A hiker in Japan has died after being attacked by a brown bear on the trail.

Sota Keisuke, 26, was descending Japan's 5,450ft (1,661m) Mount Rausu with a friend when the animal approached and began acting aggressively. He reportedly tried to fight the bear off but sustained severe injuries, with his legs profusely bleeding.

Unable to help, Keisuke's friend called the police and watched in horror as his fellow trekker was dragged into the woods. Following the attack, authorities swiftly closed nearby trails and airlifted 71 people away from the area.

Rescue efforts were also launched, and on Friday, August 15, Keisuke was found and taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The same day, rescuers found and shot three bears in the area where he was killed.

In November 2023, a brown bear killed two and attacked three others on Mount Daisengen on Hokkaido.

Bear safety

Bear attacks are on the rise in Japan. From April 2023 to 2024, there were a record 219 incidents, including six deaths.

They're considered to be a little less dangerous in the US, with far fewer attacks and roughly two to three people killed each year on average. Still, it's important to know what to do if you come face-to-face with a bear, so check out some of our top safety tips.

• Stick to established trails - The safest way to deal with bears is to avoid them altogether. Most bears want to be left alone by humans and rarely stray onto established trails.
• Hike in groups - Hiking in large groups can deter bears as they will be able to sense you coming and leave the area.
• If you encounter a bear - Keep calm. Speak in a loud, steady voice and slowly wave your arms, so the bear knows you're not prey. Aim to make yourself appear as big as possible.

• Do not run - Adult bears can run at speeds of up to 30mph (48kmph), covering 110 yards (100 meters) in only seven seconds, so you've got no chance of outpacing one. Running can trigger predatory instincts, so stay calm and move slowly.
• If you're attacked by a brown or grizzly bear - Play dead. Lie flat on your stomach with your hands clasped around your neck and legs spread. This will signal that you’re not a threat and will make it harder for the bear to turn you over.
• If you're attacked by a black bear - Do not play dead. Try to escape to a secure shelter like a building or car. If you're unable to escape, fight back by attacking the bear's face with whatever you can find around you. Use bear spray if you have it.

For more tips, check out our expert bear safety guide.

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A hiker was attacked by a grizzly bear in the second mauling in the Anchorage area in just four days.

The man was walking with his dog on an unmaintained trail to Barbara Falls, along the South Fork of Eagle River at around 9am on Saturday, July 26, when he was mauled by a brown bear. The Anchorage Daily News reports that he had time to deploy bear spray and sustained non-life-threatening injuries to his arm. He was able to hike out of the area and call for help.

Timothy Gurnett, a ranger with Chugach State Park, tells Alaska Public Media that the man likely startled the bear sow, which was feeding on salmon with at least one cub. Because this was a defensive attack, officials from Alaska Department of Fish and Game say there are no plans to euthanize the bear.

Four days earlier on July 22, a 67-year-old hiker was attacked by a grizzly bear in the Chugach Mountains on the outskirts of Anchorage. She suffered head and neck injuries after being dragged off the Dome Trail, but was able to call for help after the bear ran off.

Bear safety

Officials say bear attacks in Anchorage are relatively rare, but any time you're running, hiking or camping in bear country, you should always carry bear spray and know how to use it.

It's also important to know exactly what to do if you meet a bear to stay safe. If you are charged or approached by a grizzly bear, it’s best to leave your backpack on and play dead.

As scary as that might sound, it’s a defensive maneuver to help keep you as safe as possible. Lie flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck. Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over. Remain as motionless as possible until the bear leaves the area.

Fighting back usually increases the intensity of such attacks. However, if the attack persists, fight back vigorously with whatever you have at hand – a branch, rocks, one of your boots – to hit the bear in the face. Learn more in our article on what to do if you meet a bear.

• Best hiking boots: hit the trail

A woman was mauled by a grizzly bear while hiking on a popular trail near Anchorage, officials say.

The hiker, who has not been identified, was on the Basher Trail in the Chugach Mountains in Anchorage at around 2:30pm on July 22 when the bear attacked, according to The Anchorage Fire Department.

The bear reportedly ran off after the attack, which left the woman unable to walk as she called 911 for assistance.

"The hiker reported they could not get out on their own due to injuries sustained in the mauling," states the AFD in its report.

Multiple agencies, including Anchorage PD, Alaska Department of Fish and Game and Alaska State Troopers responded and used drone technology to locate the woman, which took around one hour. She was then airlifted from the scene to the hospital. Anchorage Police spokesperson Christopher Barraza tells Anchorage News Daily that the woman's injuries are "non-life threatening."

Now, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has closed the area while it conducts searches for the bear, and officials are advising everyone in the vicinity to brush up on their bear safety and carry bear spray, despite the rarity of bear attacks in the Chugach mountains.

Bear safety

If you're running, hiking or camping in grizzly country, always carry bear spray and know how to use it.

It's also important to know exactly what to do if you meet a bear to stay safe. If you are charged or approached by a grizzly bear, it’s best to leave your backpack on and play dead.

As scary as that might sound, it’s a defensive maneuver to help keep you as safe as possible. Lie flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck. Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over. Remain as motionless as possible until the bear leaves the area.

Fighting back usually increases the intensity of such attacks. However, if the attack persists, fight back vigorously with whatever you have at hand – a branch, rocks, one of your boots – to hit the bear in the face. Learn more in our article on what to do if you meet a bear.

• Best hiking boots: hit the trail

Visitors to Banff National Park are being warned to take care as officials issue a bear warning for the Lake Minnewanka area. The warning comes following a report that a female black bear with cubs tore open a tent in the Lake Minnewanka Trail campsite.

