How to Hike in Bear Country - Do's and Don'ts Around Bears

[@kelleywarriors7091]

Everyone should have a healthy fear of Apex predators, and with their ever changing environment. Bears are unpredictable and what works with one probably won’t work with all.

[@FreeRoamingPhoto]

It's a good point to have a healthy fear of them. I probably didn't make that point well enough, but that should have extended into the point about being aware of your surroundings. That fear should drive that awareness and caution when hiking, especially in low visibility areas. Granted, the ones I come across typically don't come into conflict with humans and development since they are commonly in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and therefore are still completely wild. However the ones that do have at least one run-in or two with human conflict will act in more unpredictable ways, which can be problematic. Thank you for helping with those points that I forgot to mention!

[@kelleywarriors7091]

@@FreeRoamingPhoto yes exactly, studies show that many animals have been changing set behaviors and patterns. Environmental encroachment , decreasing food sources, and climate change. My daughter is an archeologist and had worked in Yellowstone National park, and others. She noticed that bears are losing their natural fear of humans, and Bear attacks have risen drastically in the past decades. And in some instances even using bear spray set them into a rage, causing them to attack. I believe many Apex predators are changing / deviating from known behaviors because of climate change that is now at warp speed. It’s a pretty scary scenario, to think what will their conditions will be in the future and what will their behaviors be like in five - twenty years.

[@Sights-and-Sounds_777]

@@kelleywarriors7091 the "climate change" is rapidly occurring because of atmospheric aerosol spraying from military and commercial jet liners. Nanoparticles of Aluminium, Silicon, Barium, Strontium etc. have worked their way into the brains of humans and the entire food chain, as these nanoparticles are electrically conductive as is required for geoengineering, who knows how these particles which now permeate the soil and water is affecting the brains of other Apex predators besides humans. Like those tigers in India that have become extra aggressive due to their only source of river water being contaminated with excess Salt...

[@frisk151]

Sadly, today, I don't go out and about in a major city without a firearm (legal - here).. I also don't go into Apex predator territory without one. Hope to never use it! BUT I'm not about to be defenseless against anything, or anyone.

[@babybear2395]

I don't need to be afraid of bears but I do need to respect them, I do need to keep a clean camp and I do need to keep bear spray close... This is an excellent video.

[@aryanson]

Only 2 kind of bears I am not afraid of; Teddy bears, and bears in zoos. Bears like any other wild animal are unpredictable, and also apex predators

[@sergeanttibs6345]

Absolutely. Even tame, they can kill just by having a grumpy tantrum or by mistake.

[@dustman96]

They are omnivores, a small portion of their diet is comprised of meat. We see lots of videos of bears hunting and catching fish because its exciting, is a bear eating berries off a bush exciting, not really, but that and other foraging behavior is basically what they do.

[@shaquileoatmeal7365]

Yeah it would be the worst way to die

[@sligo405]

The term "apex predator" is misleading. We are not food to most bears. The vast, vast majority of bears in the backcountry (where they have not been fed by people and have not tasted honey walnut granola) want nothing to do with human beings. A small number of them may be curious (mostly black bears in my experience), and a tiny, tiny fraction of them act as predators towards humans. Being afraid of bears is like being afraid of water. Learn to swim, don't be stupid, and the chances of getting hurt or killed go down way below the risk you run of being involved in a life-altering car collision on the way to the store.

[@ronaldstowell4368]

@@sligo405 😂

[@teamground0229]

Good sensible advice. I add carrying a 10mm doublestack.

[@JustDefense]

Indeed.

[@joemamma416]

Nothing to worry about in bear country sounds like some famous last words to me.

[@lydiapetra1211]

😹😹😹

[@kennethdoughty644]

Timothy Snackwell

[@williamtoney2599]

Reminds me of “hold my beer and watch this”…..

[@rickpartlow534]

Naw, it's realistic. He didn't say don't be prepared, he said not to worry.

[@sergeanttibs6345]

When working on my land in bear country I keep Metallica queued and ready. If a bear comes around I hit play. If you think music doesn't affect bears, you have never seen one running away in terror from "The Four Horseman". Also you should ALWAYS be scared of bears. Even a 150 lb. sow can easily rip a big man apart. I have lived my life around bears. Your advice works in general but there are exceptions to every rule.

[@mikefrost1312]

Lol I do the same.. I keep my speaker connected to my phone and have something LOUD ready to play anytime.. Bears, coyotes, moose, they all go the other way when the drums & screaming starts lol

[@sergeanttibs6345]

@@mikefrost1312 when you turn the music off there's a deafening silence lol no wildlife for miles around!

[@mikefrost1312]

@@sergeanttibs6345 I scared the hell outta my buddy last fall doing it🤣 I saw a black bear, he didn't see it. I hit play & I believe it was some behemoth song that was playing.. Something with a deep, LOUD growl scream lol. Bear took off though! My buddy said "no surprise they run, they probably think it's a friggin dinosaur coming through the woods" 🤣 and especially up here in the mountains, the echo prob sounds insane!!

[@sergeanttibs6345]

@@mikefrost1312 hilarious!

[@alexagari9754]

@@mikefrost1312

[@wasidanatsali6374]

Read Mark of the Grizzly. Every grizzly bear attack survivor in that book says the attack happened so fast there was no time to deploy bear spray or draw a firearm. Most of them say they were not even aware of the bear until it made contact with them. If you see the bear and the bear sees you from a distance that would allow you to get prepared or react, chances are you are not going to be attacked. It’s the bear you don’t see that will kill you.

