His curiosity had a TERRIFYING ENDING

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Time Stamps:
#1 -- "Exposure" -- 00:48 -- This story is about a man and his quest to get the perfect photo, he would eventually get it - but it would cost him dearly.
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For entertainment purposes only. Based on actual events.
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#glacier #nationalpark #mrballen

[@Foxfire-oo9bs]

“They loved being alone out in nature” - if his videos have taught me anything it’s that you’re never alone in nature. Ever.

[@kimcollins702]

Honestly 😭 unless you have a bunch of stimulates so you don’t sleep and a couple weapons apparently

[@socaldeb]

Well put. Very well put.

[@kimberlylay1005]

Yikes, I kayak down the Guadalupe River by myself all the time, I carry my 40cal. And thank God there ain't no bears in Texas!!

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

@@kimberlylay1005 Maybe no bears... but a wild hog will still make a mess of you if you're unprepared, or caught with your feet flat. ;o)

[@HuffStang]

Nothing wrong with being alone in nature; it’s much better than being alone in an urban environment. Safer, too. As long as you have decent situational awareness, come prepared, and don’t actively put yourself in potentially dangerous situations, you’ll be fine. A solo retreat out in nature is one of life’s most valuable gifts.

[@chainilotus1117]

Once I heard "mother with cubs" I knew how this was going to end. You never go near a mother and her cubs. They are so protective.

[@Bigrlboi1]

Hence the term for all mothers, “momma bear”! Us mothers are deathly protective when it comes to our children (and family). Once I heard hiking and mountain trails I knew it would be something to this nature.

[@iantrimbath6396]

At first when he was missing I knew it was some animal he wanted to take pictures of and it attacked him. What gets me why was he that stupid? I mean everyone pretty much knows you don't fuck around with bears and their cubs.

[@sailorbobby]

I camped at Glacier and had a huge grizzly wander through the campsite just across the road from my spot. Apparently just a few weeks earlier there had been a fatal mauling when someone ran across a grizzly on their mountain bike, so I had a bad feeling it was going to be a bear attack as soon as he mentioned the park.

[@32a34a]

I am really averse to being in the same zip code as anything that outweighs me by at least 5 to 1 let alone it might be near 10 feet tall standing on its hind legs. Anything that big not only has my respect but it also has my yeah you own this parcel of land and I'll be leaving attitude. Also Grizzlies can run about 35 mph top speed and Usain Bolt has the record at 27 mph and I am pretty sure that even in my running days I never topped 20 so there's another reason to just let them be.

[@sailorbobby]

@@32a34a and they climb trees lightning quick. Pretty much no escape if one wants to kill/eat you and you don’t have a large firearm.

[@KitKat_630]

Damn, the idea that she kept walking away to avoid a fight until he got too close for comfort is so sad. He recognized that he pushed her boundaries, just too late.

[@spencermann3951]

Yep, to late. I couldn’t imagine the feeling of that.

[@michaeldoran4367]

Amateur photographer photographs a BUT WHOLE up close and posts it in a photo competition!

[@subarolla]

Huh? You must of watched some other video. Because she wasn't walking away to avoid anything. She was never aware of him until he made a noise. Way to make your own story and who liked that comment anyway.

[@KitKat_630]

@@subarolla First of all, no need to be rude. Secondly, I was basing my comment off of what Mr. Ballen said at 18:04, which was him saying “the mother bear continued to try and walk away from him.” The photos were taken right when the mother bear decided to attack, whether it be because he got too close or she was tired of him following her, or what have you. Obviously my comment was based off of the story Mr. Ballen told, as we don’t have any photos previously to show she acknowledged him and walked away. But yeah, it is from this video, and I did not make up my own story, I based my comment off of his story.

[@cherrybeetree]

@@subarolla imagine being this cocky and rude whilst being so wrong lmao

[@vincentsavoretti2201]

How does a guy who loves grizzly bears this much not know even the most basic things about them?

[@cupofsadge8359]

Tbh I think Charles wanted to die by a grizzly. Given how Charles' own family was like, "Yup that sounds like Charles. He'd never hurt a bear and he would support the Rangers decision not to seek revenge against the bear for his death."

[@GameparkGames]

I'm sure he knew the dangers but he was in ignorant bliss where he saw his dream shot and got way to into it. If he had turned away after a few shots I'm sure he would still be alive

[@ReigoVassal]

He knows how dangerous it is. But his reasoning is "they're smart enough that I'm not a danger to them". He forgot that wildlife aren't domesticated.

[@kainthewriter8764]

This would've been before the internet, when information would have been only in books that you'd buy or check from a library. It makes sense that he would check out a book on bears and read about their natural behaviors, but he probably wouldn't have checked out a book on survivalism if he was as confident in his abilities to navigate as he was. Or if he'd been hiking since he was young. Why check out a book if you think you know what's in it? You can never know what you don't know. He didn't know that there was any way to survive this.

[@johnpekkala6941]

The word Grizzly to me = Maneater. A creature that should not be aproached in any way unless u want to die. Especially not with cubs! They might look beautiful but they are just as dangerous as lions who just see humans as food and should be left alone for that very reason, as well as for other reasons.

[@jamiejazz8194]

You NEVER go near a mama bear and her cubs! That’s wildlife 101. I work at a nuclear site in the forest, and we learn that from the start. I’m so sorry this happened to Charles, the irony is tragic.

[@Mr.MFuckingYTchangedmyname]

Hmmm, those are pretty dark and mysterious words right there - "I work at a nuclear site in the forest..." Careful you don't become the subject of one of these videos!

[@irishbrewgaming2296]

I was stationed at Barksdale AFB and one of the things we were told not to do was swim in the lake unless you wanted to be food for the wildlife.

[@Saedraverse]

So had to check the vid again but had recently watch a vid on 15 bear Myths, one being that mother bears were most dangerous. Doesn't seem true of Black bears & for the Grizzles it's kinda, half & half. They will attack if you're too close & perceived as a threat but apparently will usually do a mocking charge first & will leave ye alone if ye make clear ye ain't a threat, in their words "whatever ye got to do to make yourself not perceived as a threat, DO IT" As the person is quite informative I'm inclined to trust them & not like they said it's a complete myth but begs the question of what happened in this case. I'm guessing he maybe didn't act fast enough or at all when they noticed him

[@IsThisShitOn7]

Going near a momma bear with cubs is just as smart as having a chimp as a pet, neither will end well.

[@gal2727]

Well Charles was an idiot

[@stevemorris2364]

Sad story but a nice silver lining. A family actually accepting the decision their deceased loved one made and not trying to turn the death into a payday. RIP Charles. 😢

[@fioregiallo]

It's sad that people acting like decent human beings doing the right thing, and accepting accountability is considered a silver lining. I hate it here lmao

[@dwoodstwin]

What payday are you talking about? Furthermore, you know people need money to eat, feed their kids, pay their mortgage, send their kids to school, etc

[@dieterdelange9488]

True, and what happened to him was tragic. That being said, there's no way I'm going near a mother animal when she has her young with her: whether it's a bear, elephant or even a giraffe, I will slowly turn around and leave as silently and quickly as possible.

[@billyfraiser6298]

The silver lining in this story is basically two things. 1. One of Charles' photos finally being published 2. Hopefully this story has saved some lives over the past few decades.

[@lyanneroberts7936]

The absence of a parent will cost a lot of money. Yes it may seem insensitive when they sue for money however everything costs funeral, healthcare, schooling all sorts. So let’s not shame victims families shall we it’s very ignorant.