The tent was empty at the time while the owner was nearby in the designated cooking area, reported Rocky Mountain Outlook.

“The individual was behaving appropriately and the bears did not interact with them,” a communications officer for Banff National Park said. “No negative human-bear interaction was reported and the bears did not obtain any unnatural food rewards.”

Meanwhile, viral footage has been released by a hiker that shows a large grizzly bear following him along a trail in the park.

Caught on camera by Isaac Shah, TikTok user @izzybob209, the bear begins to follow him at a reasonably close distance. Shah holds up his bear spray and continues to walk slowly away as he says:

"Still following me, just got to remain calm and don't run, pepper spray at the ready."

Shah has published a follow-up video from the safety of his car revealing that soon after the video ended the bear left the trail to get water from a nearby stream and he was left safe and well.

He acknowledges criticisms that he should have left the trail, but admits he was scared.

CBC News reported that Parks Canada said Isaac's response was textbook perfect – he stayed calm, backed away slowly and didn't run.

Bear safety

Banff National Park has published bear safety information on its social media channels. The main message is to try and avoid encounters in the first place. You can do this by:

• Making noise and traveling in groups
• Keeping your pets on a leash and under physical control
• Staying on official paths and trails
• Respecting closures and area restrictions
• If you encounter a dead animal, leaving the area immediately and reporting it to park staff

We have useful information on what to do if you meet a bear in our expert safety guide, and there's key info on storing, carrying and using bear spray in this hiking safety article.

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Spring blossoms are bringing the trails back to life, the rivers are filling with snowmelt, and in certain parts of the country, the bears are yawning, stretching and rubbing their eyes with their paws. Just as we're starting to think about more backpacking trips, bears are thinking about their next meal, and right on cue, REI has released a new style of bear canister that can be adapted to meet your needs.

At first glance, the REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister just looks like a larger version of any old canister, but look closer and you'll see that it's smarter. This modular canister comprises two sections that can be used independently for shorter trips, screwed together to make one big canister for longer adventures, and nest one inside the other as your food supple dwindles over the days.

If you don't know, a bear canister is a solution for keeping your food – and yourself –safe in bear country, and it's easier than hanging a bear bag. Typically, they just consist of a plastic tub that's difficult for a bear to pick up and impossible for it to open, such as this one by Bear Vault. The Modular Bear Canister boasts those exact attributes, but it's more versatile and looks like a great option for thru-hikers who have to carry a lot of food.

Certified bear-resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, this canister does require a little finesse to access your best backpacking food. To open it, two buttons need to be pressed. REI says you can operate it with the click of a finger, while audible clicks help you know when the lid is locked shut and your snacks are safe.

It hasn't been on the market too long, but long enough that some campers have had a chance to test it out and give it some feedback. While there are a few campers who say they couldn't get it open, there are others who report they had no problem after reading the instructions, so we suggest you do that or watch the helpful video below if you have questions. As we say in bear country, you just have to be smarter than a bear to operate it.

At its largest capacity, this canister holds 11.25L, which is easily enough for a week on the trail, and REI says it's big enough to use as a stool when you're setting up your camp kitchen for the night.

It shrinks down to nearly half that size at 6.25L as you get closer to your next refueling spot. As for packing it, at its smallest, it squashes down to roughly 9in X 8in, which is smaller than that Bear Vault we mentioned and should be able to sit nicely on top of your sleeping bag inside your backpack. Cleverly, it also comes with a carry bag with reflective trim, so you can stash it away from your tent and if you need it, it will be easy to find in the dark with your headlamp.

The REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister is available now from REI for $79.95, which is cheaper than any other canister the brand sells.

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The bears are waking up at Yellowstone National Park. Earlier this month, staff observed the first bear tracks of 2025, signaling the beginning of spring at America's oldest national park.

Unmistakable, large grizzly bear prints were observed in the northern part of the park on March 9.

The next day, local wildlife organization Jackson Hole Eco Tours posted a video to Instagram, filmed by one of their guides, showing a female black bear emerging from hibernation with several sleepy cubs.

Hibernation usually lasts three to four months. Most bears in the region shack up for the winter from mid-November to early December, depending on the weather and food availability.

Bears hibernate to combat their limited food options in the winter. While they may occasionally wake up, they seldom eat or drink during the dark winter months.

As a result, they emerge ravenously hungry, ready to feast on animal carcasses and berries that appear as the March snow melts.

How to stay safe

Although the chances of a bear attack are slim, they still kill between two and five people each year in North America, so it's important to stay safe.

If you're planning a trek through bear country in Yellowstone National Park, check out our top tips for avoiding danger.

Avoid a bear attack in the first place

• Stick to established trails - The safest way to deal with bears is to avoid them altogether. Most bears want to be left alone by humans so rarely stray onto established trails. They can usually be avoided altogether if you stick to established routes.
• Hike in groups - Hiking in large groups can deter bears. They'll be able to see, smell, and hear you coming, so are more likely to leave the area.

• If you encounter a bear, remain calm and remember it does not want to attack you. Speak in a loud, steady voice and slowly wave your arms, so the bear knows you're not a prey animal and to make yourself appear as big as possible.
• Do not run - Running may trigger a bear's predatory instincts, identifying you as a dangerous threat. Adult bears can run at speeds of up to 30mph (48kmph), covering 110 yards (100 meters) in only seven seconds, so you've got no chance of outpacing one.

