During the extremely heightened emotional state one experiences encountering a grizzly in the backcountry almost any reaction would be understandable but to be remain as calm and collected as this mountain biker did when he came face to face with this apex predator is almost eery.
The following footage was taken along the Hochimini Bike Trail in Alberta Canada’s Jasper National Park. Hochimini is a reasonably technical single track connecting Pyramid Beach and Patricia Lake in side Jasper National Park. It was late in the evening but still light out when the biker crossed paths with the bear and he simultaneously pulled out his bear spray for protection and his phone to record the event. Instead of a panicked yell (which is discouraged as bear may think it’s the sound of a prey animal) the man calmly spoke to the bear in an attempt to defuse the situation with words like “back off okay.” His cool and demeanor paid off and the parted ways peacefully.
“It was about 9 pm and I was mountain biking the Hochimini trail in Jasper Alberta when I came across a grizzly bear in the slough part of the trail. She was initially barely in view, maybe 50 ft away, but I could see it was a bear. I stopped and said ‘hey bear!’ while pulling out my bear spray and grabbed my cell phone to record the encounter. The bear continued walking toward me and the video starts when I say more sternly ‘back off, okay?’ while pointing bear spray at her.”
If you encounter a bear, staying calm and identifying yourself is key to remaining safe. Remain still, wave your arms, and talk to the animal. That lets it know that you’re a human, and not prey. Speaking in low tones will both help you stay calm while remaining unthreatening to the animal. Screaming, imitating the animal, making high-pitched squeals, or making sudden movements can trigger an attack. Essentially, do what this guy did.
Jasper National Park Grizzly Bear Safety:
To reduce your risk of a surprise encounter:
- Make noise. Clap, sing or yell to announce your presence, especially where a bear might not otherwise smell, hear or see you coming. (Bear bells are not very effective.)
- Travel in groups, on established trails, and during daylight hours.
- Minimize odours by proper storage of food, garbage and toiletries.
- Leave the area if you see a bear or fresh tracks, droppings, diggings; or if you come across a large dead animal (a bear may be nearby).
If you surprise a bear and it defends itself:
- Use bear spray if you have it. PLAY DEAD, let it know you are not a threat: lie on stomach with legs apart, cover back of head and neck with hands, keep pack on to protect your back.
If a bear stalks you and then attacks, or attacks at night:
- Try to escape, use bear spray if you have it. FIGHT BACK, let it know that you are not easy prey. (This kind of predatory attack is very rare.)