[@scottieeasley4907]

I live in bear country.. If you don't want to carry a gun or bear spray that's your prerogative but I have a family. I know what bears can do. U make it sound like UR gonna get killed U cant stop it so dont try lol This is the problem and why Ted Bundy killed so many women . The atmosphere in America was submit if you're attacked submit you will be raped hopefully they will let you go they just want that if you fight you will make him mad and he will kill you... But guess what EXPERTS told those women to submit to attacker so U can live. The women used this trusted advice. U know how Ted BUNDY was caught??? A woman fought for her life. She DIDNT COMPLY . SHES ALIVE TODAY BECAUSE SHE FOUGHT. That professional advice should have had experts sent prison . Reputations should have been scarred & trashed. But they shrug it off. Whoops we were wrong. Yes u should fight NEVER go to second location

[@rickpartlow534]

Naw, read actual reports of every grizzly attack. There've been dozens of encounters that allowed the person enough time to use bear spray or a firearms.

[@bevakmichael1644]

If you play music on the trail you won't hear the charging bear !! So you won't see your death coming. I agree , don't play music. Don't muffle your own senses. But you NEED to have a fear of bears !! Dont pretend theres nothing to be afraid of. You NEED bear spray , bear poppers , and a large caliber FIREARM !! Keep all food in scent locking bear bags or bear boxes !! Use common sense !! Don't make yourself an easy meal !!

[@robertcrawford3246]

Bears are dangerous. They’re wild animals. Carry a firearm large enough to kill one if you have to. If you hate guns, don’t go in the forrest.

[@Saltygrunt777]

You’re encouraging people to become part of the statistics. You should always have a way to defend yourself. This is a predator a wild animal. I think your video should be taken off-line. If a bear is hungry enough in desperate enough, it will think of anything else food that is the truth. To tell everyone they shouldn’t be afraid at all is absolute insanity.

[@simplekid4328]

One day this guys gonna get eaten

[@katietracey6718]

How can you say that bears don't harm people.l Three boys just got killed in I Ontario Canada about 2 or 3 hours ago, By a Black Bear, He tore their throat out. I live in Montana we have a lot of Grizzly Bears here, And they kill a lot of people. We also have a lot of big Mountain Lions that kill people here too.

[@FreeRoamingPhoto]

I can't speak to the specifics of isolated incidents, as tragic as they are, yet this was the first black bear fatality in that park in over 100 years, which still makes attacks incredibly rare in that region. Likewise, grizzlies especially should always be treated with respect, which I hope I convey well enough in the video. Even still though, while attacks do tragically happen, they're nearly always the result of someone doing something they shouldn't have been doing, something also discussed in the video. This video also isn't intended to give people permission to go sneaking around off trail and through remote areas, something else I hope comes across. Instead, this video is more for people hiking along at least relatively popular trails where bear attacks are virtually nonexistent. Hope that helps and thank you for commenting!

[@frisk151]

Simply put, dumbing down the threat is bad advice, though this man has a lot of good tips as well, at least for the amateurs... Here in the USA Americas we have the luxury of being able to carry pistols and long guns, especially in bear territory...You'd almost be looked on as a fool in Alaska if you were not carrying.

[@frisk151]

@@FreeRoamingPhoto Are you current with attacks, especially the ones the National Park Service prefers not to comment on? There's a HUGE uptick.. Even with Polar Bears... I'm not gonna go down the "global warming" road, but it is a thing, and it is effecting a LOT, temperature wise, currently... Especially bears... Curious...Would you hike and camp in and all through Glacier NP with only bear spray?

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

I'd definitely go out backpacking in Glacier with bear spray. I have friends up in the area that have hiked and backpacked every trail in the park numerous times and millions of other people do it every year. The same basic principles remain the same, plus a few more for overnight stays. I didn't get into camping or backpacking in this video, but I would make sure anything at all I was carrying that had a scent was locked away in a bear canister that I'd stash away from my tent, which is what the advice I'd give on that topic would reflect. Thank you for commenting and I appreciate the conversation!

[@ertsixbarf]

@@FreeRoamingHiker i did a coarse survival and hunting, its long ago was in Canada, it mentioned not to use strong scented soap/make up, no problem for me, cooked on woodfires so everything did smell like smoke, garbage i burnt and also i did burn out the thin cans, i lived in Canada from 1978 till 2000, camped out a lot, also in Alaska, never bothered to take a gun along nor bear spray, i do hate to disturb wild life, i rather avoid the back country during very dry periods, forest fires comes in mind, i had a small dairy farm in the woods, and yes, of coarse bears around, only one problem bear steeling a calf, it was shot by fish and wildlife, that was it in all those years, it was much easier then i ever could imagine living with wildlife, like moose, a mountain lion, etc, my cows did know when it was close, some evenings no way they wanted to leave the barn, some nights that big cat was very noisy, sure waked me up, so did the wolfs at times, in spring wood peckers used the metal roofs to make a noise that beats any alarm clock, wildlife was not so wild after all, if you like to hear more, contact me,

[@adler923]

Yeah, we get why YOU don't want music on the trail, it's rude and ineffective, also a whistle won't do much either, and I'm sorry, but saying "Hey bear" just a little louder than normal will NOT scare a bear away - if you encounter a bear and you want to scare a bear away use an air horn. Yup it's loud, but it WILL scare a bear away - there are lots of US Forest Rangers who put the air horn on their belts. (I'm sure YOU won't like it since you like the sound of nature - but if one encounters a bear that seems unimpressed with your "hey bear" - that should do the trick most of the time and you won't have to hurt them with bear spray).Of course the statistics say you'll survive your hike most of the time, however, to not worry about a bear when you're in their backyard is not only stupid, it's insulting to the bear. Native Americans lived amongst bear for eons - and in California before the grizzly bear went extinct there - when the Spanish arrived - the indigenous people begged for help in culling the bear population. The Spanish noted that not only were the bear attacking humans on the regular (not skittish at all) almost all the native Americans had deep scars from bear attacks and told of many fatalities among their tribes over time. Bears, although not nearly as populous as in the 1500s in the continental States, still kill two people a year in the continental US. Bear attacks can come out of nowhere because BEARS ARE WILD. All bears can be dangerous, but oddly because it's the smaller of the species, especially with the Black Bear - which can be much more aggressive, stalk and can look at humans as fuel. The native Americans had a healthy fear of bear - to not fear them is to not respect their immense power.

