Startling Grizzly Encounter in the Backcountry - Yellowstone

In my last video called "Grizzly Ridge...", I was unable to video the male grizzly that I saw so I thought I would go back up there to find him again. I found the male grizzly and got some good video but later after about 1.5 miles while I was heading back, he showed up close to me 150 yards away and heading right towards me. That is why this video is called "Startling Grizzly Encounter..." He really did startle me. It really made for an exciting hike.

[@patbateman8675]

Just want you to know Stan, that there is no other person on KZbin who i look more forward to watching their content than you. Your style of just walking and talking just is as real and unscripted as it gets. I admire the hell out of you with your faith and all your knowledge and experience of the Yellowstone ecosystem and wildlife. Not to mention your artistic ability. Just want to say thank you for taking me to a place that my heart aches to be at but current life commitments keeps me in Ohio for now. Maybe some day i'll be able to spend a lot more time there or live there but for now I'm thankful for what i have. Thanks again Stan!

[@StanMills]

Thank you for the nice comments. I am 100% sure that you will spend time in the Yellowstone area some day.

[@johncarlo2630]

Another educational hike into the backcountry of Yellowstone. Hiking quietly while leaving no trace = respect. Many thanks Stan

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

Not sure hiking quietly is the best option in these scenarios, by you don’t have to be obnoxious either.

[@deeannwatson4453]

In bear country most attacks happen by quietly surprising a bear. You are supposed to wear bells, or talk loudly enough... Like, hey bear, hey bear so the bear knows you are there. And if you have a gun they are a protected species and Im sure the game warden would love to watch your you tube video sneaking up on bears and then shooting them when they respond to you.

[@marilynwillett804]

@@deeannwatson4453 HE has never sneaked up on any bear, in all the many years he's been out there and he has NEVER even had to use his bear spray. Of course he has never shot any bear considering HE CARRIES NO GUN.

[@rjcallow7502]

It only takes that ONE time. ALL of the literature in Yellowstone says to MAKE NOISE!

[@local0729]

Beautiful! And I love the sound of the rain. Always so peaceful.

[@marilynwillett804]

Once when I was standing in the desert in Nevada a herd of wild mules came running over the hill, in my direction. [I guess they're there still procreating from the old days of the silver miners] One mule came and stood next to me, I could see he had what looked like a painful bite on the side of his hip. I told him to stand still and he did. I went back to my old station wagon and got some peroxide, I poured some on his wound. Then I told him 'Ok go join your friends' and he did. That is a very true story.

[@barbaraberrier8840]

I was on the edge of my seat from the beginning, just by the title. Beautiful even in the rain. Loved the yellow flowers. Glad it was a safe hike.

[@cararugh7233]

So nice to see a video of how to respectfully admire Yellowstone wildlife. These tourist video's where they try to touch the bison are infuriating. Thanks Stan for the great video today!

[@StanMills]

Yes, treating a wild animal as if it is not wild is very disrespectful to the wild animal. Thank you for your comments.

[@Rebellen007]

Your videos are absolutely amazing. Must say it always blows my mind how bad our noses are compared to most animals. You just walked in the rain and the bear could still smell you after several minutes.

[@StanMills]

I am glad he did smell me. He was about 150 yards away when I saw him heading right towards me. It is a little scary when you are not sure if he is heading towards you on purpose or by accident. If you watch some of my older videos, this grizzly does the same thing every time. In the mornings he always heads towards the east, and at night he always goes west.

[@ajadrew]

Facinating to watch sitting here back in England - To my mind it's a given re respect. But I know many, even in our small back woods, don't. Keep well & thank you 👍😊

[@teresabarbao8593]

Great job so glad you took time out in the rain to hike. The male grizzly was on the move , nice to see him. Great surprise how he ended up close to exactly where you were headed. Another encounter up close ! What a beautiful bear. Nice hike thank you the shots of everything came out good considering weather conditions. Praise the lord!!!