[@PsychoKupcake]

I can respect him for his unwavering love of bears. And the fact that his wife agreed that Charles wouldn't want the bears hurt. That is respect all around.

[@FiresCollide]

He might have had an unwavering love, but anyone with half a brain should know not to get near a mother bear with her cubs. That in and of itself is not respectful.

[@Tomdog83]

He would rather die than defend himself. Yea, I'll be eaten alive, and leave my lived ones rather than defend myself. Surprised entirely someone like that even had a pistol with him, whats the point.

[@kainthewriter8764]

​@@Tomdog83He probably had it for bears who were solitary. It's specifically that the mother had cubs. He wouldn't be killing one bear, he'd be killing four.

[@dedalliance1]

​@@Tomdog83There's also mountain lions and wolves in that area.

[@eroccha]

@@FiresCollide Yeah I can't respect stupidity.

[@katlynnalmansor4135]

As soon as you said Glacier, I knew it'd be a grizzly bear. And when I heard "cubs", I knew exactly why. Poor Charles. It's so sad, but he knew the risks and got too excited to really consider the danger. I hope his wife was able to find peace after that.

[@adri7352]

After last week I'm really thankful for the consensus everyone reached about treating wild animals like wild animals and letting the bears be. 🐻🐾🐘

[@21palica]

@@jhanimalluvr5932 Sic 'em, Dumbo! 😂

[@2Clarence47]

@@jhanimalluvr5932 that took a dark turn….

[@karmas_coming]

I'm still traumatized by last week's story.

[@LANCEtheBOIL]

credit: hungry horse news- that paper must be run by California transplant reeetards, those weren't mountain goats, those were bighorn sheep

[@SasquachPL]

@@jhanimalluvr5932 How many dumb things are in this comment... everytime I think I've counted it all, suddenly I spot another one...

[@gregwillis7767]

I was in the zone, until the in essence: Charles thought the bear would sense that he was harmless. Bears, like any wild animals -are best admired from a distance!

[@kalidoll8032]

Ikr 😂😂

[@grrrrbabyverygrrr8165]

He was kind of far away, obviously not far enough.

[@psychoticchemist]

@@SSJacksWolf it’s not as simple as only predator or prey from the bear’s perspective. The mother bear saw Charles as a threat because he was following them. If the mother bear saw him as prey, his corpse would have been unrecognizable because she would have eaten him. She didn’t. She just wanted to eliminate the threat to her cubs.

[@21palica]

That was probably his only mistake. He believed in some hippy, new age bulls..t!

[@p5eudo883]

@@SSJacksWolf Either predator or prey... That's an ignorant stance to take.

[@JustinBradleyPhotographer]

As an aspiring landscape photographer and KZbinr, I can say, his wife was definitely a patient person. People always want to hike with the photographer until they actually hike with the photographer and never even break a sweat because of all of the impromptu stops.

[@chrissydavis5346]

The picture of mama bear looking at him is terrifying. As always great story telling!!!

[@anndownsouth5070]

I have been thinking about this story the whole week. What bothers me most is the fact that Charles loved bears and knew a lot about them. The moment he saw that there were 3 cubs with the mom, he should have known not to get too close. We don't even have bears in South Africa, and I know better than getting close to a mamma bear with 3 cubs in early spring.

[@pinkminipuff]

Indeed, it's very sad. I don't know why people always have to fuck around and find out with wild animals.

[@Brandon-br7tc]

Yeah, well over there in Africa you've got some worse things to deal with lol

[@anndownsouth5070]

@Brandon-br7tc maybe that's why we know to have respect for nature. You don't go walking where there are lions, you stay away from hippos out of water, and if you encounter an elephant while driving through the wild, you back away. Carefully.

[@Brandon-br7tc]

@@anndownsouth5070 Exactly. It’s about the mistakened people really.

[@benjaminvaldez5869]

Charles worshipped the idea of getting his photographs published. He let it get to his head. Too bad his pictures kinda sucked. But at least they were published..

[@jordansawolf8091]

My parents went camping once in the 80’s-early 90’s and had seen a huge crowd of people on the edge of the road. They pulled over to see what was going on only to find two baby bears just happily playing. Everyone was taking pictures, trying to get closer, etc. my parents looked at each other and said NOPE. Then got back to the car as quickly as possible. Don’t mess with bears 😭

[@DecrepitBiden]

Got it. Don't mess with Yogi & Boo Boo.👍

[@Liv3W3ll]

Very wise.

[@thefisherking78]

Especially not babies

[@Nohvas1]

For those who don't know, you should never approach or be within at LEAST 100 yards of bear cubs, preferably even farther away. Where there's cubs there's a mama who will kill you without hesitation should she deem you as a threat and it doesn't take much for that to happen

[@Nohvas1]

Also unless you want to come in close contact with nature or hunting and are armed with at least a .40, wear a cow bell on your waist, so there's no unpleasant surprises with nature's beasts

[@steveinthemountains8264]

Poor Charles. Your domesticated dog or cat may be able to sense your gentle soul and kind disposition, but it rarely works that way in nature. Fascinating and tragic story.

[@emilylones7132]

I did this hike with some friends about 3 years ago. I didn't know this story then! I remember walking over the train tracks and the fields of bear grass (the big white flowers!) And the views from the top are STUNNING. I also remember we left to head back down the mountain on the later side so we were worried about the sun setting. Someone in the group mentioned that they thought they heard a bear rustling in the bushes nearby. So the rest of the hike down all 5 of us were clapping our hands and yelling 'Hey Bear!' hoping any that were nearby would get scared and run away. So sad to hear this man had this outcome.

[@mississippidrifter5960]

Having grown up in Alaska and spent over 20 years there I can't say how many times I've heard very similar stories. It's always sad but at some point you start wondering when the hell people will learn

[@YoungLiam74]

People will never learn, there will be thrill chasers or just people like charles who think they are different. Its a wild beast stay the hell away from it. Unfortunately those who need to heed this warning the most don't. Sad that the guy paid with his life for this one choice, but can't say i pity him, he made his bed.

[@George-jn8qr]

Unfortunately never

[@brianmurphy6480]

City boys. And girls. 🤦‍♂️

[@Find-Your-Bliss-]

Never. Just never.

[@misstinahamilton5714]

Sadly they won’t learn. Some people don’t respect nature. They will always try to fight it - when you can’t.

[@ThatMontanaMom]

I live about 20 minutes from Glacier. Usually it's the tourists that have encounters with the more agressive wildlife in our state. No matter how tolerant they may seem of people, mama bears, bison and moose are NOT something you want to sneak up on, and 50 feet away is 50 feet too close. My heart goes out to his family.

[@rikfroschauer1743]

Well said

[@goodday126]

50 feet away is like being in the kitchen, while the bear is in the livingroom. He didn't have a chance.

[@DS_Honeycutt]

Thank you, I needed a laugh! Don't sneak up on Momma bears, bison and moose. I fact that you have to tell them that is hilarious!

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

You are very right, but I would word it that even 100-300 yards is perilously close for bison, moose, but especially Grizzlies, and most of all a sow Grizzly with cubs.

[@diceflawless9115]

Moose are aggressive?