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

I think you misunderstood the whole point of the video. Of course a healthy respect for bears is mandatory whether you're hiking among them or watching them from a roadside. This video is intended for people doing basic day-hikes in bear country where even benign bear encounters themselves are extremely rare. These are all tips that both the forest service and the national park service both highly recommend. And you're right, saying "hey bear" doesn't scare away a bear, but it does alert them to your presence before you're too close, thus avoiding a surprise encounter. As a result, the whole point of this video was to inform people not accustomed to day-hiking in bear country that they don't need to be worried about every bend in the trail or shadow behind a tree, thus hiking in complete fear, as you recommend. Similarly, while neither of us really know what Native Americans were actually thinking 400 years ago, it's a safe bet that they had a healthy fear of certain animals when they found themselves in close proximity, but it's highly unlikely that they lived their entire existence in a perpetual state of fear and anxiety simply because grizzlies might have been in the area. You say I'm stupid for thinking otherwise, but given how rarely I see bears while I'm hiking, whether in Grand Teton or Yellowstone's backcountry, and given that statistics on unfortunate encounters are remarkably low, to me it seems like a waste of a day out to hike mile after mile in a state of fear, when the whole point of hiking is to feel the opposite. However, if that's what you prefer, that's totally up to you, but to call someone stupid for enjoying their hike, while simply assuming that they don't respect the animal they've spent over a decade studying, photographing, reading about, and observing is pretty low.

[@monaobryant9107]

Tell that to the people that were killed by bears. I just watched video after video where hikers were killed.

[@janetpattison8474]

People are naive about wild animals as it is & your into (“you really don’t need to worry about encountering a bear when you are in bear country.”) feeds that false sense of, “oh, aren’t they cute” mentality.. It wasn’t long ago that a female camper was killed by a bear in Montana. Then there’s the teen & his mom in bear country, where mom was killed. After first seeing the bear, the kid, wanted to turn around, but NO, mom refused. I think people should be prepared and be VERY afraid of bears. You never know when they have cubs with them.

[@ertsixbarf]

see statistics, bears have a lot of catching up to do if compared to people killing, harming other people, bears where living around my yard, i could say, they behaved better then most people do this days,

[@lesterdiamond6190]

How many people commenting here know TWO people who barely survived Grizzly Bear maulings? These animals are highly unpredictable and if your numbers up you’ve had it. I watched a bear rip a 5 gallon plastic pail apart like it was a styrofoam cup.

[@bushcrafter6416]

I got in a fight with a grizzly once, Now he is lying on my office floor, Not dead, Just scared to move.

[@MrBiscuit75]

Hahaha! Awesome

[@dr.j3]

good job, chuck norris!

[@pargolf3158]

I'll share the only DO and DON'T you need. DO ------------ stay out of bear territory. DON'T ------ go into bear territory

[@Koyoshinkai]

This is nonsense, Bears are very very unpredictable & when they are hungry no matter what shit you pull or do, you are a tasty lunch or dinner maybe even breakfast. Arm yourself or don't go into Bear territory & never ever go wondering & hiking alone

[@johneason6540]

Yes, 60 years in the wilderness for me. I have had at least 100 bear encounters. Yes common sense and your message here has worked for me. I only took my bear spray out 1 time. Yes it was an encounter with a black beR and 2 cubs, but did not have to spray her. Calmness and moving away, gave her and the cubs a way to exit. Thanks for sharing

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

Best comment I've gotten on this video. Thank you!

[@michaelholt8590]

Sorry. I know too many "bear experts" who ended up as bear shit.

[@donno6711]

Don't go into bear country simple are they not in a nature reserve with fences!

[@martinep6293]

@@michaelholt8590 please cite who they were and scientific references to cases. Without that your comment is less than useless. Steven Herrero's book is a must read.

[@michaelholt8590]

@@martinep6293 There is a channel here called "Scary Bear Attacks" that tell the stories of real, documented bear attacks. Several are of so called bear experts that end up learning more than they ever know. Several were found with their empty can of bear spray.

[@woodstockwood6051]

Pretty dumb title you should always be afraid of bears

[@brettrobinson2901]

Just basically stay out of bear country....then...no problems with bears...

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

Then you miss some pretty incredible hikes! But definitely a valid point.

[@brettrobinson2901]

@@FreeRoamingHiker Jes ' don't wanna end up as bear scat...😁

[@karenkimthaler33]

Thank you so much. This was very clear and hopefully you have saved someone’s life.

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

Thank you and I hope so too! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@pugowner1347]

Some good advice, here. BUT, always be afraid of bears. Also a good thing to remember when you're in Yellowstone park. Don't pet the fluffy cows. 😉

[@catherineharris4746]

HA! 💡Anyone with common sense wouldn't hike in BEAR COUNTRY without a gun!😂😂😂 This is comical because there's a whole lot of idiot's that'll take this as facts for all bear's😵😞

[@msears8576]

"Bears are harmless party animals. Trust me on this." Timothy Treadwell

[@floridawestcoast3912]

I dont get it.... and this is just my observation, but there's documentation on so many people being mauled, killed and/or consumed by bears. Then there's 1,000's people gone missing, without a trace (their likely demise being to bears, cougars or wolves, absent hypothermia. You're always at risk even if you are on the good side of the stats.

