Way too close to Mother Grizzly - Hiking Yellowstone

I love to see bears at a safe distance. For me, anything over a couple hundred yards feels safe. But even at that range, a grizzly may still charge you for a lot of reasons. But if you hike in grizzly country as much as I do, then you will have close encounters from time to time. Even being within 150 yards of the first grizzly in this video could be a scary and dangerous situation if the bear had detected me. It was hard to remain there for only about 1 to 2 minutes. Then, moving back down the hill quickly, because I was out of sight, I almost walked into a mother grizzly with 2 cubs. I was about 25 yards away when I saw her in the sagebrush. Fortunately she never looked up in the 60 seconds it took to back away and slightly out of sight. I was able to take a short video at about 100 yards and another at 150 yards before she smelled me. It is possible that after she detected me, she could have move my direction by accident so a person should always have a plan B.
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[@bolleolympus]

Sound of nature, no music. I simply love it!

[@Querencia7779]

It’s always fascinating to me how quickly, even the smallest cubs, ‘read’ their momma, and understand what to do.

[@StanMills]

I know, it is amazing. That is why I love seeing all wildlife. It is alway amazing.

[@leslie6938]

One thing I’ve noticed from watching a lot of wild animals is that babies/young juveniles obey their mothers, they don’t fuss, dawdle or argue like humans sometimes do. They know when mom means business. And of course wild animals (adults) always maintain situational awareness. Sharp survival instincts.

[@hikerstl]

Great video showing the real thing. I have had a couple of grizzly encounters, the most frightening was in Denali NP. A grizzly came running full gate straight at us. Fortunately the bear was not running to us but was chasing a ground squirrel. We began to breathe again.

[@lesco09418]

I'm not buying a grizzly chasing a ground squirrel

[@jonEmontana]

Thank god she didn’t charge you. Great encounter, but you’re right, when you spend enough time in their domain, you always find yourself to close to danger eventually. Glad this worked out. Great video

[@elizabethwhite6364]

Oh my! When she stood up on alert, I didn't know what she was gonna do! Glad you're safe! Beautiful day in Yellowstone!

[@joesmith4222]

She was thanking him for all the recent Good Vibrations.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

Mom will not charge too far from her cubs, that protective ethic keeps her close on guard for predators from the rear.

[@lousifei]

I've just discovered this channel, and I like everyone else, really appreciate being able to vicariously "experience" the experience of being out there in nature with you and encountering the bears. The high-quality video imagery is amazing, and your narration is very educational. Just from a videographic standpoint, I guess when people have scenes where they appear to be leaving the area where their camera is mounted, it must just be a matter of cutting the scene, and then turning right back around to retrieve your camera. Likewise, when a scene shows you walking in the direction of the camera, you have obviously first gone ahead and placed the camera and then returned to walk towards it as if you were arriving for the first time. Whatever the case, the end result is a great educational presentation of nature. Thanks so much!

[@StanMills]

That is right, that is how I do it. Thanks for your comments.

[@zootsootful]

Oh! I get it: You've found a way of keeping that heart rate up without having to run, at least not at first...

[@evergreentimber]

As much as I love to hike, this is the reason I stay out of the Yellowstone backcountry.

[@twostop6895]

I wish everyone was as smart and responsible as you, Grizzlies die all the time because of selfish hikers that have no non lethal tools like bear spray in back country just guns, it just ensures bears especially sows with cubs always die unnecessarily

[@richarde735]

@@twostop6895 I would take a compressed air boat horn, a least two bear mace cans and a Glock 40 MOS 10mm handgun with two magazines loaded with 220gr bullets! I would do my best to stay far enough away and not use any of the above! after all I’m not hunting bear, I’m hiking / exploring and my tools are defensive. Plus, this may not be the only encounter that day. If I were hunting bear, I’d have a high powered rifle or large gauge shotgun with 000 buck or a slug.

[@john22098]

@@twostop6895 If a bear is dumb enough to attack a human then it deserves to die. I hate when people give so much sympathy to a predator that would literally eat you without pause. Smart bears know that humans are the apex creatures and do their best to stay out of conflict with us. Those "weary" genes gets passed along to their offspring and that's how we coexist.

[@twostop6895]

@@john22098 lol, I just baited a problem right winger out of his hole, insert default race we all know who you are

[@kenopsia6748]

@@twostop6895 giving more value to a human life than a bear`s life is right wing. Ok.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

That was crazy watching her smell you from that far off. Very interesting! Thanks for sharing.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

I heard that grizzly olfactory is 1000x human... maybe more.