[@crixus2820]

During the video I was like I hope Hungry Horse published his photos since he tried so hard for them, so hearing that they actually did is a bittersweet ending to the story, but I’m glad Charles got what he wanted 🥺

[@julieb6087]

I realized the other day that I have a somewhat new generic distrust of everyone now that I’ve started listening to Mr. Ballen , I’m also immediately opposed to trying to pick anything up anywhere near any kind of weird structure that I may get stuck inside and die completely on accident . Mr Ballen making the world a safer place 😂❤️

[@johntrains1317]

I think the phrase, "perfect eye contact" from a grizzly bear is the scariest thing I've heard

[@TwoShedsJackson]

@@MKSQUADofficial Why would you advertise a patently ripoff site? It’s not MrBallen at all, just someone horribly non-creative.

[@Logicalsane]

​@@TwoShedsJackson 8:12 justice was denied to him....his wife literally murdered him brutally.... Had she taken care of his,he would've been alive...She left him alone to die a painful death....... She deserves nothing but to be hanged in public... 20:20 that's victim blaming... When animals kill women then no one buys that logic and everyone wants to kill that animal....

[@Chickadeebunny]

The picture was pretty scary too 18:40

[@Logicalsane]

@@Chickadeebunny 8:12 justice was denied to him....his wife literally murdered him brutally.... Had she taken care of his,he would've been alive...She left him alone to die a painful death....... She deserves nothing but to be hanged in public... 20:20 that's victim blaming... When animals kill women then no one buys that logic and everyone wants to kill that animal.....

[@C.Church]

@@Logicalsane You're neither logical nor sane, anti Chad.

[@planetdawson]

Babe wake up, MrBallen posted

[@jordanjohnson7142]

Lucky, you don’t have kids.

[@bigcock8900]

I’m up babe

[@jcurses]

Don't worry, honey, I'm awake, and I'm here 😉

[@beanDoggins]

The highlight of yalls live

[@brandonayong5823]

A while ago My girlfriend told me " It's been a while since we watched a horror movie. Would you like to do it this weekend?" I replied " Sure. But before we get into this event if you're a fan of the strange dark and mysterious deliver in story format then you came to the right place because that's all I do and I upload twice a week. So if that's of interest to you please send a message to the like button who had a crush on you for 7 years saying "I think I love you" before sending another one a few minutes later saying " Wrong person"

[@DaleHopkins-rn7vl]

Mr Ballen, I love what you do. I'm 64 yo and have had a few other worldly experiences I'd love to share with you. But before that, I've been suffering with depression and thoughts of suicide. But I don't trust the programs, associates, family,or the medical professionals at all. I have my reasons that would take to too long to explain. But your story telling helps me more than you can know. Thank you for your time and talent.

[@lisathompson1128]

Hey Dale, Just want you to know, you're not alone. Stop thinking about suicide. That's not the answer. Then no one will hear your stories. Let me know if you'd like to story swap. Sending you hugs & MUCH LOVE. Sometimes it's hard to find light in dark places. You CAN & you WILL ❤

[@sunnystiver2897]

❤❤❤

[@encycl07pedia-]

You're depressed. You might have paranoia as a result of another condition. You really need treatment even if it's simply talking to someone. I'm not a doctor, but I know pills work. It might help to pause, take a step back, and analyze what you're doing/want to do and whether that's something you think is reasonable. If it's not reasonable, I wouldn't do it.

[@Smokey23929]

I hope you got sone help mate, I hope your ok and happy, your not alone x

[@wolf73371]

While tragic, anyone that thinks a bear will "sense they're harmless and be chill" deserve a Darwin Award. Especially if you push your luck against a mama bear with cubs.

[@mariaann4717]

mother bears are some of the fiercest and most protective mothers on the planet. his intentions were pure but he was careless with tracking the bears. im glad that the bears were left alone after this whole thing. mama was just protecting her babies. hopefully, all the love he expressed for these animals will live on and will help protect more bears

[@Uncivil_Dreams]

me too. i cant stand when humans do something stupid, get themselves hurt, and then somehow the animal is killed for it.

[@franklinstower6721]

​@@Uncivil_Dreams I think the only reason a predatory animal is killed after attacking/killing a human is because they can develop a taste for human meat/blood...I think. That being said I agree with you 100% people are stupid sometimes and an innocent animal shouldn't be killed for someone else's choice.

[@margarethooten3007]

​@@Uncivil_DreamsI thought the Bears were left alone. 😢

[@franklinstower6721]

@@margarethooten3007 yeah it's terrible... like of there's a real, credible threat then maybe I can see it if trapping and removing isn't an option but to take a life for doing what it does naturally is mind numbing

[@mariaann4717]

@@franklinstower6721 a lot of it is human spite too. countless wild animals (specifrically, sharks) have been tracked down after an attack

[@Selynn.]

For someone who even spoke on behalf of bears he seemed to not know the basics of how to act in the presence of one.

[@tiffanyeyoung1800]

I'll say he doesn't! How is it that he knew so much about bears but all of the sudden forgot that they can easily climb a tree

[@Rachel_M_]

@@tiffanyeyoung1800 i'd say 'Goal obsession", In its broadest form, goal obsession is the force at play when we get so wrapped up in achieving our goal that we do it at the expense of a larger mission. It comes from misunderstanding what we want in our lives.

[@KhanMann66]

It’s the sheer arrogance that he thinks a bear won’t harm him because he doesn’t pose a threat. Absolute nonsense from a guy obsessed with nature. He was the Timothy Tredwell before Timothy Tredwell.

[@CellarDoorx06]

​@@KhanMann66 Bingo! Darwin will have to ship out yet another trophy! Treadwell pisses me off. His GF WANTED TO LEAVE, and he basically held her hostage. What a freaking scumbag!!😡

[@serenity6415]

​@@Rachel_M_ Beautifully put. That is serious food for thought.

[@70stvtool]

In 2000 me and 3 other friends went up to Gustavus AK to kayak in Glacier Bay National Park. We were out for 8 days. 4 days in we woke to chilled drizzle and very low visibility and an outbound tide. So after a day of hard paddling against the tide, intercepting the Rotterdam cruise ship in a narrow fjord, we finally found a great seaside meadow to set up camp. Unpacked tents up and dinner started, there she was. A brown bear with 3 of her little cubs. They were about a quarter of a mile up the steep mountainside. We waited 5 mins to see her and babes start slowly heading our way. There were no objections to the decision to pack it all up and paddle about 3 miles down to the next workable shoreline. You just don’t take any chances especially with a Mama and her cubs. But that’s my best record for packing up and loading the kayak!

[@calvinvillagran2936]

Bro, keep going until every strange dark mysterious story in the entirety of mankind is told by you. Much love man, you make being alone much more tolerable🤌🏾

[@bgarmstrong1446]

I’m so glad my son turned me on to your channel. He is a combat medic stationed in El Paso. For a few months now we have been “zoom watching” your videos together whenever he has the time. Thank you for the content and more importantly your service to our country.

[@sayswho3606]

same with me, my son turned me on to his channel.

[@dinkvjr]

My son did too!!! ❤❤

[@justme5578]

When I was stationed in S. Korea and Germany… I would FaceTime with my mom once a week and we’d watch movies together ❤

[@charleshern6958]

My girlfriend turned me on to this channel. Goated

[@alesiaburris45]

❤❤❤❤

[@kayla1245768]

It’s very sad he was so naive and thought the mom bear wouldn’t harm him because of his own sensitive nature. I am glad they decided to just let the bears Be. Thank again mrBallen for another great story!

[@kayla1245768]

@Mbita Acoustic I’m not clicking that. Lol

[@frankiefavero1666]

It's the same lack of critical thinking skills that got Timothy Treadwell and his girlfriend killed by grizzly! Perhaps it's some type of delusion where they think that wild animals can always sense one's intentions...