[@delmacallister1314]

Ur not to smart. Ur telling people how to play Russian rullet with a WILD animal. You can't trust all Dogs , so how can you think you know what's in a bears head. They eat and breed, that's it. We're food to them.

[@pp3k3jamail]

💥💥 Dude I literally just watched the video about somebody hiking in Bear Country and he got mauled and killed by a bear, so why would you make a video talked about why you don't need to be afraid while hiking in Bear Country what is wrong with you? are you trying to get people killed

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

Bear maulings, and especially killings are incredibly rare. It's very unfortunate and sad when it happens, but the odds of it happening are ridiculously low, and there are many factors that might contribute to that outcome. Without being at the event itself, it's hard to say what exactly went wrong, but he would have had to have done something you're not supposed to do around a bear. So no, I'm not trying to get people killed, I'm trying to educate them on how to behave around a bear. I hope that at least came through when you watched the video. Also consider that most KZbin videos like that are designed to simply scare and shock you.

[@timriggs8651]

When hiking/backpacking in bear country, you don't need to "fear" bears, you need to respect them, be informed on their behavior, and be aware of your surroundings. Also proper camp procedures, ie, attractant storage and camp cleanliness.

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

@@timriggs8651 Excellent advice and great points that I forgot to mention! Thank you for posting!

[@trishbirchard1270]

Stay in Philadelphia then, why don’t you.

[@pp3k3jamail]

@@trishbirchard1270 I don't live in Philadelphia dummy

[@Mr.Buster404]

The bear that is predatory is rare, but you won't see them, they will be sneaking up behind you or get ahead of you to ambush you out of cover. They go for the throat; you will have your throat crushed and that will be it. You probably won't even know what happened.

[@extramile734]

Bears don't sneak, they charge, sometimes as much as a mile away.

[@pierrenilsson6189]

No, now you are just making things up. A bear sneaking? 😂

[@Mr.Buster404]

@@extramile734 There are many people eaten by grizzlies that believed as you do. The differences between a bluff charge and a predator's ambush. I'm guessing you don't hike in bear country much.

[@maryweisenbacher1034]

I'm telling you, I've had one sneaking around me and my son. We walked probably a half mile on a fire road and never knew it was with us. The only thing was a weird feeling of something watching us. Suddenly it charged away from us and that's when we noticed it. It was only a few feet away!

[@justintodd5145]

They eat you alive usually.

[@michaelmutphy9077]

I keep my bear spray right behind my model 29.

[@STEPHENWHILL]

Don't believe the hype! Be afraid! Be very afraid! It keeps you alive! Play dangerous games and get dangerous prizes.

[@carlton4610]

I Just watched four videos of people who got eaten alive by grizzlies.Plus just listened to hunter Steve Isdahl talk about How fast and how lucky a person had to be to get off a perfect cool headed shot as an 600-800 lb bear is charging with an unbelievable speed... Im going to listen to your advice though..

[@JB-rt4mx]

I carry a Machete, 10mm Glock 20, Bear Spray and a Ka-Bar knife and a Marine Klaxon Air Horn

[@peterbedford2610]

The few times I've run across bears on the trail, they ran away so fast. A mother with cubs is probably the biggest problem

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

Same experience for me. But yeah, mother with cubs is always good to avoid.

[@MountaincraftOutdoors]

My firearm helps me stay calm in bear country ;) and my Rottie/ Akita mix

[@davidlawson3400]

I live in Alaska and I always carry bear spray and a Glock 20 just in case the spray didn't work. Haven't encountered one yet but I don't take any chances.

[@bonniechase5599]

I used to live where bears came around the house. I would sing "Teddy Bears' Picnic", and when I hit the high notes, they would run away.

[@axehead45]

You don’t really ha be to fear most apex predators. Most animals fear people because we’re loud and walk on two legs. You should for sure respect and avoid them but most of the time they’ll avoid you.

[@finerbiner]

I'm fine with Black bears. grizzly's scare the shit out of me.

[@GrumpyKay]

Don't be fine with black bears either. There are far too many cases of them attacking humans for predatory reasons vs defensive reactions and protecting cubs.

[@JustDefense]

Some people have just happened upon a bear on a trail and were attacked because they were in the wrong place and time and encountered the wrong bears. Also, “bears just want to be left alone,” is patently untrue. They need to eat and they’re territorial. They will predate you if they’re hungry enough and they will defend themselves, their young, or their territory or their recent kill cache if they see you as a competitor/scavenger.

[@JustDefense]

Also, bears kill 1-2 humans every year.

[@mitchellthomas8432]

Difference between being afraid and healthy respect. Timothy Treadwell can tell you what it's like not to be careful around bears. Oh that's right he can't because he was torn apart and eaten. Spray is OK as long as you have a good firearm handy.

[@jsmariani4180]

That was pretty good; I wonder if my hiking pole banging on rocks is loud enough to warn a bear. I doubt it, so I turn Hello Bear into a song. BTW, he needs to talk about how to react a black bear versus grizzly attack.

[@UnicornMeat512]

Don't take selfies with bears? Wow.

[@joeelliott2157]

Yes, except for Smokie the Bear. Although you should first ask for permission.

[@kuehnel16]

WHAT WORKS. STAY OUT OF BEAR COUNTY

[@pashapasovski5860]

I can't believe that someone would wear headphones while hiking trough bush!