[@didibolter9362]

Thank you Stan for leaving the area of momma grizzly and her 2 sweet baby cubs as fast as you did, very smart!! 🤗

[@shredhiker6209]

Amazing footage, thank you for taking the time to walk us through the experience in such a thorough manner!

[@wildzenventures]

Absolutely amazing footage! You have such a calm demeanor, I appreciate how you respect the wildlife 💕 Happy trails

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Great footage of the wildlife. Pretty wild seeing momma bear standing up.

[@kristiejacobs4854]

Yes, I really admire how he always handles the situation very calmly and has a well-thought out plan. I, an the other hand, would’ve gone into cardiac arrest; I guess that’s why I stick to the easy hikes for the wusses😂

[@BackpackingWithJason]

@@kristiejacobs4854 😂😂

[@NYPrepper]

You got some guts going in there so often with no firearm, great footage. You deserve a lot more subscribers!!

[@teresabarbao8593]

Wow very close encounter , you were very good about your approach and spotting an reacting , boy oh boy very close. The first grizzly was a nice bear coming right toward you . Nice exciting adventure !!!! Thank you great video

[@kellybridenstine8664]

I'm glad you were able to quickly detect a large moving hump in the tall grass. It wasn't going to be a camel.

[@anneperlmutter3775]

Yeah, heading back a very good plan! excellent videos as always

[@awitnessuntoallnations]

Wow! Amazing footage of these grizzlies in this beautiful area! Thank you for sharing your experience with us! 👍

[@michaelhall1156]

Stan the man,he knows what he's doing

[@jolenecreech7648]

Great video of the grizzlies …. I could watch them all day (from my car)! Thank you 😊, Stan! As always, please stay safe!

[@debbiejohnson5610]

That was a good one, love seeing the bears, and your interaction with them. Exciting

[@erinthetraveler6168]

I've really enjoyed your videos over the last year or so. I would love to know your background, how you've come to know so much about the wilderness. Thanks for sharing these amazing moments with us!

[@penelopelopez8296]

Excellent video footage of Mother Grizzly on her hind legs….her baby too. That was cute.

[@cpierce3277]

Very nice, your respect for bears is well developed ! Last year I ran into 5 bears in one day, all within 50-70 yds, if you are respectful of them, then there could frequently be minimal problems . Best wishes !

[@judithcampbell1705]

You are a brave man. I've never seen a grizzly up close like you have. But it must be a very special experience. Thank you and Happy Trails.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

25 meters is substantially too close for me. He understands the dynamic of mutual respect.

[@geniemedford9200]

Oh wow! You are so good at what you do and what you don't do. Thank you again for the great hike in that awesome place, our YNP!

[@relic1894]

Thank you for sharing your adventures with us.

[@Lue_Jonin]

Outstanding footage and demonstration of using sound wisdom while remaining aware of your surroundings in Nature. So well done 👍

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

I know, I take it as augmenting my current skills. Can we get continuing education credits for watching?

[@jillyelston6145]

Ah Stan, I really love your videos. The way you walk slowly, so peaceful, showing us scenery, nature and animals in their homeland who seem to know you are no threat to them. Thank you.

[@FREDOGISFUUN]

Stan, good deal you had not showered for a day or two, saved your life! :) Bear mom is a great mom! :P Love hiking with you! Your videos have me to think about and stop a second and look around surroundings. A lot of the time I am alone on the trail.

[@johneason6540]

That was a great day! Very close encounters with grizzlies and made it hope to talk about it. Great video.

[@lindyc.2552]

Beautiful, beautiful country!

[@rhondatracey6377]

Love watching your videos. Always learn some dos and dont’s out hiking after watching your awesome videos. My husband and I have hiked yellowstone trails and im scared every time - but the beauty sucks me back in.

[@Fladydoc]

I love your videos, the way you hike and the reason that you hike the way you do. I was just in Yellowstone, driving most of the time and didn’t see even one bear. Well, now at least I know where they all were. Glad I get to see them this way.

[@umgawa12]

Reminds me of my off-trail hikes in the 90's: Mary Mountain; Wapiti Lake; Grebe Lake and Specimen Ridge. Saw grizslies all the time. The smallest little dip in the terrain can hide one as they are only waist high when on all fours. Your videos really gives a perfect feel of quiet off-trail hiking. Well done.