[@Logicalsane]

8:12 justice was denied to him....his wife literally murdered him brutally.... Had she taken care of his,he would've been alive...She left him alone to die a painful death....... She deserves nothing but to be hanged in public... 20:20 that's victim blaming... When animals kill women then no one buys that logic and everyone wants to kill that animal.....

[@cherrielynjaninenatividad8525]

suffering from anxiety attacks most of the time but mr. ballen channel helps me, stories may be depressing but as a horror lover since young, i find comfort with these types of stories...

[@LadyEnchiridion]

It shouldn’t take the life of a person to be published in a magazine or win a prize. Rip Charles, you deserved BETTER!

[@gracemanalac2646]

Hi Mr. Ballen, your videos help me learn english while doing my household chores. You speak so clearly and entertaining i keep listening over and over, I use my earbuds even if I dont watch, I could still picture you in my head because of your amazing storytelling. Youre simply the best. Thank you. ❤

[@soopahjj11]

Maybe soon you can tell horrifying stories!

[@michellerobin5461]

That’s awesome! 👍🏻🩷

[@Thedrumsthebass]

Now this is dope. MrBallen out here doing nothing but good work. This is what happens when a man operates on integrity and humility.

[@Sunflowersarepretty]

I too listen to mr baleen to improve my English. I've been listening to him since the days he would upload 5-6 times in a week. I still remember that.

[@aradnurse5312]

What a nice comment!😊

[@sorbabaric1]

I grew up in Oregon (black bears). Our parents told us that mother bears are very protective of their cubs, and that the distance they needed to feel safe, was very large (much further distance than a bear without cubs). We were told as children to give a bear with cubs the entire mountain side. In other words, a great distance, otherwise, you are inside the distance a mother bear will perceive as threatening, and she will act to defend her cubs.

[@serenity_now1999]

How far is safe ? ..

[@colecampbell1906]

@@serenity_now1999 generally if you're about 100 yards away or more you should be ok, but that also depends on the mama and also whether or not you startle her. If you're already there and she walks up with her cubs you generally can stay put and as long as you don't suddenly move and freak them out you should be safe because she likely is aware of your presence but still feels safe, but don't ever approach them like this guy did. That was what sealed his fate, she wanted to leave peacefully but then she heard that he was following them and she took that as a threat. It makes sense if you think about it, from her perspective why tf would anything follow them other than to kill a baby when she isn't looking? And with that in mind, what else could you expect her to do than chase the threat down and erase it before it gets the chance.

[@FlyingAnanas-337]

​@@colecampbell1906 are black bears the ones who are the most aggressive? I'd be so scared to go hiking in bear territory, walking too close to one and not seeing it in time. Huh, creepy 😢

[@colecampbell1906]

​@@FlyingAnanas-337 Black bears tend to be less aggressive than grizzlies, mainly because of their size. They only get around 300lb on the large side, so a 6ft 200lb man seems more of a threat to them than we do to a big 600lb grizzly. Honestly I feel like black bears would be more willing to attack us than grizzlies are, if they were their size. But luckily they're alot smaller so less confident about coming after us. Rightfully so, since I'd honestly bet if a man has a knife and knows how to use it, he'd kill a black bear. It's happened a few rare times even with big grizzlies. Not that it'd be a fight anyone wants to go through either way.

[@mnisou19]

yep thats true... i know a woman that almost died because of that

[@Keralasha444]

RIP Charles, I usually don’t feel too sorry for folks on this channel but he seems like a sweet guy.

[@deaddeaddeaddeaddead5667]

"real photo of a different grizzly bear" lol that's great

[@rickyscott9351]

That photo at 18:38 is so hauntingly creepy when you know why mamma bear is looking toward the camera, and when you know what happened next. Oh, gosh

[@ogreface8]

A shiver went down my spine when I saw that pic. Imagine being in that situation and having a mother bear with her cubs stare daggers at you. Terrifying

[@proxy8918]

Agreed. That was absolutely chilling...

[@Wizzz2288]

You should never get too near with mother bear & cubs. The obvious natural instinct of a mother animal especially in the wild is to protect their precious babies

[@MidTierMenace777]

That's why I'm never going camping or hiking.

[@rickyscott9351]

@@MidTierMenace777 Oh, I'm with you on that! I don't even go camping where there aren't any bears or other dangerous wildlife. And I ain't hiking anywhere in or near known bear-populated areas. The thought of a thin piece of tearable material between me and the unknown type and amount of wildlife is unsettling

[@Bl00dyCh33rry]

I was so afraid this story was going exactly where I thought it was going. RIP Charles.

[@faye4426]

i knew this was done by a bear. not surprising tbh. these people just never learn.

[@valentinkambushev4968]

I thought the bears would be punished for being bears. Thankfully I was wrong.

[@jaxsazerac4904]

Charles is an idiot. I see a cub and I am going the way.

[@WideAwakeHuman]

I man mean it’s a Mr Ballen video so…..

[@lizaraVR]

@@faye4426 charles definitely fucked around and found out. I thought by now people would know to leave wild animals alone, especially during mating season or when they are with their offspring, knowing well those are the times when they show most aggression

[@kyleescola7505]

I love how you share how u struggled with depression cause that's where I'm at in my life and my family has also shared there concern. Makes me feel like I'm not alone

[@VioletSkye19]

Right when you said “the photos aren’t dynamic enough, nothing is happening” my eyes rolled as I can see a Darwin Award nominee about to be born, well dead I have a lot of respect for Charles, putting his money where his mouth is, so to speak, & I’d only hope I’d be as kind in his spot.

[@VioletSkye19]

@@stephanienkurtz I have respect for the fact that he loved nature, loved these bears & wanted to share that love through photography with everyone else, however…. He really should of, & I’d imagine he did know, how stupid he was being, but he did it anyway & that is all you need to do to be a candidate for The Darwin Awards, knowing you REALLY shouldn’t, but doing it anyways & that part, your right, I don’t have respect for stupidity, but he didn’t deserve what he got & he’ll maybe winning the award would cheer him up a little< it’s recognition in its own unique way.

[@richardparker3273]

Pretty sure I wouldn't be so kind in such a spot. I wouldn't knowingly put myself anywhere near a bear, let alone a mama bear. If I did find myself to be anywhere near a mama bear, I would make the decision immediately to leave the area and go home, but if mama bear is charging me, theres gonna be baby bears without a mama anymore...

[@brunolima7402]

It would be expected from someone as experienced as Charles to know how dangerous that situation was.. worse than bothering a fully grown male grizzly bear is to bother a mom with her cubs.

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

This story is only one version of it. The "older" version I had read wasn't that he was following the bears but that the bears were headed in his direction and he had no escape once he realized the mistake he made.

[@karenshadle365]

Bruno Lima In this version it sounds like he was anthropomorphizing bears, ie attributing human emotions or intelligence to them. True respect for them would be recognizing and loving them exactly as they really are, not what a person imagines 🎉about them.

[@VB-lc4xz]

​@@ScubaSteveCanada I assume there are so many cases like this. People think it will never happen to them, just to someone else!

[@anubis4496]

Yeah when I herd bears I laughed, dudes a complete idiot

[@cuppycakey5013]

@@VB-lc4xz Yep, and people ignoring warning signs and sirens, etc.