[@JamesWilliams-cc1ow]

Past experience with an unpredictable predator is not a good predictor of all future experiences. The bear spray is effective against bluff charges or curious bears too close but if a sow bear think you are harming it's cubs or if the black or brown bear has decided to predate upon you the spray is not a reliable deterrent.

[@ertsixbarf]

life is taking risks, if its not that bear, you might find a snake crossing your path, happened to me and was almost on my feet, i think in the cities you have more danger then we do out in the country, statistics prove this, i do avoid the back country with extreme droughts, forest fires, and may be hungry bears, other then that, i am glad i did see what i did, i avoid cities, full of cars, and yet another mac D ? no thanks

[@blackbird35116]

I hope no one looking at this video now thinks he/she can: hike alone in bear country, carry food/camp out. There are too many accounts of bears attacking people who were not playing music, not takings photos and were attacked by a bear coming out of the bush. There are plenty of places to hike where there are no bears, do it at your own risk.

[@ertsixbarf]

more places with bears, and they visit towns at times too, for many years i did just fine,

[@markbillman6295]

Thank you for informing me that you don't like to hear music in the woods.

[@rcritic2910]

This is another guy who probably will be bear dinner in the future.

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

Giving bears the respect they deserve and being aware of your surroundings are actually the best ways to avoid unfortunate encounters with bears. Sorry you disagree with my advice, but you really should reconsider. Both the park service and forest service would agree.

[@martincontla8828]

Someone that never goes to bear country

[@rickpartlow534]

You're something of an obnoxious jerk, aren't you?

[@kennethdoughty644]

Ask Snackwell

[@scottieeasley4907]

Oh my God now I realized what this video is about... This has nothing to do with bear country it was just something to sharpen the pin to seem knowledgeable about... lol I get it... Ol boy is unhappy with his FELLOW COUNTRYMEN hiking but got their boombox playin LOUD phones etc. That's all u gotta say bud

[@ProductDesigning]

Some bears are just predatory. You never really know why a human becomes murderous. Bears are the same way. They're not always predictable. I know of numerous people who have been tracked by a black bear for miles. Some ended in death - most not. But anyone claims that they can predict all bear behavior is not being honest.

[@johnmoore5293]

Was only in Glacier Park 3 times, saw grizzlies each time. Closest was mother and cub about 50 yards off of a trail, 2 along a river, one on what my sister said was the most traveled trail " so don't worry we won't see a bear. Had a black bear walk between our tent and the fireplace were we were standing. Had one challenge neighbors for their food and won. Had to scare one from near my parked car so I could get in and pick up the rest of the family.

[@joeelliott2157]

You should try to avoid getting within 100 yards of a bear. How far is 100 yards? An adult black bear may only stand 2.5 feet, from ground to shoulder, but still be big enough to be a danger. At 100 yards, the vertical height of such a bear will cover half a degree of arc. Hold your finger out with your arm fully extended. One finger will cover two degrees. If the height of the bear starts to cover one fourth of your finger width, consider yourself close enough. If it's a big brown bear, 5 feet tall at the shoulders, you might still be 200 yards away, but maybe you still shouldn't get any closer. You can test yourself with a parked car. If it is four feet tall, you will be getting within 100 yards of it when the car covers about a third of your finger width. Is it 100 yards away? Pace it out to check. Better to be careful than real fast because you won't be fast enough.

[@scottieeasley4907]

If you think it's OK to block out fear of an Apex predator the biggest baddest one on land well then I don't want your teacher because your teacher is obviously not very good... I'm surprised you're still alive I'm surprised you're still alive

[@dustman96]

Grizzly bears scare me, black bears not so much, they are extremely skittish. My best safety tip is to get to know the animals so you know how to react when you encounter them. Most wild animals want a confrontation even less than you do. People are way too scared of animals. If you spend half your time in nature and half your time in the city, you are hundreds of more times likely to die in the city. Which brings me to a good point, it's often the fear reaction that gets people in trouble. Stay calm, and the animal will usually stay calm. And don't taunt animals like an idiot. Most of the bites from rattlesnakes and other reptiles around here are because people are messing with them. It is actually amazing how few fatalities there are from animals, considering that almost every one of them over a third your size can kill you easily. Just show them the proper respect and understanding everything will be fine. The more time you spend in nature, the lower your chance of dying. Driving to the trailhead is by far the most dangerous part of going on a hike.

[@FreeRoamingPhoto]

Well said!

[@wasidanatsali6374]

I was stalked by a predatory black bear in the GSMNP back in 2015. I had beached my boat at the mouth of Hazel Creek on Lake Fontana. So I start fishing up the creek and had gone about 1-1.5 mile up the creek when the hair on the back of my neck stood up and I spot a bear up in the woods out of the corner of my eye. I didn’t try to scare the bear off, I didn’t look up at him, I got my pistol ready in my hand and started walking normally back down the creek to my boat. That bear paralleled me from about 30-50 yards up in the timber, depending on the terrain, ALL the way to my boat. He was matching my pace step for step. I knew the bear might charge down the bank at me at any second. My legs were twitching to run but I grew up on a horse farm and had a lot of conditioning from an early age to remain calm around animals. I’ve thought about this a great deal and believe that conditioning is the reason I was able to will myself to remain calm. I tried to concentrate on how every step was getting me closer to my boat and not the bear. It was the longest damn walk of my life! When I finally got to my boat and climbed in, I let it drift out into the channel and just sat there quietly having an aneurysm from all the adrenaline pumping through me.