[@andy_an_outdoors_guy]

appreciate your approach to nature and commentary Stan - cheers!

[@GCWERK]

I faithfully watch your videos, Stan, but the way you walk the fringes on the backcountry gives me the heebee geebees! it is obvious you are very experienced so I know you are sure of what you are doing. My first bear surprise came when I was hiking and had stopped on the trail and noticed a dead porcupine on the side of the trail. within 30 seconds I heard a big WOOOF come from the trees and I moved on down the line with a cautious purpose!

[@jekimjo]

My shorts are full just watching this, I can’t imagine being there!! 😳 But I’m terrified of bears. (I’ve had nightmares my entire life involving bears). That being said, I greatly appreciate you sharing these phenomenal interactions that show they aren’t monster man eaters. Cheers 🐻🦌🐻🙂

[@a.phillips6892]

I must admit I was a little fearful for you! But if there is anyone who can do something like this, it’s you. It was a beautiful, healthy looking bear, thanks so much for sharing him with us!

[@marjorjorietillman856]

I love how the elks and deer stop and stare at Stan! And that black bear seemed to be a nice size! ❤😅

[@joejames4231]

Nice video Stan! The videos of your are such great resources to teach folks how to hike in Grizzly country. 👍

[@robertcarey3383]

Unfortunately, it makes people think it is safe to hike in Grizzley country, play stupid games / win stupid prizes...it's just a matter of time until he becomes a meal.

[@ronkreed]

Thank you, Stan. As always, thank you for the wise guidance you provide. This type of travel is never without risk. Anything can happen. But, with some tips you've provided over the years, and some common sense, a lot of risk can be mitigated.

[@EliteNugz]

That's right and the very best way you can mitigate that risk is by carrying the right type of gun loaded with the right ammo. Anyone who goes into brown bear country without a good grizzly gun is rolling the dice and if they survive it's pure luck and only because the bear allowed them to survive. I'd rather trust my survival to myself. The best setup is a smith and wesson m&p 10mm with flat tipped copper bullets with a hot load. 15+1 capacity. And really it's best to also carry a good high powered rifle on a shoulder sling as well. But at minimum a 10mm and extra full mag.

[@oldskool4612]

Thanks Stan for another excellent video. It was great to see that Griz readjust his path once he got your sent. As always stay safe and blessed enjoying God's Country 🙏

[@jameswalker9002]

Thanks Stan for sharing the Yellowstone experience with us. Most of us will never see the back country like you do or experience the bear sightings that you experience. Looking forward to visiting Yellowstone again in September but probably won't do any extensive hiking. God bless you as you appreciate God's creation. 👍🙏

[@carolynbetz4449]

Thanks again for a great video. Love walking in the rain. Think I spotted the same boar several years ago in Hayden valley

[@mariaslibeck9984]

Gorgeous! But I have to say that I watch your videos w expectant horror. I am so scared for you Stan! I love wildlife. I always have. But I do not have the guts to walk out in nature the way you do! I love the way you approach your hikes and I know you have a lot of experience. And I am thankful that there are people like you willing to show the world areas that others may never tread!

[@geezitscold]

You have balls of steel. I'm the last person that would be seeking to find a grizzly bear in the back country

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

First time viewer… love that you acknowledge our Lord and creator in your travels. The older I get (64) the more I appreciate all that God has provided. May Jesus bless you with good health and safety !

[@marilynwillett804]

Yes, God is gracious and patient.

[@nomadscavenger]

Thanks for the video, wonderful day for u and wonderful start to mine! I feel I can breathe better watching and listening to you and nature. Beautiful bear, scenery and light. Thanks again.

[@mizutx9782]

Es ist wunderschön anzusehen, danke für Ihre traumhaften Aufnahmen. Die Eichhörnchen Beute zu niedlich. Der Bär es ist wirklich Atemberaubend schön. Die Bären kennen Sie wahrscheinlich schon. 💚🌲💯👍

[@warrenthomas4687]

some of the best hiking...trails to yourself and the wildlife....thx for the views

[@michaelgutkoski6584]

Great video Stan. I've learned a lot from you over the years. It's neat that you meet the same "friends" from year to year. I'm headed for some hikes in SW Utah hoping to keep my feet dry.