[@pawwalker3492]

I remember very well when this happened. When you said Charles and Glenda - I knew right away. I did read it a bit differently. That Charles's gun was unsnapped, and the bear reached him so fast he never had time to pull it. And I saw several more pictures of the bear getting closer, so Charles chose not to stop filming before running. It 's sad he lost his life, but he should have known better than to TRACK a mother Grizzly and her babies. Won't ever end well.

[@harekrsnaharerama8454]

Yeah to be honest , his decision was really really stupid

[@pawwalker3492]

@@harekrsnaharerama8454 - Yes! While living in Tucson AZ I had quite a few wildlife encounters while out hiking. When a mountain lion and I met with about 100ft between us in Sabino Canyon, even thought the cougar is my totem animal, and I think they're exquisite beings, I didn't stand there and go, "Pst, pst, pst, here kitty kitty". We both went our separate ways. That was one of four ML encounters, and I'm still here. Same with the bears, and wolf. Leave them be.

[@red_words]

To me the issue was shooting the 📷 instead of the 🔫. People shouldn't have to live in fear because bears exist. Like what am I supposed to be quarantined to the Bill Gates approved human zone. 😪

[@marioguti9887]

@@harekrsnaharerama8454 Darwin Award winner 😞 That's an award you don't wanna win

[@blessedfire365xgf]

Some mother human beings can be protective too

[@skierprincessakify]

This story was so heartbreaking. The guy made a dangerous choice, but really sad how he was killed just to get a good picture. I live in Alaska and could see this happening. I’m glad the bears weren’t killed.

[@RickyM323]

What an amazing story. Brings me to tears knowing he got everything he wanted by following his passion, unfortunately it cost him his life.

[@velvetspicer1962]

Mr. Ballen is so empathetic in his storytelling - never calling out the victim for making a sad, yet poor decision, but telling the other side of the story and why that decision may have been made. I'm sure the victim's family appreciates his sensitivity. I know I do.

[@dontloseyourselfwithfakemfs]

I really like how Mr ballen is so good at his storytelling

[@bertclayton6597]

MrBallen obviously puts biases aside if he does have them. Where you're right. Which so many do not know what they do. I have experience with this too. But I heard enuff about bears, I would keep my distance.

[@omawumiadokpaye6628]

This is not Mr Ballen

[@gunner4ever924]

"Play stupid games, win stupid prizes 🤡"

[@hsizzle4502]

yeah but lets be real here that guy not shooting the bear was a nice thing but dude you have to save your own life and shoot. he made tons of mistakes it was almost like he wanted to be eatin . this guy really wasnt the smartest and he left his wife without a husband and to me thats worse than shooting and killing the bear he was very selfish in his actions regardless of how virtuos he might seem. these were not good things that he did he should have never got that close. i feel sorry for him and may he rest in peace but that was a bunch of really poor decisions and that is something that no one should ever even try to attempt

[@CEJ4918]

Charles’ fate is so sad but I’m glad his family and him (as told by his family) understood that a bear was just being a bear and defending her babies on what she perceived to be a threat. I hope he was smiling from up above when his pictures were finally published.

[@loweloking88]

I just don’t understand why people would want to get near a 700 pound being of death that can run 30 mph. They defeat you in every physical category. If you love them, just stay away and take pictures in a car or watch them on tv. Now that best and her cubs have to get euthanized.

[@5adam8]

​@Mbita Acoustic douche bag

[@jackdurden466]

I have no doubt that he is and was.

[@TheUncleRuckus]

🤣

[@deborahwhitney9427]

Props to Charles family. A lot of people would be screaming for all bears to be extinct. Also RIP Charles

[@lilysonthemoon]

It’s a brother bear story but without the Disney involved. Also as a photographer I understand his drive. The need for that perfect picture, not even for recognition, just the sheer want and drive for that perfect picture is enough to make any photographer lose their grounding. I’ve had moments where I just wanted that photo and nothing else and have nearly gotten into positions where other people around me have said “you really could have gotten hurt if you continued.” I’m not a reckless person until I have a camera in my hands. Then suddenly it doesn’t matter if I die while taking the perfect photo. It sounds absolutely insane and I think it totally is, but that one perfect photo we’re all chasing…it’s worth it.

[@Snow-of-the-Artic]

“Real photo of a camera bag” … … 😂. I love it.

[@crystalskylight9327]

Charles definitely wouldn't have wanted the bear to be punished for his death. He knows he got too close. I'm glad you covered this story, Mrballen.

[@crystalskylight9327]

@Tala K I understand, if it were me I definitely would have kept my distance. But obviously everyone makes mistakes.

[@Logicalsane]

​@Tala K 8:12 justice was denied to him....his wife literally murdered him brutally.... Had she taken care of his,he would've been alive...She left him alone to die a painful death....... She deserves nothing but to be hanged in public... 20:20 that's victim blaming... When animals kill women then no one buys that logic and everyone wants to kill that animal....

[@ilikecringe]

In my opinion he was a dumbass and I hate to say that about a dead person but it's the reason to why he is dead. He should have put a cap in that bears ass.

[@SuperGlen100]

Charles knew his 1st pic would make into the horse news, but him getting eaten would land him on Mr. Ballen!

[@furanduron4926]

He deserved it.

[@skookapalooza2016]

Another problem that Charles may not have considered, is how ravenously hungry the bears are when they come out of hibernation. Either way, getting close to a sow & her cubs is a REALLY BAD IDEA.

[@Logicalsane]

8:12 justice was denied to him....his wife literally murdered him brutally.... Had she taken care of his,he would've been alive...She left him alone to die a painful death....... She deserves nothing but to be hanged in public... 20:20 that's victim blaming... When animals kill women then no one buys that logic and everyone wants to kill that animal....

[@dilpickles5928]

@@Logicalsane What the hell is wrong with you? Are you saying he was married to a Grizzly bear? If she had been with him she would have been killed too.. What's in a name? "Grizzly" that alone should give anyone pause. getting too near to these creatures... Humans have a false sense of security in dangerous environment's... We believe because we aren't natural prey or have good intentions we will be fine, time and time again we are proven just how wrong we are. If it was a rouge attack the bear most likely would have been killed.. But killing the mother would sentence the cubs to death too.. Given his affinity to wildlife no-one would have wished that, also given how remote the location was, it's unlikely there would be any future attacks.. I mean there's a simple lesson here.. If you value your internal organs remaining internal, do not get close to a mom and her cubs lol.

[@delune1329]

@@Logicalsane His wife is not a bear and you need to sort out your problems instead of being on the internet.

[@Gawlakman]

@@delune1329dude has got to be trolling, he posted the same comment on another comment, just ignore it

[@dubiousinformation1756]

@@Gawlakman I'd like to believe you're right, but I've met enough people like this in real life to know he's probably not just trolling.

[@temalesi8848]

No one else is as entertaining as Mr. Ballen, the one and only😂

[@dutch4973]

Brings a palpable feeling to the phrase “find what you love and let it kill you”.

[@lelonene95]

I was really creeped out by those photos given the context of what was about to happen. Rest in peace Charles 🕊️

[@adomede]

He was very selfish.

[@hilsbroorjlch3259]

Pieces?

[@millionairesdream9106]

Yes rest in peace, Charles, but he was an ass hole. He decided that the bear's life was more important than his own. 🤦‍♂️

[@TheFreshTrumpet]

ppl really can’t just let you wish the dude RIP without making it negative, god the internet sucks lol

[@VietboyGamerUSA]

he won the Darwin Award

[@snippyJ]

There is a fine line between brave and crazy and poor Charles crossed it. May he rest in peace.