What to do if a brown or grizzly bear attacks

Advice on how to interact with grizzly and brown and black bears differs in the unlucky circumstance of an attack.

If the worst-case scenario comes true, and you're attacked by a brown or grizzly bear, the best thing you can do is play dead.

Lay flat on your stomach with hands clasped around your neck and legs spread. This will signal that you’re not a threat and will make it harder for the bear to turn you over.

Only fight back when absolutely necessary.

What do to if a black bear attacks

If you're attacked by a black bear, try to escape to a secure shelter like a building or car. Do not play dead.

If you're unable to escape, fight back by attacking the bear's face with whatever you can find around you. If you have bear spray, this is the time to use it. This toxic spray releases a cloud of capsaicin vapor, which is extremely irritating to a bear's senses.

For more bear safety tips, check out our expert guide to staying safe in bear country.

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A popular European hiking trail is the focus of an increasingly worrying mystery after three people disappeared in a five-week period.

Most recently, it was reported that an Australian man is missing almost seven weeks after he set out to hike a 10-mile route in the Albanian Alps.

In the weeks before, two other hikers, one from Lithuania and another from Belgium, were also said to have vanished in the same area.

Several theories have been put forward for the triple disappearance. Most have focused on the Cameron Twiss, from Adelaide, who was last seen hiking solo on the trail between Valbona and Theth in mid-October.

Concerns first arose that the 28-year-old may have become disorientated and lost after reaching a complicated crossroad in the main path.

Rescuers who took part in a three-week search told Australian media they had come across a cliff near the trail, although they could see no sign of a hiker. Many tourism organizations recommend a guide for hiking in the Alps for safety, as well as enjoyment.

In another twist, foul play, and even a kidnapping, were considered a possibility for the disappearance. A friend had apparently received a text message from Twiss that said he was “making vodka with a random Albanian”.

Now it’s thought he may have been attacked by a brown bear. While such incidents are rare in Albania because the numbers of the predators are small, some bears are thought to have been in the vicinity of the track.

All three hikers, who vanished between September 6 and October 13, are still unaccounted for and reports reveal the belongings and passport of Twiss were found in the hostel where he was staying in the town of Shkoder.

Though it's unknown what's behind the disappearances, any time you are hiking in bear country, it's a good idea to carry bear spray, where it's permitted, and know how to use it.

No matter where in the world you are hiking, always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back, so they can quickly raise the alarm if you don't return.

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Eager viewers across the globe tuned in to watch brown bears fishing for salmon in Katmai National Park yesterday in the lead up to Fat Bear Week, but things took a grizzly turn when two bruins ended up in an on-screen battle to the death.

Around 9:30 a.m. on Monday morning, the Kat River View camera picked up two bears known as 469 (male) and 402 (female) getting into a fight in the river. The vicious altercation lasted several minutes before 469 dragged the lifeless body of 402 out of the water and began to tear at her body before disappearing with her off-screen. Grizzly bears are known to fight aggressively when competing for food and will eat their own kind so the incident is considered natural behavior.

Yesterday was the day the bracket for the usually lighthearted Fat Bear Week was to be announced, so many viewers were live streaming the action and were caught off guard by the distressing footage, with one viewer commenting: "I'm devastated. poor 402. Rest in Peace."

The National Park Service announced they would be postponing the 2024 Fat Bear Week Bracket Reveal until today, October 1 at 4pm PT / 7pm ET as 402 was listed as one of the bears in the 2024 contest.

"We love to celebrate the success of bears with full stomachs and ample body fat in Fat Bear Week, but the ferocity of bears is real. The risks they face are real. Their lives can be hard and their deaths can be painful," writes the NPS.

"National parks like Katmai protect not only the wonders of nature, but also the harsh realities.  Each bear seen on the webcams is competing with others to survive."

The highly-anticipated March Madness-style bracket competition has attracted millions of wildlife fans around the globe since its inception in 2014 and it's made some bears famous, including the now-deceased 402. She even has her own wiki fandom page which reveals she was the mother of eight cubs born over two litters.

This isn't the first time viewers of Katmai's livestream have been taken by surprise – in September 2023, a lost and scared hiker showed up in the frame begging for help. Quick-thinking viewers commented under the feed that there seemed to be a hiker in need of assistance and as a result, a mountain rescue team located the man and evacuated him to safety.

Whatever this year's Fat Bear Week has in store for us, one thing is for sure – it's never boring.

What is Fat Bear Week?

Fat Bear Week is a celebration of Katmai National Park's healthy, bear-friendly ecosystem. The Alaska National Park is one of the best brown (grizzly) bear viewing areas in the world with well over 2,000 bears and some of the highest bear densities ever recorded.

With the salmon jumping in the Brooks River, the time is ripe for Katmai's bruins to fatten up before going into winter torpor, a near-hibernation state where they'll spend most of their time sleeping. During this time, the bears will lose about one-third of their body weight, so the fatter they can get in the fall, the greater their chances of survival. During Fat Bear you can vote on which bear you think will be the biggest by the end of the competition.

Voting for the main event takes place October 2 - 8, with the bracket revealed September 30. The champion fat bear will be crowned on Monday, October 8. 

Taking part is simple – head to Fatbearweek.org and vote for the bear you think will be fattest at the end of the week to help it advance to the next round.

Watch all the action live via the webcams on Explore.org to get up close and personal with these stunning beasts without needing bear spray.

• Wildlife safety: 8 tips for surprise encounters

Summer officially drew to a close over the weekend, leaving many of us who love spending time outdoors in our hiking boots feeling a little blue. Not to worry, though, Fat Bear Week 2024 is just around the corner to cheer you up, and you can place an early vote now.