[@StanMills]

Dave, thank you for your comments. It's obvious you have spent a lot of time in Yellowstone. I hope you still get out here.

[@loricollins3163]

So glad all went well…the beauty of summer abounds. My time in the greater Yellowstone/Teton area was extremely calmer yet beauty still surrounded my steps. Thank you Stan for lighting the fire to explore with deep appreciation the goodness of this earth. Be well. Lori Lee

[@KaltrinaDemiri]

I love how the babies ran to mom lol it was cute. But, I would have been so scared if I saw a momma bear and her cubs.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

as long as you have respectful distance mom will not approach you and jeopardize her cubs to other predators. [not that you are a predator though, I hope]

[@dictator9849]

Grizzly’s are utterly fascinating and majestic creatures. Particularly mother bears and their young. The bond between mother and Cubs is arguably like no other in the animal kingdom.

[@frosty0419]

Good job. That was close. Glad your cool calm and collected. And safe!

[@bloodyeyeful]

Hopefully it is not just a matter of time. "When you go to the well too often..." I pray for your safety Mr. Mills. God Bless.

[@SoberNomad]

I agree completely. Seems like he knows exactly what he’s doing and I can see he’s been at it for a long time, but he’s taking a lot of chances.

[@henryaaustin]

@@justhere11 What?

[@kzahrte]

I absolutely love being in the great outdoors and hiking long treks. But...I could never do treks in grizzly country. Incredible videos!

[@StanMills]

I bet you would find the experience of hiking in Yellowstone amazing and would always come back for more.

[@kzahrte]

@@StanMills I think I'm just afraid of the larger predators. That said, I've only been to Yellowstone one time and that was in 2020 but I yearn to go back again. I was awestruck. It's so breathtaking. You're certainly very blessed to be able to visit often. Thanks for sharing your adventures and treks.

[@longwildernesswalks]

Wow! I've only seen a bear 'make' someone through smell once. That was awesome to see. Good decision-making there bud.

[@jameswalker9002]

Thanks for another amazing video. Glad God protected you on your hike. 👍🙏

[@paulalim1476]

What an experience!! Excellent example of what years of experience can do for you.

[@kevinfriel7056]

I enjoy your videos very much, thank you

[@chipper841]

We love your videos! Please stay safe! 👍 👍

[@margielandrum9977]

Absolutely amazing and beautiful!!! I would give almost anything to be able to take that journey!! The bears are beyond fascinating!! Thank you so much for sharing!! God bless you! Be safe. 🙏🐻

[@gmiller1524]

Great camera footage and explanation of Bear tracks thru the grass, very enjoyable!

[@MLichtwardt]

Great video, and excellent example of responsible wilderness adventuring. This is valuable information that all hikers/backpackers should watch. Also appreciate the disclaimer in the description.

[@jaysong9843]

Bear cub smells you and was standing up to look around, like mama bear. So adorable

[@herbertbowling4869]

If you believe grizzlies are adorable, here's your sign.

[@rundmm]

Stan, i don't know how you don't have way more followers then you do. Your content is always top notch and very respectful of nature.

[@billw1958]

Hey Stan, Your video's are always AWESOME!!.. little to close with MAMA.. good thing you saw her hump in the brush..

[@nancy9704]

It's official. You are nuts putting yourself in that position with mama grizzly bears! Good god

[@CajunA79]

Awesome footage!

[@thelyingscotsman7993]

Nice hike Stan,I enjoyed that.

[@wanderertimetogo348]

I love that you have a very health respect for wildlife.

[@StanMills]

Respecting the wildlife in their home is what it is all about in God's beautiful creation. Thank you for your comments.

[@ingeborgm6147]

That was close Stan and I guess she decided to be a lady; she could have been grumpy and moved in closer. You think their first thought would always be their cubs, but grizzlies have a temper and lose it quick. A friend took a video where the grizzly left her cubs right there on the street and chased after a guy on a skateboard. The only reason he got away was because he went downhill at a neck-breaking speed! The cubs meanwhile were running around lost looking for her while people drove off not wanting to be there when she returned. I bet she would have jumped anyone and anything.-------- I worried when the mother realized you were there, stood up and assessed the situation. Oh wow! I am sure you had quite a few run-ins with bear during your long hiking years and know exactly what and what not to do. All is well that ends well . How interesting and scary. Thanks Stan!