[@ertsixbarf]

@@wasidanatsali6374 horses can be bad, all animals can smell when your afraid, smell what mood your in as well, trying to milk cows in a hurry will result in chaos/disaster, pretend you have a sea of time and its a peace of cake, but did get attacked by the bull one day, the last cow i picked up happened to be in heat, how fast i was pinned by a very mad bull against the wall, unbelievable, luck had it i am tall and he pinned me good but on upper legs, NOT to get into panic is a must....only one escape...30 feet away was a high fence, a 6 ft high fence....i screamed in his ear and yes, did get loose....i have no idea how i get so fast over that fence dont even remember,....working with bigger animals is a risk ? but so worth it, yes, it teaches us to stay calm no mater what

[@zaff32]

This guy thinks he’s reinventing the wheel. Basically ALL of what he stated is basic knowledge AND common sense. 🙄

[@luisc3682]

If you are a city person stay away from the wilderness. You want to be relaxed go to yoga. Bears eat city people specially lefties 😉 they have a tendency to be lack of common sense.

[@FreyjaJ]

Pretty sure a bear desperate enough to eat a human isn't going to stop to ask about political affiliations, lol. But, yeah, agreed that people lacking experience outdoors should be wary of visiting bear country. As should we all.

[@GrumpyKay]

When you bring politics into it, your comment is instantly trash and not worth reading any further. It's pathetic how much you go out of your way to insult the political party you dislike, when the topic has nothing to do with them. Grow up and have a conversation like an adult.

[@luisc3682]

@@GrumpyKay grumpy gay ?

[@scottieeasley4907]

So tell me this now that you know about all bears.. I'm going to use that same premise.. I'm met Ted Bundy. So I know how every human is. Every human likes to beat women to desert with their bare hands because every human is like Ted Bundy right..

[@scottieeasley4907]

Everyone always thinks oh it's an elephant you couldn't sneak up on them you know incorrect maybe 13000 pounds but you can walk right up on them by accident because they have 1-foot' of padding each one of their feet

[@frankie7508]

It's my guess this guy is on borrowed time and it's just a question before one of these man-eating apex predators decides to make a lunch of this man. His advice is foolish and he missed the most important thing to carry on you at all times while hiking in Bear Country. One should always carry two weapons a primary large caliper rifle with bear killing ammunition fully loaded and ready to go. Secondly to carry a large caliper handgun loaded with bear killing ammunition strapped to your side. Bears are predators and do not recognize man as anything other than another animal. There are literally thousands of cases in which Bears have attacked men and the only reason why they have lived is because they had Superior Firepower. It's my guess that within the next 10 years this man will be seriously mauled by a bear. The chemical spray means nothing to a charging bear that's intent on taking your life for whatever reason. Bears are highly unpredictable. And there are countless stories of which men have encountered bears and the behavior of the bear was completely not foreseen. As our forefathers knew about bears, the only good bear is a dead bear. Now if a bear encounters you and goes off in a different direction, then that's fine. But if the bear does not move away from the man and stands its ground or casually walks towards you or charges you, you must be prepared to quickly take your weapons and dispatch the animal. Bears are nothing to be fooled around with and have a capacity to take a tremendous amount of Firepower unless it is placed at a vital organ with a suitable large caliper weapon with bear killing ammunition. Why would anyone take chances with their lives over a bear. No bear is worth the life of a man. Don't worry about the penalties or the fines because one has a right to protect themselves no differently than the castle doctrine and the stand your ground rules that vary from state to state. If the bear comes towards you at all and approaches you take your weapons out and kill it. The only good bear is a dead bear.

[@frankie7508]

@googlenazicompany5935 And you are full of B.S.

[@rickpartlow534]

Your guess is about as useful as your advice. I'm not carrying a rifle while I'm hiking.

[@frankie7508]

@@rickpartlow534 And perhaps we will read about you in a magazine, especially if you hike in bear country without a side weapon. Actually, I could care less because it's your life and health. In america, regardless of how foolish someone acts, as long as it is lawful they can do it. It's your life and limb , so risk it all you want. No matter what happens to you, it affects me NOT. Stupid is as stupid does.

[@rickpartlow534]

@@frankie7508 And your post is incredibly stupid, so I suppose you're living proof. I hike with a handgun...a light one that I'll carry no matter what. Not a rifle I'd leave behind 99% of the time.

[@danielcurtis1434]

Bear bells aren’t stupid!!! They don’t scare the bear they make noise so that you can save you stuff before it’s gone!!! I think they’ve been misunderstood or something???

[@RARa12812]

Evolutionary process gradually eliminate the idiots who put headphones while hiking in bear country

[@jameswarner3450]

I'm not supporting playing music on the trail, but at least two of your reasons are questionable. First, I would like to see the evidence that playing music disrupts the communication amongst other animals. Do you have any real evidence besides the anecdotal evidence of your own experience that birds stop chirping in a range that you can hear? Do you know the sound frequency range of birds, mice, etc.? Are you citing a reputable source? You are stating "facts" without proof. Secondly, I shouldn't play music because I might disturb other people? Maybe I shouldn't swear if I stub my toe because someone might hear me and be offended. It's ludicrous to believe that hiking 6 miles into the woods for some solitude doesn't afford me the social privilege to play music (with a reasonable volume). Is it a wise thing to do? Circumstances dictate when it would be acceptable. Treat people as reasonable, THINKING individuals. Anyone wearing earbuds on any hike severely limits their awareness, and they deserve what they get.

[@scottieeasley4907]

And you know something . This is the same kind of complacency that really bothers me... Knowing damn well that's some bears dominate other bears and will not let them eat... And if they can eat they're gonna look elsewhere and if you're elsewhere there you go.. To assume you know the general bear population is just goofy

[@csilt]

You ruined this video by spending too much time on the soapbox about music. I agree with you but you lost me and I'm closing the video at the 2:14 mark. You should learn to make a point without harping on it for too long

[@capturehishonor9292]

Good advice. Just pray your bear is not predatory and your bear spray works. It only takes one bear who acts outside the box and breaks your bubble. But by then it may be too late. The powers that be allow 4x the active ingredient used in bear spray to be used on humans. We wouldn't want to harm the bear.