If you don't already know, Fat Bear Week is a highly-anticipated March Madness-style bracket competition that has attracted millions of wildlife fans around the globe since its inception in 2014. This fun contest is a celebration of Katmai National Park's healthy, bear-friendly ecosystem. The Alaska National Park is one of the best brown (grizzly) bear viewing areas in the world with well over 2,000 bears and some of the highest bear densities ever recorded.

With the salmon jumping in the Brooks River, the time is ripe for Katmai's bruins to fatten up before going into winter torpor, a near-hibernation state where they'll spend most of their time sleeping. During this time, the bears will lose about one-third of their body weight, so the fatter they can get in the fall, the greater their chances of survival. During Fat Bear you can vote on which bear you think will be the biggest by the end of the competition.

“Fat Bear Week satisfies your hunger for bears, salmon, and the other wonders of Katmai,” says park superintendent Mark Sturm “all with one bite.”

Last year, a female bear named 128 Grazer emerged as the winner, looking sufficiently paunchy after duking it out against 11 other burly bears including previous two-time champion 744.

The action begins with Fat Bear Junior voting on September 26 and 27 (bracket revealed September 24). Voting for the main event takes place October 2 - 8, with the bracket revealed September 30. The champion fat bear will be crowned on Monday, October 8. 

However, park officials know we can't wait that long, so right now you can cast an early ballot for what qualities a bear needs to get your vote once the competition opens. Will you vote based on body size, good looks, proven adaptability or fishing skills? More than 7,000 eager fans have already cast their votes, and so far it's clear one aspect stands out against all others: nearly 5,000 have said they'll be voting based on bulk alone.

Taking part is simple – head to Fatbearweek.org and vote for the bear you think will be fattest at the end of the week to help it advance to the next round.

Watch all the action live via the webcams on Explore.org to get up close and personal with these stunning beasts without needing bear spray.

• Wildlife safety: 8 tips for surprise encounters

Another Canadian hiker was mauled by a bear over the weekend, prompting officials to highlight the importance of carrying a satellite communicator in the event of an emergency in the backcountry. 

The attack on the 45-year-old man occurred in a remote area of Crowsnest Pass, southwest Alberta on Friday morning, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A news release says the man was hiking near Window Mountain Lake when the bear attacked him, but did not disclose whether the bear was a grizzly or black bear. The incident took place just two weeks after another man was attacked by a grizzly bear northwest of Calgary.

Emergency services received the SOS activation at 11:19am from a Garmin device, prompting officials to dispatch to the area where they discovered the hiker with "extensive" injuries. The hiker was airlifted to a hospital in Calgary where he is being treated.

"No matter what your experience level is, while exploring the wilderness, SOS devices are an essential tool for anyone who may find themselves in an emergency situation," writes the RCMP.

"It is the most reliable way to call for help after sustaining an injury in an isolated area."

What is Garmin's SOS feature?

The Garmin inReach messenger is a tiny device that's a potential lifesaver when you're camping and hiking in remote locations. It connects to your phone via the Garmin Messenger app (available for both iOS and Android), and lets you send and receive text messages via satellite, letting you stay in touch even when there's no cellular connectivity.

You can also use the device to send an interactive SOS to Garmin's control room, which will put you in touch with the appropriate emergency or rescue services wherever you are in the world.

In order to use the inReach Messenger, you'll need a Garmin inReach subscription. There are long-term plans for regular explorers, plus monthly options if you're only planning to be away for a short time.

Bear safety

Knowing what to do if you meet a bear is a prerequisite for hiking on North America's trails. With black bears found across the country and the more aggressive grizzly bears found in several states, it's important to know how to avoid an encounter in the first place and what to do should you end up face-to-face with one.

Right now, bears are fattening up for winter torpor which means human-bear interactions are on the rise. If you are recreating in bear country, make sure you understand what to do if you meet a bear and keep your bear spray close to hand.

• A Montana man shot a grizzly bear during an attack – it saved his life, but here’s why experts say it’s not your best defense

A diabetic hiker who spent the night in Colorado's backcountry and nearly ran out of life-saving medication says she panicked when she was charged by a bear and became lost.

According to Alamosa Volunteer Search And Rescue, the out-of-state woman was hiking at Zapata Falls in the San Luis Valley on August 12 with a partner. She wanted to continue hiking beyond the falls, but her partner did not feel comfortable and stayed behind. After an unspecified amount of time, the partner contacted mountain rescue and reported the woman as overdue.

"The hiker's phone and insulin pump both had depleted batteries and were unable to be reached remotely," reports the AVSAR, who describe the woman as fairly athletic, "but not experienced enough or prepared to spend a night in the wilderness."

The woman's medical condition in addition to the rugged terrain, threat of impending weather and her choice of clothing – she was dressed in shorts, a halter top, a red hoodie and carrying only a small hydration pack – an immediate and extensive response was enacted.

Search teams scoured the area on foot and by drone until nightfall, but the only potential clue they uncovered was "a peculiarly behaving bear in the vicinity of the subject's last known location," which they monitored until it got dark.

Once dark conditions made searching unfeasible, crews continued their work back at base using cell phone forensics, despite the odds being stacked against the ill-equipped hiker.

"At times the daunting situational elements made the possibility of a positive outcome unrealistic," writes the team.

The following morning, divers were deployed to the waterfall to search underwater, but at 11 a.m. the subject was spotted by a drone pilot thanks to her bright red hoodie. A rescue dog made first contact with the woman before crews reached her on foot. She told them that after intentionally separating from her partner, she came face-to-face with a "large" black bear approximately two meters away.