[@StanMills]

I have done a lot of hiking in amazing SW Utah, but it was before we had digital video cameras. I have a lot of still pictures.

[@calgal5752]

I enjoy your videos so much! Thank you

[@bonnieohara8505]

Great video Stan. Scary encounter!

[@kristinaprice3870]

My hats off to you sir! That was pretty close. I'm glad he went the other way. Thank you so much for the videos! Safe travels to you!

[@kristinaprice3870]

Safe travels to you in God's beautiful country

[@marccalvert6040]

Thanks for sharing your videos with us 😊

[@mjd2387]

Thanks for posting. ❤ your videos.

[@alwaysfourfun1671]

Another wonderful vid. Thanks a lot. I cherish your philosophy "peacefully and respectfully", indeed to leave no lasting traces, just like the creation around you.

[@johneason6540]

Nice video again, always beautiful. FYI, I hike in the rain too. My first visit to this park was July 2019, I was there a week, at least three days had tremendous thunderstorms. With a lot of lighting, I had to lay flat on the ground. It hailed too, while I was looking at the wildflowers since I was face to face with the flowers😅

[@anntrope491]

Your an ID E IT !! & soon a tasty snack for old Grizz !!

[@danielelindsey2213]

Thank you for inviting us along on your back country rambles.

[@jamesbonner5989]

Another great video, thanks. Stay safe

[@tehrihumbert876]

'slowly doing things', as you suggest is the best way... but will never avoid a quick attack !!

[@brmam1385]

As someone who stumbled across this video, all I can say is holy cow & respect your experience. The golden wildflowers were stunning, the white tail deer beautiful & the bear too close! Pls, take care♥

[@6XXBANSHEEXX8]

Being from the Midwest, I only have coyote, deer, and the very rare bobcat as 'large-ish' wild animals. I could not imagine freely walking around Yellowstone like this. I'm just not mentally or physically prepared for experiences like this. I have great respect for your knowledge and courage.

[@markgraham218]

Excellent. Another wonderful video. Thanks Stan.

[@DD-fj2ut]

I was out in Hayden valley hiking, and we roused up a grizzly, which ran off, so we continued to watch it from a hill as it wandered through a herd of bison - anyway eventually it laid down in the sage brush for about 45 minutes, completely disappearing. It was in the middle of the day, so I had always figured I could see one off in the sage if you are hiking, but clearly not if they are napping.

[@janicericciuti9035]

Thanks Stan rain is life giving

[@genefoxgreenmountaindroning]

Glade your safe nice video thank you for sharing

[@nature10879]

You're brave and respectful brother. I definitely wouldn't do that by myself even with a bear spray. I will have to have a really good gun/s and hike with an experienced hiker like you. very enjoyable to watch. Thank you for taking us along

[@stephanieaskew771]

Bears are my favorite animal...I saw one very close on my way up Mt Rainier Washington. Then driving through Yellowstone we saw a cub on the switch back road, baby was above and mama bear was down the hill. I would be to afraid to hike in their country...much respect Stan

[@StanMills]

Being in the backcountry with a grizzly with just you on foot is an amazing experience. Being afraid is not a bad thing. It is what makes you stay alert and feel alive. But even this, if you do it enough, becomes a bit jaded. Thanks for your comments.

[@robinkrause123]

So love your videos.❤️

[@geniemedford9200]

Thanks, Stan! So interesting to hike in the rain and fog with you. Even though the Canon is not waterproof, the videos are always great! Btw, I love being out in the elements also.

[@arcsaber1127]

Literal definition of "go looking for trouble"

[@StanMills]

Thank you for watching my videos in God’s beautiful creation.

[@JohnsonWhat28]

Awesome hike and video. Thanks!

