Man Bravely Pushes Back Against Grizzly Attempting To Break Into Alaskan Cabin

German television host Dirk Steffens was on assignment in the far north of Alaska filming for his series Terra X when a massive grizzly bear approached the home he and his crew were staying and attempted to enter through the french doors off the back porch. Steffens was outside at the time with a cameraman and caught the attempted breach on film.

As the bear slowly walked up the stairs to the porch and and sets its sights on entry, one brave member of the crew snapped into action and braced the door with all of his weight as the grizzly pushed from the outside:

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Given that the bear far outweighed the man on the other side of the door (adult male grizzlies average 400 to 600 pounds) and that grizzlies are 2.5 to 5 times stronger than humans (according to real-world tests conducted by Montana State University), it could have easily overpowered the man and busted through the entrance like saloon doors if it really wanted to.

It is unknown why the grizzly gave up so easily but one possible explanation is that it had already undergone aversive conditioning, also known as hazing, which is a non-lethal management tool to discourage bears from engaging in unwanted activities like approaching homes, livestock, or human settlements.

“Hazing is a short term action intended to have a direct response — to change their behavior and get them out instantly. It can be a one-time event or part of adverse conditioning, teaching them to move off when people come out. They are really quick to learn, and the more you’re around them the more you appreciate it.” -Alaska Fish & Game biologist Phil Mooney

Hazing methods include paintballs, cracker shells, drones, dogs, and other deterrents, all designed to startle and imprint negative associations with humans but not injure the bear. When performed correctly, hazing does not cause significant harm to grizzlies or disrupt their natural behavior patterns but does increase their tendency to avoid people and developed areas. Learn more about bear-proofing cabins from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game below.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game Guide To Bear-Proofing Cabins:

Structural Reinforcements

• Outward-Opening Doors: Install doors that open outward to make it more difficult for bears to force entry.
• Bear Shutters: Use at least ¾ inch plywood for shutters over doors and windows. Mount them flush to the wall to prevent bears from prying them off.
• Secure Fasteners: Opt for fully threaded hanger bolt screws instead of nails, as they are more resistant to being pulled out by bears.

Additional Preventative Measures

• Electric Fencing: Consider installing electric fencing around the cabin perimeter to deter bears.
• Bear-Resistant Containers: Store food and waste in bear-resistant containers to minimize attractants.
• Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain all structural reinforcements to ensure their effectiveness over time.

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