A hiker in Canada survived a terrifying encounter with a large grizzly bear after firmly yelling at the animal to leave her and her dog alone.
The woman was on a trail in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, on Wednesday when the bear, estimated at around 700lb, came out of the forest and appeared to target her dog.
The grizzly moved in close, circling the pair several times, lunging toward the dog and even rising onto its hind legs during the tense confrontation.
Despite the danger, the hiker, who recorded the encounter, was able to get away safely with her pet by resisting the natural urge to run.
Wildlife experts warn that running from a grizzly is one of the most dangerous reactions, because it can trigger the bear’s chase instinct — and bears can easily outrun people.
Instead, the woman began backing away slowly while loudly telling the bear to leave them alone.
As the animal continued to approach, she repeatedly shouted commands including “go away,” “get” and “no,” while also making low growling sounds in an effort to deter it.
When the bear bounded closer after the dog, the woman held her ground as it circled, a decision that ultimately helped her and her pet escape the frightening encounter.
The woman was walking on a trail in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, on Wednesday when the 700lb animal emerged from the forest and tried to attack her dog
The bear appeared to only be interested in the woman’s dog and stood on its hind legs several times
The bear came within just a few feet of the woman and her dog before they made their escape
Hikers are advised to never run from a bear and instead stand their ground while telling them calmly to go away
After it bounded behind a metal gate, she then took the opportunity to flee to nearby parked cars.
After the encounter, Alberta Parks issued a warning to others about the grizzly.
‘Safety of visitors is always our top priority, and staff are monitoring the situation closely,’ the warning added.
To avoid an encounter with a bear, Alberta Parks advises to make plenty of noise and travel in groups while keeping an eye open for fresh signs that bears are in the area such as digging or scat.
Visitors should keep pets on a lead and carry bear spray that is easily accessible.
Experts say that if anyone comes into contact with a grizzly bear they should stand their ground and not run.
Speaking to the bear in a low and calm voice can help it identify humans, as opposed to prey.
People should also wave their arms slowly and, if available, make themselves look bigger by stepping on top of a rock or other higher ground.
They say to never imitate bear noises or scream, or try and climb a tree to get away.
If a grizzly bear attacks, hikers are advised to play dead and only fight back – by trying to strike the bear to the face – if they do not give up.
But if it is a black bear that attacks, the public is urged not to play dead and to instead fight back immediately before escaping to a secure location.
Also, if any bear attacks campers in their tents or stalks them, this is an indication they are being viewed as food and should also fight back.
Anyone exploring areas where bears are known to roam is advised to carry bear spray, which is highly effective at putting off aggressive bears.
Should a bear charge, the spray should be deployed by aiming slightly below their face.
Alberta Parks asks visitors to report bear encounters or observations in Kananaskis to Kananaskis Emergency Services at 403-591-7755.