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

I appreciate that story because I would never expect mom to abandon her cubs in favor of having a bad day. But I live in black bear country.

[@jamesbonner5989]

Awesome video.

[@lewystyles]

Incredible stuff

[@SPICY_BEAR]

Beautiful scenery out there, and nice video of the grizzlies! 🐻🐻🐻 Kind of a close call though. 😁

[@xisotopex]

love how she does that perimeter scan, seemingly very methodical...

[@Grimmeute]

Love your videos. Been watching for awhile. I’m now in Yellowstone at this moment, well… in Gardiner to write this. Haha no service inside. We are tent camping in Indian creek. Thinking about walking part of Big Horn in morning. Thank you for making these wonderful videos.

[@Grimmeute]

Well we did about 6 miles in, on Big Horn, today and there he was. Big ol’boy. He kinda surprised us as we slowly topped the hill. Luckily we had been quiet and really paying attention. Also we were upwind. Exciting experience.

[@StanMills]

@@Grimmeute exciting. Did you get any video by chance. It would be fun to see.

[@Grimmeute]

@@StanMills yes I was able to get some video. But with only my iPhone. Apparently the SD cards in both my GoPro and Nikon camera I bought before going to Yellowstone were defective. I will post videos on my KZbin channel when I get back to Oklahoma and edit together. Hope they don’t look as bad as they do on a iPhone screen. haha.

[@Grimmeute]

@@StanMills I posted my video on my channel finally. Not as great as your stuff. I’m just upset I wasn’t able to use my GoPro and Nikon because we bought a bad batch of SD cards and didn’t know it till it was time to switch out cards. iPhone 12 Pro Max does do great videos if the subject is close. But after 50-75 yards it makes things look like they are 200 yards away.

[@fcamiola]

Wow...amazing and terrifying! Beautiful area.

[@endymion8672]

Best Bear Country illustrations on KZbin imo! Recollecting one of your past videos, I decided to hike to Marble Point yesterday. Slept at the Meadow Creek trailhead in my car the night before so I could start hiking before sunrise. Beautiful ridge to hike along and beautiful cliff to hike around. No other soul up there. Saw deer occasionally. No Grizzly 🐻 in my visual reach. Unfortunately🙁? Or thank God😄?

[@StanMills]

I will be doing that within the next couple weeks.

[@rifleman1873]

These videos are very educational on how to handle a grizz encounter. I am leaving in 2 days to head up that way for some hiking. Enjoy your videos.

[@StanMills]

How was your hiking this summer?

[@rifleman1873]

@@StanMills it was incredible. We hiked in Yellowstone, Glacier and Gallatin NF. We saw 3 moose, and a couple black bear up close. Looking forward to next year. Thanks again!!

[@chrisanngianoli2206]

I enjoyed Nevada as well. Thank you

[@marcdaigle7701]

I'm glad you're still with us....

[@Megan-mm5oz]

Beautiful place. Please stay safe ❤

[@bessiemann7468]

Great footage. Glad you are safe. You are brave man out there in bear country

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

Bravery is often a subset of wisdom.

[@pattieh5118]

I like the way Stan always keeps his senses open to all that is around him.

[@robertwaid3579]

To Stan Mill's: Your Episodes are Amazing and so marvelous too See. Mind You, I have my doubts that You should be Hiking alone. Cuz as they Tell us, & Say it isn't a Good Practice to get into. Especially when it comes to being in Bear 🐻 Country like You are. But by your Stories, & Frequent Experience's Your Luck has held Out, & that is just remarkable. Now in the Previous Episode, the Choice's You made really seemed too fit the Situation's Well? And we're the Correct Action's, & Tactic's to Employ at both Occasions. So in Saying Adieu, Mr Mills it's also Thank You so much for Sharing Your Treks & Such along With Your Marvelous Knowledge of Yellowstone's, Large Predator Inhabitants, such as it's Grizzlies. Thank You Again

[@StanMills]

Have you ever stopped to think and realize that the people that “Tell us, & Say…”, are people that have never done it and have zero experience solo hiking in grizzly country. They are always the people that want to hand out advice. I have been solo hiking in grizzly country for a long time and actually have experienced all kinds of situations with grizzlies. I also have log books and videos to show what it is really like; not made up or repeating something that someone else has said. But i remind you “This is the way I do it. You should do what feels best for you.” Thank you for your comment.