[@Oldsparkey]

Not sure who was surprised the most , You or the Bear. The Bear did vacate the scene rather quickly.

[@eddierauber6756]

Stunning footage, and that’s a go-pro?! I love your work. Thank you.

[@susanoquinn-mu3fn]

That was an amazing hike through my most favorite place, YELLOWSTONE. You are very knowledgeable and respectful of all of GODs creatures and sharing your adventures with us. Tks again and stay safe, as always.

[@StanMills]

Thank you very much for your nice comment.

[@femmmke2334]

Great video again, stan. Greetings from the Netherlands! 👋🏻

[@chrisclinton8949]

I really appreciate your videos! I’m curious, though, you’re concerned about visibility in the fog, yet you start hiking in the dark?

[@StanMills]

Yes. The dark does not bother me but thick fog does. Maybe it is because I can still see a little in the dark.

[@MTwoodsrunnerPrimitiveSkill]

Howdy Stan...just found your channel and enjoying the content...subbed...great stuff...woods

[@bathelion777]

Great videos,stan...wish i was hiking in the rain too.

[@gerismith8438]

Thank you for sharing. You are brave!

[@paulletchworth2036]

Great video Stan ,be careful my friend it’s the ones you don’t see that should worry you !

[@StanMills]

Yes, you can think about it that way but since I never saw them or knew they were there, I never got worried about them. But that does bring up the question, how many bears saw me that I never knew about. Sometimes that worries me when I think about it.

[@uscameloptics]

Amazing video!!

[@wilshirewarrior2783]

I am not an expert on bears but I believe if you asked one they would tell you that most always bear know exactly where you are and being ambush predators it is no coincidence when they get closer as you think they are nonchalantly moving in no particular direction.

[@tracyh2421]

Hello, I've watched a few of your videos. That's what i do is hike solitary in nature. I enjoy it immensely, i always try to improve the trail by picking up litter i find. I didn't get a sense of a scare with the bear, he was much too far and disinterested.

[@ellencox5427]

Every video I've seen about bears says to yell, sing, make your presence known! Here you are quiet as a mouse.

[@stevethompson8154]

My camera has a setting that warns if no memory card is in. Perhaps your camera does as well? I enjoy learning about bears from your experience. On rainy days do Mountain Lion hang around in the trees?

[@StanMills]

Not sure. Mountain lions are hard to spot.

[@teresajohnson8988]

Thank you soooo much and stay safe!!!!!

[@sacredstonecards9051]

Amazing video Stan.

[@briancoughlin6732]

That is a busy deer trail

[@nolesfan8900]

Awesome as usual

[@dr.doolittle4763]

That was a really great video. Yellowstone is such a remarkable place, especially in the backcountry. I spent a summer there decades ago, before the wolf reintroduction. What part of the park was this video taken?

[@reeldealfly7987]

Close call. Never disappoints. Do you ever see rattlesnakes in the sage brush? I’m more afraid of them when hiking in YNP.

[@StanMills]

I never have seen them or heard them.

[@reeldealfly7987]

Great news. I’m so envious of you hiking 16 miles a day at times. I have bad knees and can only hike a few miles. If I got a knee replacement I could be like you!! ❤️

[@MrWinger1951]

Good Sunday morning to you Stan. Your video is in such contrast to the videos of tourist(s) trying to 'pet' the bison, which seems to be a perpetual, and idiotic phenomenon in Yellowstone. Your comments of "respect the wildlife" always rings true. One question: is there a particular brand of bear spray that you prefer or recommend?

[@StanMills]

I always have one can of UDAP and another of something else. I can’t say if one is better than the other. But I do have about 20 old cans out in the garage. Maybe I should do a video on testing old cans of bear spray and see if they work or not.

[@lindatabler]

Thank you!!! ❤❤❤

[@ericf1843]

Always loved your videos. What camera are you using in the backcountry? I’ve been to Yellowstone a bunch of times but I’m done with my slr. Looking to slim down but still be able to capture wildlife. Thanks for the help.