"The subject was reportedly charged and chased for a short bit, and then she continued to flee in panic farther up the mountain and into the wilderness, quickly becoming lost and disoriented."

Fortunately, the hiker had brought a bottle of 50 glucose pills to maintain her blood sugar levels, though she told rescuers she was down to her last two. Despite the severity of the situation, her only injuries were sunburn and dehydration, and she was able to hike to safety.

Staying safe in bear country

Rescue crews point to the quick and coordinated response of their volunteers in addition to the woman's choice of wearing a bright red hoodie, which meant she was visible. They remind hikers to always make yourself searchable, and to avoid some of the mistakes made in this case with the following advice:

• If you become lost in the wilderness, stay put. Do not attempt to continue farther into dangerous terrain. The farther you venture from your last known position, the more difficult it becomes for rescuers to find you.
• Always carry the 10 hiking essentials, even if you're only planning on a short day hike, including: some sort of emergency blanket for warmth, a signaling device like a Garmin InReach, and a firestarter to help rescuers find you. Carry an ample supply of personal medication, more than you think you may need. 
• Know what to do if you meet a bear and understand local wildlife and wildlife safety. Black bears are primarily scavengers, and while they may chase you off from their territory, they are highly unlikely to pursue or hunt you. Carry bear spray to use in defense as a last resort.

Remember that it's always safest to hike with others, and if your partner wants to turn back early, you should remain with them and complete your desired a hike another day.

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This July, a 72-year-old man was picking huckleberries in Flathead National Forest by himself when he was attacked by a female grizzly bear. He managed to access his handgun, shooting and killing the bear and surviving the encounter with serious injuries. 

After a summer that brought several high-profile grizzly bear attacks – a veteran who was mauled while hiking in Grand Teton National Park and a Canadian trail runner who says she was saved by her hair clip – some are asking if guns should be as ubiquitous as hiking boots and backpacks when it comes to recreating in bear country.

The idea of using a firearm against bears is something bear biologist and Tooth and Claw podcast host Wes Larson tells us he hears a lot, but it’s not what he recommends.

“There are people out there that would say, ‘oh, I'd trust my gun much more than I would trust bear spray,’ but the thing about a gun is, you're shooting one projectile. It has one path. And if you miss, you know you're in trouble.”

When a grizzly bear is sprinting towards you at 30 miles per hour and you’re panicking, the chances of squeezing off a perfect shot seem unlikely, and even if you get lucky, the problem of a defensive bear that wants to kill you won’t necessarily be solved.

“If you hit the bear and you don't kill it, you're in a lot more trouble than you would have been otherwise because now that bear's probably gonna be enraged."

Avoidance is the best deterrent 

It’s understandable that you would try to use a gun against a bear if you happen to be carrying one when it charges you, but wildlife experts are insistent that a firearm really doesn’t need to become one of your hiking essentials. 

“Avoiding conflicts with bears is easier than dealing with conflicts,” said Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks in a statement following the July incident.

How can you avoid bears in bear country? Well unless you stay out of the backcountry altogether, there’s always the possibility of an encounter, but wildlife experts at Parks Canada have some tips to reduce your chances of meeting a bear.

• Stay on designated trails – bears are more likely to avoid well-trafficked areas.
• Hike in larger groups when possible.
• Make noise – talk (even to yourself), clap your hands or trekking poles together, blow your whistle.
• Keep your dog on a leash as they can provoke defensive behavior in bears.
• Watch out for signs of bear activity, such as scat, and leave the area immediately if you think a bear is nearby.

Failing that, choose bear spray over bullets

If you do all of the above and still find yourself face-to-face with a charging bear, don’t lament the fact that you don’t have a handgun in your holster – just make sure you have your bear spray, says Larson.

“Bear spray shoots out a whole cloud of aerosolized pepper spray, so when the bear is still coming at you, it passes through that cloud.”

Mid-charge, the bear inhales that pepper spray – it gets in its eyes, nose and throat and it's a terrible experience for the bear, according to Larson.

“It's unlike anything they’ve ever experienced, and they just want to get out of there instantly. It changes the dynamic, and you don't have to be a good shot with it. So it works much better, and it's a lot less precise of a tool.”

It also means there's a chance both you and the bear will get out of the encounter alive.

Deploying bear spray doesn’t take the same training as target practice, but you’ll still want to read our article on how to use bear spray before you hit the trail so you know exactly how and when to press the trigger.

Carrying bear spray is recommended in most places where bears are present, however it’s important to note that it is banned in Yosemite National Park and on the John Muir Trail where black bears are present. You can buy it online, such as this one on Amazon, but remember that you can’t fly with it if you are traveling to the mountains for a hiking trip, so see a local outfitter when you arrive. 

• Wildlife safety: 8 tips for surprise encounters

With warm weather ongoing and Labor Day still weeks away, you might not be thinking about incoming fall yet – but your local bears are.

Wildlife officials in Montana have issued a warning to campers and hikers to expect increased bear activity now through November as the state's bruins ready themselves for winter torpor. The announcement, detailed in the Great Falls Tribune, comes days after a bear attacked a three-year-old child in a tent when food was left unsupervised at a campsite. 

Bears across North America start fattening up for winter – a process known as hyperphagia – as early as mid-August. Colorado Parks and Wildlife explains that this feeding frenzy sees bears spending up to 20 hours a day trying to eat more than 20,000 calories to gain as much weight as possible before their main food sources are buried in snow and they enter a state of rest.