[@Spoofty33]

My heart was pounding! Big yikes! Be safe Mr. Mills.

[@ADVENTURESOFBZ]

That amazing smell she has is sooo amazing to watch. You can literally see the moment. Obviously you did too to put it in slow motion. Super cool man. One day I'd love to see one. From a little more then 25 yards though 🤣🤣

[@beast6029]

I will never be this guy. The moment I see a grizzly walking towards me I will go in hyper panic mode.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

She was for sure smelling you. She just wanted to avoid you and get her cubs out of there it seemed. Scary though. ♥️ Great filming.

[@jasongray7447]

That was close! I am surprised the bear didn't pick up your scent right away!

[@shelbyburgey884]

As much as I enjoy your vides and like the landscape I don't think I would hike there. Not in the park anyway. Thank you for the video! And that's just me.

[@traviscoates6878]

Sweet monocular! I’ve always wanted one of those

[@johncall293]

Funny how he has the time to videotape himself walking away from the camera and then go back and retrieve the camera multiple times.

[@StanMills]

John, you don't have to live your life that way. Joy and peace can only come from the LORD. Ask him to enter your life and everything will change. You will get LIFE, it is a free gift.

[@7Saturdays]

Great video, Stan. May I ask which trail you were hiking?

[@truthbroncowithbillward2082]

STAN-BY HER REACTION, I'M SURE SHE KNEW YOU WERE HUMAN, BUT SHE WASN'T SURE OF YOUR EXACT LOCATION WITH THE SWIRLING WINDS. IF YOU HAD BEEN MAKING NOISE, SHE WOULD HAVE PIN POINTED YOU AND PROBABLY CHARGED. THIS IS ANOTHER GOOD EXAMPLE OF WHY BEING ALERT AND STEALTHY IN THE BACK COUNTRY CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE! GREAT VIDEO!

[@NickandRachel]

So much Wildlife out there!

[@barbaraberrier8840]

That was awesome footage. I heard sandhill cranes at the end. Are they summer residents or starting migration south?

[@leslie6938]

Great footage and you’re a much braver soul than me! I’m surprised you hadn’t removed bear spray or a weapon from your pack to have in hand in case the worst case happened and she charged you. Could you please explain your thinking or circumstances I might not understand? (Not judging, just curious.)

[@evahamilton779]

i think grizzlies pretend they don't see you but know you are there often

[@StanMills]

I agree with you. Thanks for your comments.

[@markpurz1595]

Hey Stan, great work as usual. Wondering how you like the cannon sx70? I'm considering buying one. I live in Ohio and am coming out for a month in Aug,Sept starting down in the winds and heading north into Yellowstone. Would you recommend that camera?

[@StanMills]

It works for my needs. Large zoom, small, light weight. Quality is good enough for KZbin (4K) but it is not a professional quality kind of camera.

[@timw3411]

How does this make you adjust your hiking awareness, bear spray placement/access, and any secondary backup protection outside of spray?

[@lbjones8983]

Also, have you ever had to use bear spray? If so, how close did the bear get and lessons learned. Thanks in advance.

[@michaelbradford4444]

I've viewed several of your videos and they're incredible! I wonder each time as I'm watching if you carry some sort of protection while your filming these wonderful moments , do you ?

[@StanMills]

Yes, I alway carry 2 cans of bear spray. I have never used one. Thanks for your comment.

[@michaelbradford4444]

I'm sure if I was mingling in bear country as you do I'd have a back up in case the spray wasn't enough ! Thank You for your answer ...be safe !@@StanMills

[@SlimeArtPaintArt]

This is why I walk on my treadmill

[@moiraoneill8031]

So Stan is the next grizzly man

[@blackmonday738]

Damn Stan.. sheeeesh. No Thank u. U stay safe out there!!

[@a.phillips6892]

I now see how quickly the situation can change with bears, and to see that mother stand up and obviously smell you was really eye opening. I was afraid for you, but at the same time, you remained calm and knew what to do. Wow, 2 in one outing! Does it seem like there are more bears in Yellowstone in the past few years than there used to be? And if so, what is the cause? Thank you for sharing!

[@StanMills]

Less. Looking at my log, I have seen 17 backcountry bears so far this year. By this time last year I seen 21, 2019 30, 2018 33, 2017 42. So very much trending down.