[@StanMills]

Canon sx70

[@ericf1843]

@@StanMills Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it.

[@jeffrey3498]

Stan, I was wondering, does the Grizzly have any enemies in the wilderness that he fears, or that he has to be worried about, or is he the absolute apex predator with nothing to fear? I know that wild animals always have man to fear, but I don’t mean that. Thanks, and God bless to keep you safe.

[@JingsWorld]

Great video , I was kind of a scared watching because I know this is real footage. You know what you doing so keep up the good work Stan…

[@Mr_Mojo_Risin]

Question, do you carry bear spray and if you do which brand do you carry? Also do you carry a pistol in a chest holster? Reason I ask about the firearm is I’m sure bear spray won’t always work and what if there are multiple bear? Thank you for being a responsible photographer unlike the many I see attempting to get close to these beautiful wild animals. Then if one of those irresponsible people get injured or killed most times they track down the animal and kill it. Not cool. So thank you for being the rare responsible professional.

[@StanMills]

I always carry 2 cans of bear spray (but have never had to use bear spray). Right now I have UDAP and Counter Assault. I don't carry a fire arm. You can't use them in the Park, plus, I could never shoot a bear anyway. Thank you for your comments.

[@stephenhaegele2297]

Question; Does bear spray work in rain?

[@billriordan1489]

How are the ticks this year?

[@timmartin3470]

Got to thinking about bear safety while watching this and wondered - is bear spray an effective deterrent when it is raining?

[@StanMills]

I would think it would make no difference. I have never had to use bear spray.

[@dcwebb1]

Nice video Stan, just be very very careful out there, hate to hear that you were grizzly bear food, and I'm not even joking.

[@forester057]

“People don’t hike in the rain.” Stan, you’re a person 😂.

[@teresabarbao8593]

It’s nice to hike in all kinds of weather conditions . We don’t have to wait for perfect weather . You wouldn’t get much done if your waiting for perfect weather.

[@GVH1305]

I may have missed it but do you carry any bear spray with you? Nice video.

[@StanMills]

Yes, 2 cans.

[@marcjones6003]

A lot of people mistakenly believe that its illegal to tote a weapon in a national park. So many people put themselves in danger in Yellowstone and Glacier park by hiking without proper protection.

[@StanMills]

Yes, you can carry a gun but you cannot discharge it. I think that law is meant for hunters that need to move through the park and hunt on the other side. You believe like I think the majority of people believe, that is, the gun will give you the proper protection. I disagree with the majority and think bear spray is a better way. But as you may have noticed if you watch more of my videos, I don't consider that it is all about me when I am out in their only home. A great consideration goes toward the wildlife. I am out to see all the amazing wildlife in a peaceful and respectful way. A lot of people may think it is more dangerous for me, but with the many years of experience that I have solo hiking in grizzly country, this is the way I have found to be safest for me. I have never had a bad experience with a bear and I have never used bear spray (I always have 2 cans). Before you respond with "it is only a matter of time, the odds are..." My life is not a game of chance, life does not have to be a game of chance, I live the Lords wisdom and promises. Chance has nothing to do with it. But like I say, this is the way I do it as a solo hiker. You need to do what feels best for you. Thank you for your comments.

[@rockie307]

How many times have you been charged?

[@StanMills]

Never

[@kathleengillespie5983]

Thanks, Stan!!!

[@onehorsetown3434]

Have you ever ran into another human while out hiking the backcountry? Or a cougar?

[@Personalfinance_10174]

You are going to end up on the news * youtuber mauled to death* - geeszh give these wild animals their last wild place in the lower 48.

[@martinyuhas929]

There’s always the unexpected. Bridge over the river Kwai.

