a pass fail grade. Thanks for the educational information.

[@josephshields2922]

Really? There are 250k encounters between the 16 million folks in New york state and its 6000 bears and only 2 fatalities in over 100 years. Guess a lot of bears here deserve an "A"

[@waynetyson3822]

--Copyright 2020 by Wayne Tyson Believe it or not, I used to get paid to count trees in black bear territory (best job I ever had until I went into the military) by the U. S. Forest Service--over 60 years ago. I'm not quite dead yet, and I've had a number of bear encounters. Any one of them could have gone the other way. I'm not going to self-righteously and pompously tell you off, because I recognize that I'm mostly ignorant about animal behavior even though I've read about it, observed it, and thought about it most of my life. Here's a quote from an Ethiopian man who came to the U.S., got an engineering degree, worked long enough to make some money, bought a professional film camera, went back to Africa, and filmed, without a telescopic lens, close-ups of elephants, lions, and other animals. When asked how he got away with it, he said, "You must RESPECT the animals." While running a remote (no trails) survey transect one time, I felt Nature's strong tug on my innards. I had just reached a pure stand of second-growth white fir about fifty years old, solid shade, no understory, but lots of shaded-out smaller trees, dead and bent over. There was a mild slope, and a big, uprooted tree that had a root-plate that stood 8 or 10 feet high, just below where I used my boot heel to make a small trench, took off my hard-hat , gun/canteen belt, metal notebook, and Biltmore stick, dropped my drawers, grabbed a bent-over dead tree, dropped my drawers, and in that position heard some rustling in the duff behind the big downed tree’s root-plate. I thought it was maybe a squirrel, so I watched for it to make an appearance, and pretty soon was treated to the cutest little baby black bear, oblivious to my presence, rooting around in the duff. How lucky-to get to see a cute little bear that close (about 15 feet)! Then, a double-treat! Another cub, this time a cinnamon, also came into view! How LUCKY! Then the top of the root-plate started growing hair, and soon mama was up there staring down at me. Treat or trick? I didn’t know much more about bear behavior than the old joke about what the young man had done who had been told by an old-timer to imitate the bear. (Actually, in a way, it really can be good advice-trouble is, CONTEXT is EVERYTHING. Circumstances drive actions, and must fit each unique situation--there are no firm, easy answers. THINK--ahead of time and on the spot.) Sorry, Miz Bear, I thought, I’ve just done a mess on your living room floor! I slowly wiped myself and decided to do everything in slow motion-no sudden moves. I very slowly pulled up my drawers and pants (Can’t Bust ‘Em Frisco Jeans), slowly replaced by gunbelt, put on my tablet and Biltmore stick and hard-hat, took a compass bearing that quartered in the bears’ direction, and in ultra-slow motion, took a step. Mama put her head down and huffed-a sure sign that “I’m gonna charge.” And feed you to my kids. But I took another very slow step, and she didn’t charge-just stared at me with her head down. Then I continued until I was about fifty yards away and glanced back to see all three scrutinizing me. I completed my transect and kept on working. Remember the wise words of Josh Billings: The wurst kinda ignerance ain’t s’ much not knowin’ as ‘tis knowin’ s’ much that ain’t so!

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

That was an awesome story. Thanks for sharing Wayne. I know I didn't do everything right, just sharing what I did and having people interact and maybe somewhere in there we all learn how to do it better. I can't imagine your situation and how your heart must have been racing, I know mine would have been.

[@mottodan]

I'd give you a 10,if I were there my shorts would be dirty.

[@jimlayhey1965]

this is what you dont want to do. just turn back better safe than sorry

[@xvariable7711]

Just curl up into a ball boy!

[@captseamus]

F..... you should have walk backwards slowly keeping an eye on the bear until out of sight then start talking loudly to warn him a human is near.... if he attacks fight for your life!

[@BPRescue]

There was no behavior the bear performing that posed this to be a threat in any way. It is extremely rare to be attacked by a black bear, even for those who encounter them often. You watch the behavior and go from there. Had the bear been stopped, or started to walk his direction, then you can begin to walk backwards, but you cannot allow them to follow you. In all these instances, the action remains the same and that is to scare the black bear. But beyond communicating to let the bear know what you are, you comment to fight back was spot on. Always fight a black bear. They are typically timid and rarely will be aggressive, so if they are, you are likely the target of his next meal. Extremely rare, but possible. That;s why it's critical to never let them follow you. Statistics also show that fighting them off has been quite successfull. Attack their sensitive eyes and snout. Browns are a different story, but that requires more typing.