This time period typically sees the biggest increase in human-bear conflicts, with bears active for longer periods throughout the day and conditions ideal for hiking and camping. The problem is intensified by habituation, which is when bears start to associate humans with food and lose their fear.

Staying safe in bear country

If you're recreating or residing in bear country, now is a good time for a refresher in bear safety – use the following advice to avoid unwanted encounters this fall:

• Stay diligent when hiking and camping in bear country.
• Know what to do if you meet a bear.
• Secure all food when camping in bear lockers or bring your own bear canister.
• If you are backpacking in bear country, know how to hang a bear bag.
• Never leave food or trash unattended in your campsite, and never keep food inside your tent.
• Do not feed bears.

• Best hiking boots: hit the trails

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME! Or at the beach. Or anywhere else. Trying to scare off a bear with a shovel is a potentially terminal idea, no matter how many cookies the bear has stolen.

But it certainly makes for a video you can’t peel your eyes away from.

The confrontation took place earlier this week at Pope Beach in South Lake Tahoe, and was caught on camera by 18-year-old Derek Sears, who was part of a party at the beach. His unattended open cooler soon became too much of a draw for an opportunist black bear, who quickly zoned in on the food inside. 

“It took my cookie!” protests Sears very loudly.

Initially, they try to scare the bear off by throwing a beach chair at it – it may be Sears himself who does this judging by the way the cameras bobs down and up just before the chair appears flying though the air – but when that fails another unidentified guy runs towards the bear, brandishing a shovel at it.

At first he hits the shovel on a bench to try to scare the bear away, but when that fails, it looks like he actually whacks the bear in the face.

At which point the bear decides it's had enough and runs off into the woods.

But honestly, is it worth risking your life for the contents of a cooler? Do the sensible thing if you’re in bear country and keep food sealed in secured, airtight containers if you don’t need immediate access to it, and definitely don’t leave food unattended. They’re just two basics of bear safety.

Lake Tahoe is in northern California along the California/Nevada border and is a place well known for frequent bear encounters.

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Two polar bears have killed a Canadian worker in a rare attack at an Arctic Radar Station.

The employee, who is yet to be named, was working for the Canadian government on Brevoort Island, a remote and uninhabited part of Nunavut territory in northeastern Canada.

Despite the fact colleagues responded and one of the bears was killed, the worker's injuries proved fatal.

"An attack by two polar bears has resulted in the loss of one of our valued employees," said Nasittuq Corporation, which runs defence radar sites for the Canadian government, in a statement.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and colleagues affected by this loss."

Polar bear attacks on humans are rare, but this is at least the second recorded deadly incident involving a polar bear since 2023.

As more people venture into the arctic seeking adventure, and global warming forces more endangered bears to spend time on land looking for food sources, chances of human-polar bear encounters are increasing (although, still mighty rare). 

How to survive a polar bear attack

If you're planning an Arctic expedition, read these pointers on protecting yourself from a polar bear attack:

• Carry deterrents, such as a bear horn and bear spray.
• Understand the warning signs - is the bear sniffing the air and staring directly at you?
• Stay calm and don’t run - it’s better to back away and take a wide detour.
• Communicate clearly with your group
• If you think you’re going to come under attack, arm yourself with anything you can use as a weapon - ice axes or trekking poles - and prepare to fight.

A three-year-old child was injured in a bear attack on Sunday after unsecured food items were left lying around a Montana campsite.

The incident took place at around 10 p.m. at a private campground near Red Lodge, southwest of Billings. A Facebook post by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says that the subadult female bear attacked the child inside a tent. Game wardens and bear specialists responded and quickly found the reason for the attack: garbage, a camping cooler and food had been left unsecured inside and around the tent.

"The black bear involved in the incident had no history of conflicts. However, the bear had likely become food-conditioned and human-habituated after accessing unsecured attractants in the area," writes the MFWP.

The child was transported to a medical facility and no further details have been issued about their condition. The MFWP set a trap at the campsite on Sunday night and captured the bear the following afternoon. The bear was then euthanized.

How to secure food in bear country

This case highlights the importance of securing all food and toiletries when camping in bear country. Bears are attracted by scents and leaving food unattended can cause them to become habituated – meaning they lose their fear of humans. This can have deadly consequences for both humans and bears.

When you are camping in bear country, always use bear lockers provided to secure anything with a scent, including food, toothpaste, chapstick and deodrant. If no lockers are available, you can bring your own bear canister, while some official advice is to secure food in the trunk of a locked vehicle. However be aware that bears have been known to cause damage to cars when they know there is food inside. Park your vehicle away from your tent.

If you are backpacking, you will need to learn how to hang a bear bag so that you can secure your food in a tree while you sleep. Learn more in our article on backpacking in bear country.

• Wildlife safety: 8 tips for surprise encounters

Beware hungry bears if you’re hiking or walking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, because they’re after your picnic basket warn park authorities.

Yeah sure, this ain’t Jellystone, you might be thinking. But the warning is deadly serious. In a perfect example of bear habituation in action, park officials say that the bears have grown so used to being around people that they’re following hikers and campers and almost begging for food. 

Since mid-July, forest staff have received near daily reports of food-conditioned bears interacting with people in the area. Bears have been reported destroying tents and backpacks as they look for easy meals and there have been confrontations between bears and dogs. 

Frequent encounters between bears and hikers occurred along the Lincoln Woods, Bondcliff, Franconia Brook, Lincoln Brook and Black Pond Trails, and at the Liberty Springs and Thirteen Falls Tent sites. 