[@j-sin3344]

Tough to get startled when the bear is in Russia and you are in Alaska. Must have had to be there. JK, excellent, wish the whole US was like that, not that they didnt have issues back then, obviously the Bears were a bit more of a handful, not having a camera that can see Russia from the US makes bear spotting a bit more difficult. ; )

[@douglasdailey5998]

You got to be careful walking through those quakes like that. I was walking through the bushes like that and a grizzly popped up that was laying down. He was so close that i could feel his breath on my face. He roared so loud in my face that i could feel it inside my body. I started praying, oh God, father don't let this bear attack me i do not want to be bear poop. I heard God's voice, he said back up slowly don't look him in the eyes. So i backed up slowly for about twenty feet. Then i turned and ran to the van. Thank God that i was not far off the road. The bear laid back down by that quake bush. When i was watching you walk through these bushes like that i expected a bear to pop up at any second.

[@Mark-qs5bz]

What did you look like in your poncho maybe another bear. When you become dinner and they kill that boar what have you done for wildlife?

[@StanMills]

Genesis 9:5 If an animal kills someone, that animal must die. Matthew 10:35 Good people do the good things that are in them. But evil people do the evil things that are in them.

[@kingcobra7565]

when was the "scare?"

[@sid7088]

I never knew grizzlies got so dark.

[@ronalddunlap9933]

Are you armed with a firearm on these hikes? Is that even allowed in or around the Yellowstone area? I guess you have bear spray.

[@xvsj5833]

4 legs are better than 2 🦤

[@misterskins]

Startling, how?

[@PEDALSnPROJECTS]

What do you mean "you gotta know what you're doing" bears don't stay in one place and are very unpredictable yet predictable

[@StanMills]

Meaning you probably should not go solo hiking in grizzly country until you get some experience hiking in groups. Be sure you know how your reaction will be when having a close encounter with a grizzly. Normally they are very predictable but you can always run into a grizzly that is upset and in a bad mood. So knowing how you are going to handle the situation is important. The only way to know is from the experience of having it happen.

[@scp--wc9zv]

Was the bear stalking you?

[@StanMills]

No. Just going my way.

[@interrestrial9815]

"There really is no reason a grizzly bear should be here right now." It is you and I who reason. Bears? I learned this in decades of being in bear country: I know what a bear is going to do when the bear does it. I suspect that is close to the bears reality as well, just separated by micro moments.

[@StanMills]

Hopefully this video shows that ‘most’ of the time you can know from experience what a grizzly is going to do before he does it. I showed that I could predict where he would be. This particular grizzly moves west to east every morning this time of year in his range. He moves east to west at night. He will mate with 3 or 4 of the females in his range. There are about 10 different females that live in his range. This male is about 9 years old (based on the number of years I have observed him) and will always go the opposite direction when detecting a human. His behavior is always to avoid humans. By July this grizzly will move up into higher and more remote locations. I have seen this grizzly down low in July in early morning and heading up to high elevation at first light in July. Do I need to continue…

[@tucko11]

Bear was like 500 yards away ….

[@Debra113]

Was it a black bear or grizzly? At 10:35 he calls it a black bear and then at 11:45 he calls it a grizzly. Just wondering... 😊

[@StanMills]

It is the black grizzly I saw earlier. He is a bear and he is “black” in color.

[@Debra113]

@@StanMills got it! Thanks!

[@johnnylopez174]

I've hiked in Yellowstone a few dozen times. In my opinion this is irresponsible. First he went looking for the bear. It's not a startling experience when you go look for it. This is no different than the people who take selfies with buffalo and then are suprised when they get gored.

[@aaronburn1992]

Well he isn’t out to harm the grizzly. He is willing to take the risk because he admires the grizzly and wants to see them up close. Nothing wrong with that.

[@marjorjorietillman856]

He always emphasizes safety such as never surprising the bears. And he fervently looks for signs such as tracks, scat, and other things that tells him they maybe near. And he always take bear spray with him, and never really get that close to them. I initially thought he was being unwise, but I see how cautious he is; therefore, I try not to judge him, because of how careful he is!

[@art-is-lazy4509]

Stunning wildlife, but a future episode of scary bear attacks in the making?