[@captseamus]

@@BPRescue How many bears have you fought off?

[@sloth6765]

What's the typical bear reaction to a loud air horn or a loud whistle in situations like this?

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

"Normally" black bears are afraid of humans and will run before you get a chance to see them. I have heard plenty running through the brush away from me. I was in a national park when I met this one and on first encounter he was just sitting there looking at me but working to get my camera out caused him to start sauntering up the trail. An air horn may have scared him but I whistle I don't think would have even phased him. I probably should not have started walking with him.

[@captseamus]

If a loud bang from a 45LC firing 335gr doesn't deter the bear the next few will...

[@Patrick-jx1yo]

Well, I would have slowly backed up around the bend, out of sight. That way I could change my underwear with some privacy.

[@davidandingem.644]

Not ever follow a bear that refuses to move out of your way. He was cantankerous .

[@hi5_centipedes874]

This was super cool. I'm curious how the bear would've reacted had you been coming in the opposite direction toward him?

[@captseamus]

I'm more afraid of human bears than bear bears... I carry "Molly" IWB.

[@nicolemansfield3422]

New subscriber. You rock!

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

Thanks

[@evanwindom3265]

Did you just call him a rock? That's not very nice. :)

[@captaincope4303]

Firecrackers

[@johnadams5489]

E The Bear was not all that interested in you. You were not patient. Give the Bear a chance to leave on its own. It is NOT just a Sow with cubs that will attack a human. Attacks by younger males are every bit as common. A quiet bear that stalks you as Prey is a predatory bear and has to be destroyed. I don't believe in the senseless killing of any animal, but if its obvious a bear is stalking you, shoot it. Be sure to call the Game Commission and report it. Leaving the scene of a Bear encounter before Rangers show up or the incident is reported via a cell phone is not a good idea. There are yahoos that kill animals because they can, that ruins it for the rest of us.

[@BPRescue]

Everything you said was good, but the comment you made gave me pause "Leaving the scene of a Bear encounter before Rangers show up or the incident is reported via a cell phone is not a good idea". Given the accuracy of your other statements, this one may be misunderstood. It's not nessesary to report all bear sightins, but if you encounter a threatening bear, such as one that was following you, you do not want to remain in the area until authorities arrive. Instead, you leave, report it to the authorities and let them deal with it. If you see anyone hiking, tell them as well. Wait in the parking lot for them, but if a bear is acting abnormally, you never stay in the area. Maybe I misunderstood.

[@johnadams5489]

@@BPRescue What I was referring too is if you have to SHOOT a bear to protect yourself.It is best to report it via cell phone, tell the Game Commission where you are and ask them what they want you to do. Normally they will tell you to wait until they arrive. They will question you to determine if the shooting was warranted as self defense. When you encounter a bear, you go on your way and so does the bear, you are correct, leave the area. I have never had to shoot a bear but I have had a few close encounters. You are also correct about telling other people you come into contact with about a bear along a trail to let them know. Some people are afraid of bears and may elect to go somewhere else.

[@D-A-1776]

Always carry a gun and bear spray in bear country. Had a black bear charge me once on my cousin's property in the mountains of TN luckily I had my gun

[@ChrisMek]

Great video. I have a lot of encounters with bears in my area. You were a lot nicer than I usually am! But you handled the situation perfectly!

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

It worked out in the end. my heart was racing just a tad

[@LG-jm6eq]

I’m thinking this is not the best approach.

[@bartholomeus1941]

This bear deserves a medal for ignoring this annoying human! Following him , telling him to get out of the way talkin stupid shit. I would not have done as well as that bear. Silly humannnn...

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

Thanks for watching anyway

[@bartholomeus1941]

@@soaringeagleoutdoors Hey , despite my little opinion.... great video! Always appreciate a nice nature vid. Great job. But still....holy crap dude !!!loll