[@scottieeasley4907]

Bears are Apex predators if you're making noise you're running the risk of them coming to check out who's making the noise. Can you say for sure you don't smell like grease or food from breakfast because in order to think you're going to walk into bear country with no issue it's really stupid but keep in mind that bears have 7 times the nose that a bloodhound has and I own the bloodhound I know how good their smell is so I think it's really fucking stupid to tell people to not worry if you're in bare country because I live in their country in Arkansas

[@Patriot-rising]

Thanks for the upload. Please forgive me as I disagree with much of what you said. Before you throw a gauntlet as some sort of a challenge I wish to let you know I have 30 years experience around dangerous game. I worked Teton National park ( Jenny lake area) and Kodiak Island Alaska. I understand bear behavior quite well. I actually only fear moose more than bears. But nevertheless respect both tremendously. But thank you once again anyways.

[@lydiapetra1211]

May I ask why you are more afraid of moose than bear? Thanks

[@LABoyko]

You accurately noted "I worked Teton National Park . . . and Kodiak Island Alaska," but conveniently omitted "as a male prostitute. "

[@sergeanttibs6345]

Have you ever seen a moose close up? They are terrifying killing machines that are not scared of anything

[@dustman96]

But you have to admit that the bears don't see you as prey, or attacks would be happening constantly.

[@ertsixbarf]

had a small farm in interior BC, 3 moose did visit my hay stack every morning, all winter long, i did pitch hay while they eat, was often close enough i could touch them, well, they are big and not pets....at first they reluctantly moved when i came around but soon no more, one summer i did have 3 mule dear grazing with the cows, soon they did loose their fear for me, soon they ignored me totally, the next summer a mountain lion moved in my area, no more dear, never did see it but the cows did not want to move out of the barn in the eve, at times, some nights the weird screaming sure did wake me up so it must have been close, in all those years i had only one problem bear, it stole a calf, took off with it, fish and wildlife came out to shoot that bear, once a bear hunt lifestock they will do it again,

[@nobux717]

And whatever you do, Never Never think safety by taking along a firearm and have it ready to use as a last resort. We don't want to show any disrespect to Yogi or nature by pointing and firing a gun at it when it charges us humans if our bear spray or other defensive methods fail. And yes, things can go wrong, and Yogi has been documented to charge, kill and eat people regardless of what they did on the trail including using bear spray.

[@imaginedmountains2311]

If your hiking in grizzly country, take a gun and know how to use it. I lost a friend because bear spray didn't work.

[@theflyingcrud]

I've had at least a dozen encounters with bears growing up in the mountains. Never had an issue, just followed the simple steps: pay attention, wear something you can open up to make yourself look bigger and always make noise so you never startle them. Also helps to talk loudly if you do run into one. Every bear I've run into has run away. They might sniff at you and perk their ears up and stare at you, but if you're respectful they will absolutely leave you alone. Bear spray should be carried as well just in case the worst case scenario happens and one approaches. Just wanted to add some details to all the great advice in this video. Thanks brotha!

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

Excellent advice! Thank you for commenting!

[@theflyingcrud]

@@FreeRoamingHiker Deeply humbled by the fact and way you responded to me man. Thank you for releasing such a concise video, any dangerous animal deserves and ultimately demands our respect. It's best to love wild animals from a distance for both their and our safety

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

@@theflyingcrud Absolutely agree with you. Bears, like all wildlife, deserve an incredible amount of respect.

[@theflyingcrud]

@@FreeRoamingHiker could not agree more. Would you be interested in doing a zoom call dialog at some point? I know that is completely out of the blue, but it could be interesting. I grew up in the backwoods of the Appalachian mountains so I may have something to share. Either way, I really appreciate your approach to your videos. All the best man

[@FreeRoamingPhoto]

@@theflyingcrud Didn't mean to leave you hanging! I was actually trying to figure out a good time but I'm having a pretty busy winter - hence the lack of new videos lately - so I haven't been able to come up with a good time yet. I would be interested though! Just a matter of finding the right time.

[@deaneng8540]

LOL don't take a selfy with a 1400 lb grizzly bear!

[@scottieeasley4907]

You are selling fools gold.. If you want to put someone's mind to do you tell them to take every day for a week or 2 and then you just do it regularly because you like to fly this way you'll actually see from above wildlife

[@scottieeasley4907]

If you feel so strongly about this that's fine but I don't think you should encourage others to do what you do just because I have a much of guns doesn't mean I think all of you should go buy a bunch of them it's just what I like

[@sbee7748]

Thank you for mentioning playing music from your phone or other device. Personally I find it annoying af. It's totally inconsiderate and detracts from the joy and serenity I experience while out in nature.

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

Completely agree! It's disrespectful and in bear country, can be quite dangerous.

[@thailanddiscovery6832]

I'd never walk in bear contry. Everrr! Im Australian.

[@spiralrose]

I get that you’re trying to get attention to your upload so you can explain how to handle oneself in Bear country But saying that you don’t have to be afraid of bears while in beer country is saying you don’t need to be afraid of crocodiles while canoeing down the Nile.

[@spiralrose]

Bear, not beer… Have a like anyway for your efforts in education

[@Seamus322]

Do a YT search for "Cocaine Bear" - you'll never go in the woods again...