[@Logicalsane]

8:12 justice was denied to him....his wife literally murdered him brutally.... Had she taken care of his,he would've been alive...She left him alone to die a painful death....... She deserves nothing but to be hanged in public... 20:20 that's victim blaming... When animals kill women then no one buys that logic and everyone wants to kill that animal....

[@meganschoch9680]

Oh and Mr. Ballen I just discovered you yesterday and haven't been able to stop listening since!!! You do an amazing job telling your stories!!!

[@marygracetagarelli4175]

I always , always skip over any promotional footage in videos….except for Mr Ballens . These promotions are always excellent and get my attention. You are a gold mine for your sponsors.! You have mastered the art of storytelling.

[@juliedonis9135]

I love how much he talks with his hands! It shows how invested in the stories he is.

[@AJ72281]

Ever been to Italy?

[@SuperMobly]

That's his Italian DNA

[@Momo_Kawashima]

As an italian I can confirm when his hands disappear out of the camera view he is not speaking

[@nonbiz1520]

He’s on camera. Being static is boring.

[@MrJohnEco]

Mr Ballen always do like that in every video. 😊

[@rhiannonoshea9203]

i’ve heard too many stories about people being careless with bears. most of them have been on mrballen’s channel. unfortunately they’re underestimated too often. i don’t mean to shame him, i just felt this was so avoidable. when he was describing the chain of pictures and how he kept getting closer, i desperately hoped he’d stop testing his luck and turn around, even though we already knew how the story would end. it also makes me sad that he only got in that publication after his death. it’s a good memorial at least.

[@Smorss2011]

Most of them have been on this channel? Wow, you need to broaden your horizons.

[@Uncivil_Dreams]

@@Smorss2011 i struggle to see why you felt the need to be a dick about such a simple statement😂

[@bradsanders407]

To hell with the moron. We got smarter as a species that day.

[@keinlieb3818]

Definitely avoidable, but if it wasn't for these people risking their lives, we wouldn't have pictures of these beautiful animals.

[@Logicalsane]

8:12 justice was denied to him....his wife literally murdered him brutally.... Had she taken care of his,he would've been alive...She left him alone to die a painful death....... She deserves nothing but to be hanged in public... 20:20 that's victim blaming... When animals kill women then no one buys that logic and everyone wants to kill that animal....

[@lilyj-nm1ii]

So many incredible stories told in.this Chanel! Thank you so much for your narratives and the vivid way of presentation, Mr Ballen!

[@sandrasalas9813]

Very happy to have you in this format again. Your awesome

[@zeldasvideos4968]

You have no idea how happy I was to hear that the bears were not punished for being bears

[@bholdr----0]

Yeah... Bears are gonna bear, eh? 😮

[@kodakzak2836]

in my opinion, the bears were innocent.

[@dammaguy1286]

And what about Charles

[@Psichotica7]

@@dammaguy1286 He accepted the consequence of the choice he made like a champ.

[@UKnowtheThing]

You still kill the bears in my opinion. They killed a human so they pay for it.

[@fopo5733]

It's so sad that his passion and enthusiasm for the subject of the photos he was taking caused him to lower his guard, or inhibit his sense of self-preservation. (It's also quite hard to type this idea out without spoiling the story - but I hope you folks get what I mean: a guy was careless because he loved what he was doing and was entranced by it. Not calling him stupid or anything, it's more that his passion and excitement overwhelmed his common sense, sort of thing).

[@AlexanderMason1]

I’m sorry but this man was not only an idiot but he did this damn self 100% and also got that bear killed.

[@isaiahwiita4474]

​@@AlexanderMason1except the Bear wasn't killed.

[@mazim7386]

@@AlexanderMason1 the bear wasn’t killed?

[@einienj3281]

​@@AlexanderMason1 The bear wasn't killed.

[@Jyvonne]

@@AlexanderMason1 The bear wasn't killed!

[@HalferLandPerformance]

Wow can't believe how much his channel and brand has grown. I've been subbed since 70k and it's still the same Ballen quality, just smooth as butter now and way more fans

[@MarloStum]

I do appreciate MrBallen taking a break from his absolutely *unhinged* ad reads to give more sincere ad reads whenever Better Help or anything similar is the sponsor. As funny as those are, it's good to treat mental health with the respect it deserves.

[@stevnated]

The captions such as "Real Photo of a Camera Bag" never fail to crack me up. (I do understand and very much appreciate the captions being there to differentiate between stock photographs and actual photographs of things being discussed! It's just that some of them are so obviously stock that it's sorta funny.)

[@quappo]

@@MRBALLEN.4...wooow tryna scam wholesome boomers that are mr.ballen viewers i bet your mother is proud of you. Nvm you probably dont have one in your life

[@Michelle-er8mn]

Yeah I agree! Real photo of a beaver did it for me🙈😂

[@hingeslevers]

I'm waiting for rhe first "AI generated photo of a sewing machine"

[@noneofyobiznizz9516]

I remember when Mr. Ballen had just several hundred thousand subs. Now he's at seven and a half million. That's just amazing. He deserves his success. While other social media creators are out flexing their over-the-top lifestyles, Mr. Ballen is creating an organization to help victims of violent crimes. Mr. Ballen also has the most loyal fans. I don't think that I have ever seen people infighting within the comments.

[@jbelle021]

That's so true!

[@trentcruise3084]

🥾⛑💄💎

[@chadada8866]

Agreed, when he asked his viewers to donate to a former navy seal’s charity he had soo many people singing up to donate that the ran out of the free shirt you get for signing up.

[@Logicalsane]

8:12 justice was denied to him....his wife literally murdered him brutally.... Had she taken care of his,he would've been alive...She left him alone to die a painful death....... She deserves nothing but to be hanged in public... 20:20 that's victim blaming... When animals kill women then no one buys that logic and everyone wants to kill that animal.....

[@Kordix_music]

"His stupidity had a COMPLETELY PREDICTABLE ENDING" would be a more accurate title.

[@budrflyzable]

That is such a sweet and horrible story. He loved the bears more than he loved himself. 😞

[@jayandhis.19cents10]

Charles knew the risk of following a Sow and her cubs!! I'm glad they didn't put the momma bear down for defending her cubs!! 🐻🙏

[@Logicalsane]

8:12 justice was denied to him....his wife literally murdered him brutally.... Had she taken care of his,he would've been alive...She left him alone to die a painful death....... She deserves nothing but to be hanged in public... 20:20 that's victim blaming... When animals kill women then no one buys that logic and everyone wants to kill that animal.....

[@adamoneil5317]

Damn, that rangers tale of going out to look for Charles with a rifle and flashlight in the middle of the night sounds like something outta a horror story.

[@Logicalsane]

8:12 justice was denied to him....his wife literally murdered him brutally.... Had she taken care of his,he would've been alive...She left him alone to die a painful death....... She deserves nothing but to be hanged in public... 20:20 that's victim blaming... When animals kill women then no one buys that logic and everyone wants to kill that animal.....

[@adamoneil5317]

​@@Logicalsane idk what you're talking about...but your logic is certainly out in left field.

[@Tejah]

A grizzly bear is not an animal I would rely on sensing my gentleness. It's wonderful that he felt such love and respect for them. 🐻 ♥

[@Henry-yf2np]

It’s not “wonderful”, you need to leave these wild animals alone or you risk getting yourself or rescuers hurt.