[@tomdigangi2722]

@@StanMills Any idea as to what is causing the down trend? Have the wildlife biologists at Yellowstone offered any informed options as to why there is such a reduction in numbers? Thanks again for another great video and stay safe.

[@StanMills]

@@tomdigangi2722 For years the estimate for Yellowstone grizzlies was about 700. Aren't these the same people that this year simply changed their formula for how they calculate the number of grizzlies to make it 1,000 grizzlies magically now! Have you ever see a wildlife biologist in the backcountry?? In 50 years I never have. The only people I have ever see are the bird Ornithologist that stay at the Elk Tongue cabin on Slough Creek each May.

[@rolfekurtyka-realestateexa6078]

Incredible video as always, Stan. I see you prefer the monoculars to binoculars. Do you have any reason in particular? Thank you.

[@StanMills]

Yes. They are small, out of the way, fit on my shoulder strap, light, and not hanging around my neck or in the way when I want to remove my pack.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

nice work.

[@garyag45]

Well done sir! I know folks carry bear spray, but have you heard of people carrying “boat air horns” to scare the bears off? Just curious. 😎🇺🇸🧸

[@oddassembler]

I don't understand, if the grizzly is heading towards you and you start moving, doesn't that attract attention to you and make the bear curious?

[@StanMills]

Yes, I agree with you. But I never moved an inch when any of these bears were looking my direction. I have never felt good moving while a grizzly is looking my direction. If you don't move, it seems they look right past you, as in this video. Thanks for your comments.

[@thomasbell999]

Stan Fantastic videos. A question. As you walk along a grassy meadow you are very close to a line of pine trees. How do you know that a grizzly isn't just in the tree line out of sight.

[@StanMills]

I answered you in another video but I will add one other thing here. You are right about the grizzlies being just inside the tree line. That seems to be mostly on a hot day. But I guess the thing is, I know they are in there and I am watching and listening, and doing nothing to frighten them. But I have watched grizzlies getting off the trail and waiting inside the trees while hikers hike on by. It has happen to me. The 'normal' grizzly or mom with cubs will rather you not know they are there. A mom grizzly that already knows you are coming isn't going to run out and attack you, she does the opposite. But on the other hand, if she is sleeping, for example, and is frightened and woke up by a load human voice that she doesn't know where it is coming from, well now you may have a problem. You can see how many grizzlies I see in my videos. But just common sense will tell you that I must walk by a lot more that I don't see. I have videos out there where I have unknowingly walk right by moms with cubs, saw them when I turned around, and they just peacefully go about their business. For me, everything is about hiking in a peaceful and respectful way. All the animals seem to pick up on that. But you should do what is best for you. Thanks for your comments.

[@teresabarbao8593]

Molly loved the video she just watched with me she thought it was very exciting !!!

[@mitchellvause8577]

What part of the park is this? I’m going to two months

[@ottomendez2404]

speechless, no doubt I am learning from your professional skills. if I have to spray the grizzly, should I run, walk?. how much time I have to go away?. I imagine every situacion is different.

[@StanMills]

Yes every situation is different. As you can see watching my videos, all close encounters are a surprise. Never approach a grizzly from any distance once you spot them. I have a lot of encounters only because I hike in grizzly country - the Yellowstone Ecosystem. I have a lot of bear videos in my grizzly play list. You can see how I do it but that in no way means it is right for you. Gaining your own experience is best. Start out easy where it is safe and gradually gain experience. Learn how to immediately detect the mood of a bear. But even then, their mood can change instantly. You need to learn how you will actually react in a close encounter. I have never had a bad experience with a bear. My attitude is that I am out in God's beautiful creation at peace with all of the wildlife. I try to treat all wildlife and bears with great respect by remembering this is there home and I don't to anything to scare or alarm them. I have never had to use bear spray. Your question - How much time do I have to get away; you have no time. If a grizzly decides to come after you then you don't have much chance of getting away. That is why I never do anything to alarm a grizzly. As soon as a grizzly detects you at any distance they will react. I want them to react calmly if they detect me. A fear reaction could be bad, like a mom with cubs (like you see in this video). She was in a calm state when she detected me and then moved away in a calm state. I guess I could write a book on this subject but of course what I say is just my opinion gained from my experience. I am no expert, I learn more each and every time I am out there. Thank you for your comment.