“Bears that have become habituated to humans are following campers and begging for food,” says the National Forest Service. 

“If you’re hiking in places like the White Mountains, you’re going to see bears,”  New Hampshire Fish and Game Program Supervisor Andrew Timmins told local news services. “The key is to recognize the bear is not approaching you because it’s aggressive. The bear is approaching you because it could be food conditioned and it’s used to getting food tossed to it.”

Which may sound cute, but seriously, you do not want to encourage bears to start taking food off you. It’ll all end in tears, and possibly other bodily fluids. It’s always good to familiarize yourself with bear encounter safety tips.

Timmins added that New Hampshire hasn’t seen a bear fatality in hundreds of years. But, if people aren’t careful, bears that get too comfortable around humans may end up having to be euthanized for safety reasons.

The problem isn’t just people actively feeding the bears, but also visitors who aren’t storing their food correctly. If food isn’t kept in a properly sealed container, bears will be drawn to the scent and follow hikers or enter campsites.

Campers and hikers are advised to maintain clean campsites and store all food and garbage securely and out of reach of bears, and not inside tents. A bear canister is your best friend in these circumstances. If you don’t have one, the Forest Service has several available to use for free at the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center in Lincoln, and at the Campton, Gorham and Conway ranger stations.

Ideally, the Forest Service wants to reverse the habituation and food conditioning process of the bears, so all visitors need to heed their advice to stop this danger accelerating.

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An experienced hiker in Utah escaped a scary encounter with a black bear and her cub on a trail only to run straight into a moose instead.

But Greg Rothman, who was running on the Desolation Trail in Cotton Canyon at the time of the double whammy of wildlife encounters, believes the moose may even have played a part in helping to stop the bear from chasing him.

Rothman shared his experience with a local TV outlet after reports of another hiker being attacked by a bear in the nearby Mill D North Fork Trail on Monday. That hiker was left with puncture wounds in his arms and had to drive himself to hospital. The bear in that incident was euthanized.

Rothman’s encounter happened a few days earlier. 

“I basically ran smack dab into a mother bear on the trail,” says Rothman.

He started to act big and slowly back away – as you’re advised to do in bear encounters if it looks like the bear might approach – but then he discovered a complication that added to the potential danger.

“I turned around and saw a baby cub 15 to 20 yards behind me – at that point my stomach just dropped,” says Rothman.

“The mother bear gave me multiple warning signs. Grunting, jaw clacking. I didn’t get any false charges – a lot of dirt throwing, standing on hind legs – but she was blocking my path so she didn’t have any where to go.”

So he decided that making a run for it was the only choice. He says he, “ran for 30 seconds down the trail to try to create more space. I was still being followed by the mother bear.”

And then the plot twist.

“I came around the corner and ran into a moose,” says Rothman. “Full rack. Startled the moose, which is also just horrible.”

According to the local news channel, Rothman told their reporter that he thinks the moose, “may have played a role in keeping him safe from the bear”, but the details become a little vague. He does mention that he’ll be carrying bear spray with him in future, though.

And here’s a new video report about that other attack we mentioned:

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Wildlife officers in southern Colorado have issued a public warning after seeing a "worriesome" increase in human-bear conflicts this summer. Earlier this year, we reported that 2023 had brought a significant drop in human-bear conflicts in the state.

According to a press release issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, significantly more bear traps have already been set this summer compared to last year, and they're not sure of the season for the uptick.

“It’s weird because things are green, we’ve had decent moisture and natural food is available, so it’s hard to explain why we are having so many issues,” says CPW Area Wildlife Manager Adrian Archuleta of Durango. 

“It’s been hot and heavy here for the last two or three weeks, and it’s not showing signs of slowing down."

Though it's normal for bear activity to increase ahead of hyperphagia, when bears fatten up before going into winter torpor, that doesn't typically occur until late summer early fall.

The news release explains that one reason for the increase might be down to more bears living in "marginal habitats" closer to human habitation. Regardless of the cause, however, CPW has a clear message for everyone in southern Colorado: remove attractants from your home and keep a clean camp.

“Incidents start with a bear getting into one cooler at a campground, and then a few weeks later, we have a bear getting into a tent or leaning on hard-sided campers,” says Archuleta, who added that at-home attractants like pet food, unsecured trash, uncleaned BBQ grills and hummingbird feeders also present an issue.

“The incidents people think are small – like that cooler or pet food – lead to behavior that presents a danger to human health and safety.”

“As this year is proving, just because you haven’t seen a bear in several years, doesn’t mean that one won’t show up this week and take advantage of a human food source. Make those food sources unavailable and a bear will move on," says Kevin Bryan, District Wildlife Manager in Cedaredge.

Staying safe while camping in bear country

The best way to deal with bear encounters is to avoid them in the first place. If you are camping in bear country, the CPW has the following advice:

• Do not keep food in your vehicle; roll up windows and lock the doors of your vehicles.
• If no bear lockers are available when car-camping, secure all food and coolers in the trunk of a locked vehicle.
• Keep a clean camp, whether you’re in a campground or in the backcountry.
• When camping in the backcountry, hang food 100 feet or more from the campsite in a bear bag; don’t bring any food into your tent.
• Set up your camping stove and camp kitchen well away from your tent and prepare all food at a distance; wash dishes thoroughly.

Learn more in our article on camping in bear country.

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When it comes to staying safe in bear country, you've probably heard about the virtues of making noise while you're hiking to scare bears away and carrying bear spray in case a grizzly charges you. But slugging a bear in the face? That's a new one.