[@matthewe6705]

Not having a fear of a grizzly bear or any bear is stupid they're not human they're not your friend if you're on their turf you are considered food that simple if you cross them you could lose your life that's simple

[@scottieeasley4907]

Let me tell you this... If you sneak up on a bear by accident that's a good way to get nailed..

[@c.f.7408]

This came up in my recommends after a Timothy Treadwell video.

[@FreyjaJ]

If only Treadwell had followed these precautions, alas.

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

Well there's some irony for you! While we're on the subject through, Timothy Treadwell did successfully live with bears for a good 14-15 seasons. What he did wrong was stay longer that last season than he usually did. Unfortunately, the salmon run was low that year which made the bears extra competitive. This put him in a losing situation.

[@GrumpyKay]

@FreeRoamingHiker He did. But every year that passed, he got more and more complacent. The fact that he knowingly stayed longer then he should have. Camped on the bear trail, and saw a bunch of new bears he hasn't seen before, showed that he stopped respecting the bears and taking them seriously. If he stayed smart, he would have left already. But sadly, he got too comfortable and complacent and stopped respecting the risks he was taking...and in the end, he lost his life. What's worse is he took the life of his gf along with him.

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

@@GrumpyKay Definitely a great point not to get complacent around bears. No matter how much I see them on the trails here, I always have a healthy respect for them am always cautious. Complacency is not a good thing to have going around any bears, no matter how familiar you are with them.

[@donno6711]

Look at this! Look at that thumbnail it's people like you is the problem let's all take selfies with bears amazing!

[@wilmamcdermott3065]

Only a complete idiot would Not be leary of A bear just ask the lady at liard hotsprings or the truck driver who tryed to save her or timothy treadwell

[@brianoakes70255]

Do's &, Dont's Don't put your head in a bear's mouth. Don't feed the bear your kid.

[@saint5203]

I can't believe that I just heard you say not to take a selfie with a bear. I'm assuming you're saying that because people actually do it. I'm really at a loss of words right now.

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

Sadly, it is a thing. I'm horrified it actually has to be said as well.

[@Shaz-gq7pv]

Idiots literally set their children on wild bears backs in national parks to take photos

[@MoutainGuyAdventures]

I’ve had a lot of bear encounters over the years. Never had to use my bear spray. My experience is they are more interested in forging for food than me. I always make noise and hike in groups when possible. Good vid. 👍👍

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

Exactly!

[@nickfire2k376]

Yea no I'll be afraid of any big predator regardless of what anyone says Paranoia is a healthy thing to have

[@wordawakeningny]

Thanks for the video sir. Very informative and useful!

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

Thank you for commenting and glad you found it helpful!

[@mattreynolds612]

Late last century I ran into (not literally) a grizzly Mom with a cub deep into Glacier National Park. She raised up fully about 40 yards below us on the trail sniffing the air in our direction. Like she trusted her nose more than her eyes. When she dropped back to all fours she kind of drove her cub up into the forest above the trail and we lost sight of them and never saw them again. I stood there slack jawed with a camera around my neck. (Pre cell phones) and took Zero pictures of the Bear. Lol. Doh!!! 🤦🤷🐻✌️

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

Sounds like an incredible experience regardless! And at least you were present enough to remember so many great details. But i get it - I'd probably be kicking myself too! 😅

[@jamesnorman2061]

Three logical reasons not to be afraid of bears. Reason number one S&W 500 Magnum. reason number two S&W 460 magnum. Reason number 3 460 rowland.

[@charlesporter1148]

There's a 4th reason....dont run out of nerve or reasons 1-3 wont matter...

[@davidrussell8795]

Your views are questionable and relate to your experience.

[@thetrueamericanindian2885]

Don't hike in bear country is the best advice I can give

[@rickpartlow534]

Stupid advice. Good advice would be "don't hike ALONE in bear country."

[@HJ-jy7fw]

I was enjoying the info until you said not to take selfies..

[@LeviAckerman-fj3zn]

thanks bro for the tips

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

You bet! Glad you found it helpful!

[@martinep6293]

In most problem cases, people are at the root of the issue. Many animals become an amazing nuisance when they become "habituated" to people, ie people gave them food and now they associate people with food. I have had to leave campgrounds because of habituated squirrels (getting in cars engine compartments-potentially chewing wires). They do become aggresive as well. It is not the bears that are the problem, it is stupid/ignorant people. High fines for feeding wild life ($500) are in order.

[@ertsixbarf]

seen it, and they keep on doing that, a fed bear is a dead bear, when i moved into an older A frame house, i did even had squirrels in the walls, my fox terrier dog took care of them, also a bear moved "in" the only ones i fed was the wiskey jacks in early spring, while ice fishing or camping, that bear was like a queen, sunbathing on the driveway at times, watching me work, i do agree, NOT to feed wildlife,

[@normanbraslow7902]

He forgot, I wonder why, to carry at least a .44 magnum.

[@Kingofda6]

Reasons to not be afraid of bear in bear country 1. Be aware 2. Have bear mace 3. Have a fire arm big enough to Blow its face off in one shot 🤷🏾

[@ertsixbarf]

city people with guns ? its to often way to often people are the ones misbehaving, have seen it all, people feeding bears, leaving garbage, walking up to bears and their cubs for selfies, to name just a few things....no wonder some do get attacked,

[@prodrome24]

Great video! I thought that playing music would be the best way to deter bears i didn’t think about how it would affect other hikers and my own situational awareness

[@FreeRoamingHiker]

Thank you and glad it helped! The best audio to deter a bear is a natural human voice. That's plenty to make them aware of your presence.

[@scottieeasley4907]

They can be anywhere and it's better to have it and not needed than needed and not have it..