[@Tejah]

@@Henry-yf2np As usual the assumption is on you. It is indeed wonderful he had such love and respect for the grizzlies that he wouldn't want them to come to any harm despite his own ambitions. Of course he was reckless and made a terrible mistake. Many do the same and expect the animal to be removed or killed. It's like building a house in an area where alligators, poisonous snakes, horses, and bison roam wild then getting upset they "threaten" your safety by your house. Then advocate for removal and sterilization of the animals to keep them from disturbing your manicured life.

[@Henry-yf2np]

@@Tejah you can respect them without harassing them in their habitat and making them feel like the lives of their cubs are at risk. you are endangering your life and others. no amount of paragraphs will change my statement

[@Tejah]

@@Henry-yf2np Since you insist on trolling my comment... Did I not say he made a mistake? He certainly paid for it. It's wonderful the couple did not believe in harming an animal for their own poor decision. The bears did not suffer. They did what a bear does and went on about their day. I wasn't in disagreement over leaving wild animals at a respectful distance. You seem rather condescending and angry "Henry." Perhaps your upset about another issue and are emotionally incapable of communicating it directly. Go whine to Ely the therapist. 😂

[@High_Rate136]

Those photos were to die for

[@montimiller2743]

This story reminds me of the time back in the 70's as a child, we were hiking in the Rocky mountains and came across a couple of young cubs. The adults who were with us grabbed us up and we ran and ran to get outta there, and to our curiosity we didn't know why but we were told to never ever stick around when seeing baby bear cubs because mama bear won't be happy if she finds any of us around! That lesson has served me well, and over the last 40 years whenever I have been in the mountains, never did I roam around thinking I was safe or alone, if anything you're more at a disadvantage because we are out of our element and are now in the Bears element were they are King and we are its mercy or Dinner!!!

[@HaggisMuncher-69-420]

A bear is nothing against man's weapons.

[@jasper.maxwell]

Dinner?? Bears don't eat people. In fact, most bear attacks aren't fatal.

[@PeachyPatriot]

Yes 👏🏻 Makes me think of when I was out surfing when I lived in Florida. Never ever did I think that that was *my* territory. If anything, I would become immediately aware of the fact that I had stepped *out* of my territory on land and into no-man’s-land in the water and anything that was in there viewed me as food. So I had to be very careful. I’ve had shark encounters and never was I upset at the sharks. I would just wait them out. Especially if I saw dolphins. Dolphins meant safety!

[@SandraGarcia-lj3bd]

No se juega con ninguna clase de madres , menos con un una Mama Osa . Buena lección.

[@Abber64]

John, you are an amazing story teller. Your stories actually come to life as you are explaining them. Please don't ever give it up!

[@SirHumphrey498]

he /she sounds like my drunk niece ,,,,, i just dont want to misgender anyone

[@r99716]

too many pointless details with a predictable ending

[@glenndouglas8822]

His mum writes them.

[@jquinoa5282]

​@@glenndouglas8822 They're a whole family of story tellers

[@rhiannonoshea9203]

i literally find myself nodding to him like we’re having a conversation lol

[@belmir562]

Why am I addicted to this dude and his story telling. I've been binging for a week now.

[@magnusthekilted]

I remember the story and photos from back then! Thank you for doing this one!

[@marsupialsofmars3886]

Looking at those photos with context is so horrifying. Here she lumbers, a majestic, slow-moving beast about to maul and kill you. I think what makes bears so scary is that they look so cute and peaceful in the eyes even while they're on a rampage. They are simply killing you, and have no thoughts about it

[@karenn832]

You would be amazed at how fast bears can actually run

[@justinphilpot7988]

They definitely are not slow

[@howwwyyy29]

They aren't slow,believe me.

[@donaldsiaczka9494]

Bears are not slow moving

[@marsupialsofmars3886]

@@justinphilpot7988 yes but their size and the way they move makes them look slow. Like you know how insects seem to move very fast even when not traveling very far very quickly because their own movements of their body have such a short distance to go

[@Jeremiah.Bartholomew]

Besides how animated Mr. Ballen is telling these stories, the thing that really stands out for me as a skilled storyteller is how he never looks or sounds like he's reading a script. In fact I never see any indication he's looking at cue cards at any point. He tells the story as if he were there when it happened, and he's recounting it from memory. Outstanding.

[@Bloody_Shots]

Its called video editing. Its not a continuous recording. Its in many parts and cuts

[@Uncivil_Dreams]

@@Bloody_Shots her point still stands, cuz thats still through his work that he made it seem like he isnt reading a script

[@robynnb98]

@@Bloody_Shots okay? That's awesome information but useless. I'm not sure why you felt you needed to say that? Lol It still seems like he's not reading a script, like he's telling the story from memory. Really doesn't matter HOW he does it - whatever he does, he does very well. To be able to tell stories that are not even his, soo very well, is a gift.

[@timothysternling4593]

Mr Ballen has explained in another video that he memorizes the stories.

[@Logicalsane]

8:12 justice was denied to him....his wife literally murdered him brutally.... Had she taken care of his,he would've been alive...She left him alone to die a painful death....... She deserves nothing but to be hanged in public... 20:20 that's victim blaming... When animals kill women then no one buys that logic and everyone wants to kill that animal.....

[@shannonreynolds8182]

I absolutely LOVE your stories!!!! My nearly 15 year old son loves your stories too!!

[@nickimolnar4148]

Hi Mr Ballen! I absolutely love all your material and watch it daily. Your an amazing story teller. I wanted to thank you for being brave enough to discuss mental health issues! I struggle with depression anxiety and alcoholism and you've really helped me. Not just with your amazing story telling that helps distract me from my negative afflictions, but it's comforting to know I'm not alone. Thank you for using your platform to make ppl self awaear of this very common issue 👏. Keep up the amazing work ! Merry Christmas and happy new year 🎉

[@amberlya9390]

I was hiking in Waterton Park (same park as Glacier, just across the border in Canada) and we encountered 2 grizzlies. We ended up having to detoure about 5km through a meadow, then a swamp, then had to ford a lake but I would do that again. Avoidance is definitely the best course of action when it comes to wild animals, we are in their territory, not the other way around!

[@aleoki]

Waterton is awesome to spot bears (from a distance!) I saw 13 bears in one day, i was so happy! :) (all black though, not grizzlies)

[@cheekschu2152]

👍

[@cheekschu2152]

​@@aleoki oh damn that is a lot

[@mattlahey6705]

Thats the problem with some people. They don't respect the wildlife and pay the price

[@amberlya9390]

@@aleoki funny enough, I’ve never seen a black bear in waterton! I have seen them in banff, kananaskis, and nordegg though. Someone who works in waterton was telling me that they have an incredibly high concentration of bears, and that the bears all now where the park boundaries are and once hunting season starts they all head to the park!

[@viktorcheng2061]

Charles loved bears more then his life. Thank-you Mr. Ballen. ❤🙏🏻

[@21palica]

I think that is the way he would have wanted to be remembered. That is why he never used his gun.

[@jenniferlonnes7420]

Than*

[@-xirx-]

@@21palica Or more likely his arms were all chewed up and didn't work properly anymore?

[@21palica]

@@-xirx- Watch the video again. Were did they say they found the camera?

[@-xirx-]

@@21palica that is a good point you have there, I must admit. But I still think it is at least possible that he was in such shock and torn up enough that he wouldn't have been able to unclip, un holster and fire a gun. While I believe that he wouldn't have taken the life of the bear, he could have fired in any other direction and probably still scared it off.

[@ObviousRises]

Bruh if getting out of the Marines was the first time you ever had dark thoughts you must have lived a very blessed and privileged life.

[@AaronSelby-ny6xo]

So glad ur still making content! Makes my nights go by faster 😂 keep up the great story telling Mr Ballen

[@CaliBeast824]

Man, this story is so sad. Ultimately yes, the dude was an idiot but he died doing something that he loved and was passionate about. He loved taking photos of nature and I just think it's sad that his passion and admiration cost him dearly in the end.

[@Rachel_M_]

Look up the death rate of photographers. "Goal obsession" has been the demise of many photographers.

[@loldontask4979]

@@Rachel_M_ It really is a tragedy. Passion can drive people overboard, it happens so often. At least we can say they were doing something they truly loved; not a lot of us can say that.

[@Rachel_M_]

@@loldontask4979 completely agree. All I know is when my time comes i want it to be a strange, dark or mysterious death that translates to story format.... As long as I get THAT picture 😁

[@christinewynter2036]

I love you telling all these stories Mr ballen even though some are so sad, like the man in the cave.

[@BigDikBandito]

​@Junior This isnt an anime. This is a real person. Passion is not the same as character. Among an avid bear fan and photographer; this man was also a husband and a child to someone at one point. This affected not just him, and in a negative way. It wasnt a good way to go out at all.

[@hermenutic]

Damn. I bet his heart rate increased dramatically after taking the final picture. It's hard to understand how someone could arrive at the conclusions that would lead to the decision Charles made.

[@gointothedogs4634]

I remember my ex husband chasing a moose with calf through the trees in Yellowstone to get a photo as I yelled at him from the car.

[@hermenutic]

@@gointothedogs4634 Most of us, myself included, have done dumb things at one time or another.

[@redefinedliving5974]

Ever heard of flow? Danger doesnt mean shit if youre abt to reach that moment

[@hermenutic]

@@redefinedliving5974 No I hadn't. But I bet it would be like being in bed with your lover when you hear the front door open and a male voice shout "Honey, I'm home."

[@thefinalfrontear]

@@hermenuticoooooooh nooooo this made me remember “bedfellows”

[@davidbigbee3556]

Being a resident of Montana, I hope to someday have an amazing collection of flannel shirts like Mr. Ballen!!!👍🏻

[@aurorabuciochavez7782]

As a human mom, I can absolutely relate to this bear mom. The protective instincts I’ve felt over my kids at times have definitely felt barbaric and animalistic. Don’t mess with a mothers babies.

[@cjgameon264]

7:20 you said Glenda would look at Charles impatiently and then you gave those facial expression. I said that because you tell these stories like YOU WAS THERE AND SAW THE ENTIRE THING. Just amazing storytelling!!

[@MrBallen]

Thank you!

[@debbarringer1967]

@@MrBallen it's true

[@TheDramacist]

I mean he obviously made these details up, but the vibe it gives is great

[@Logicalsane]

8:12 justice was denied to him....his wife literally murdered him brutally.... Had she taken care of his,he would've been alive...She left him alone to die a painful death....... She deserves nothing but to be hanged in public... 20:20 that's victim blaming... When animals kill women then no one buys that logic and everyone wants to kill that animal......

[@almi8151]

I think the magazine part is incredibly profound, it's not just that he died getting the picture and they used the pictures he died getting in their magazine as a tragic full circle, but imagine how the guy who rejected his photos felt, and how the editors in general felt making that article about his death... So tragic

[@lolitahaze02]

They shouldn't feel anything. Why let them feel guilty. 🙄🙄

[@Diamond_Coles9]

@@lolitahaze02 exactly.

[@Diamond_Coles9]

He most likely aint feel nothin about Charles getting a Darwin award.

[@TheDramacist]

Most plp arent that empathetic and Charles was acting extra stupid

[@annika5893]

Perhaps they thought it was an important cautionary tale as well as a posthumous acknowledgement of his passion for photography.

[@rampage2587]

He loved grizzly bears so much he decided to be dinner for them.

[@screwthenet]

Just like that Grizzly Man guy...*sighs Some people just bring hell down upon their own heads.

[@michaelsullivan89]

I was in the Smoky Mountains yesterday and there was a mama bear with 3 cubs. Beautiful bears, but we definitely kept our distance. They are wild animals, and a mama bear is even more “wild.”

[@richardparker3273]

Good idea to keep your distance. Personally, though, if I saw a mama bear with cubs, that would be the end of my trip, time to go home

[@bigchevy350boy]

Woah!! That was a crazy story. He finally got published 🙏 poor fella, I can't even imagine how terrifying that was nearing the end. Prayers to his family

[@KatrinaJoseph]

Blame it on the company he worked for. It never gave him proper credit for all his hard work and he was driven to such a risk that he actually invited death in the most gruesome manner.

[@MizKris]

@@KatrinaJoseph it was nobody’s fault but his own. It was his own ego and quest for acknowledgment from that publication that he did not work for that got him killed by scaring that mother bear into thinking she had to protect her cubs. His work shouldn’t have been published at all.

[@leequinn2733]

@@MizKris I agree. And I'm sick and tired of people blaming others for the stupidity of one person. That has encouraged a generation to do as they please and take no accountability for their actions.

[@KatrinaJoseph]

@@MizKris there's no where mentioned that the man had ego issues. And as for recognition of work he deserved it. He was way ahead in terms of integrity and dedication to his art than u can even imagine. Edit: before making this cold statement that his work shouldn't have been published at all, did u know or understand about his struggles? And more importantly do u know the meaning of " a strong work ethic?" Probably not.

[@KatrinaJoseph]

@@leequinn2733 he did take accountability and that's why it was his wish to not kill the mom grizz as he understood that she acted as a grizzly mom bear would. It's ur callous comment which makes no sense at all.

[@user-cm6io6ht4r]

Hi Mr B, I love that you use your hands when you speak. People would laugh at me whilst growing up & I was encouraged to sit on them. Like you, I'm back to expressing myself with my hands haha😂

[@BeautyMonster1000]

It's really sad that he had to die to get published but I'm glad to know that his family understood why he wouldn't have wanted the bears to be harmed or killed. I appreciate his extreme amount of respect and love for the animals. RIP Charles. ❤

[@Logicalsane]

8:12 justice was denied to him....his wife literally murdered him brutally.... Had she taken care of his,he would've been alive...She left him alone to die a painful death....... She deserves nothing but to be hanged in public... 20:20 that's victim blaming... When animals kill women then no one buys that logic and everyone wants to kill that animal.....

[@jacktwinkie2869]

Dude, Mr. Ballen's kids have got to have the best bed time story telling.

[@jguenther3049]

They probably can finally drift off to sleep a little after dawn.

[@karlepaul6632]

Yeah, so long it's not this type of content. 😆

[@cyrinawilkerson121]

Thank you for sharing this. I live not to far from where this happened. So thankful they didn't kill the mama bear and her cubs. Unfortunately, that happens way too often here. We intrude on their homes, they defend their families, and they get killed for it. I can 100% understand what Charles did I myself to get lost in the beauty of this state and being able to capture it on camera and have gotten myself into some situations because of it never anything like this thank gawd. He died doing what he loved.

[@silverkiss37]

That one made me cry. The man who sacrificed his own life for the lives of three little cubs.

[@Takillama]

I remember in school one of the first things we learned about bears was to NEVER mess with a mother bear, or any cubs you see, even if they're alone. Bears are beautiful animals, but they don't care if you think they're cute, they'll do what they need/want to, regardless. I do like that they left the bears alone and didn't hunt them down to put out the mother.