The unusual uppercut technique worked for one BC cyclist recently, however, when he was riding his bike near Anderson Flats Park and startled a grizzly and her two cubs who were in a clearing near the road.

In an interview with CBC, Parks Canada conservation officer Matthew Corbett says the mama bear immediately charged the cyclist, who put his bike between himself and the bear to ward off injury and this gave him time to think about a story he'd heard years ago.

"He told me that he remembered hearing a story on CBC at some point where a man punched a bear in the nose to get it off of him," says Corbett.

Then, he says, the quick-thinking man "swung as hard as he could" and clocked the bear in the face. The surprised grizzly took off into the woods and the cyclist was able to ride to safety. 

Staying safe in bear country

While a swift jab to the nose seems to have worked in this instance, as well as back in a 2017 incident in Vancouver, it's not the recommended tactic for staying safe around grizzlies.

The best way to deal with a bear encounter is to prevent it in the first place, by making noise and staying aware as you travel through the backcountry. If you see a bear, don't run as this may prompt it to chase you. Staying facing it and back away slowly with your bear spray in hand.

If a grizzly bear charges you and you are unable to deploy your bear spray, the official advice is to play dead, lying face down with your hands interlaced behind your neck for protection. Keep holding your bear spray as this saved one hiker earlier this year when an attacking bear bit the canister and it exploded. Learn more in our article on what to do if you meet a bear.

• The best binoculars: for appreciating wildlife from a safe distance

A 72-year-old man shot and killed a grizzly bear that launched an attack on him while he was picking huckleberries, in what has been described by experts as a “surprise defensive encounter.”

The man was alone near Columbia Falls in Flathead National Forest lands about two miles (3.2km) north of Columbia Falls when the adult female charged him last Thursday. He suffered significant injuries before killing the bear with a handgun, according to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

The man was later hospitalized. The victim’s name and further details on his condition were not released.

“Montana is bear country. People should be prepared to encounter grizzly or black bears in Montana. Avoiding conflicts with bears is easier than dealing with conflicts,” the department said in the release. They advise carrying bear spray and traveling in groups in such areas.

The bear in this case was probably reacting defensively to protect its cubs, said department spokesperson Dillon Tabish, although no sightings of any actual cubs had been confirmed at the time the press release was issued.

Wildlife workers have set up cameras in the area to try to confirm the presence of any cubs. If cubs are found, it’s uncertain if they would be captured because it is difficult to find facilities qualified to take them, said Tabish.

“Depending on the age, we might leave them in the wild because they have a better chance of survival, rather than have to euthanize them.”

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Yellowstone's grizzly bear population got a boost this year when one sow birthed a litter of five cubs – and one lucky guide recently got a perfect shot of the family while out with guests.

In an Instagram video which you can watch below, wildlife naturalist guide Bo Welden captures the moment the so-called grizzly bear "supermom" crosses a felled tree in the woods. Moments later, her first cub follows her, then each adorable sibling crosses the log in turn, much to the delight of the spectators who you can hear squealing with delight behind the camera.

"Seeing the mother bear with the five cubs will always be a highlight moment for my guiding career!" writes Welden with the post.

Though a litter of five bear cubs isn't unheard of, a typical bear litter is two or three cubs, according to the American Bear Association, and getting to see such a large family out in the wild is extremely special, as Welden summed up in his post.

"When you have great days looking for wildlife you want what I call “the gravy”. It’s when you have already had such magical moments and your luck seems to be endless so you want all the next moments to be even more amazing!"

On that morning in Yellowstone, it looks like Welden and his guests indeed got the gravy.

Bear safety

As you can see from this post, the spectators are positioned at a safe distance from the bears and watching them through a scope, which is the best way to view wildlife. It is recommended that you always remain at least 100 yards away from grizzly bears and enjoy them through your binoculars.

If you are venturing into bear country, always carry bear spray and if you do come face to face with a grizzly bear in the wild, don't run as this may trigger its instinct to chase you. If it charges you and you're unable to deploy your bear spray, throw yourself face down on the ground and interlace your hands behind your neck (keep your bear spray in your hand as the bear may bite into it, which saved one hiker in Grand Teton National Park recently). Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to flip you over. If the attack continues, fight back.

Learn more in our article on what to do if you meet a bear.

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When you recreate around big mammals, you need to have a good handle on wildlife safety. If you get charged by wild boar, grab your trekking poles and fight back. If what’s lumbering towards you is a moose, jump behind the nearest tree. As for a grizzly bear sprinting full pelt towards you? Better unholster that bear spray.

But it turns out that there are occasions when you might use your bear spray on a beast other than a bear. I was reminded of this during a recent chat with wildlife expert Bo Welden, who leads wildlife tours in Yellowstone National Park. Welden's can of bear spray has seen plenty of action over the years, and not always on bears. 

There have been a few moose stompings already this year, including one fatal attack in Alaska and several incidents in one week in Colorado. So defending yourself from moose might have been on your mind more lately. Is bear spray an option? Read on to find out whether bear spray is effective against the mighty moose, and how to use it as a last resort.

Does bear spray work on moose?

As we uncover in our article on using bear spray on mountain lions, bear spray – that's aerosol deterrent spray loaded with highly concentrated capsaicin and capsaicinoids – is effective against all mammals, and yes, that includes moose. Why it’s called bear spray then and not mammal spray isn’t totally clear, but it’s probably because you’re more likely to need it against a grizzly than other mammals.

Needless to say, bear spray should only be used as a deterrent when an animal is threatening you. It should never be used as a preventative measure when an animal, moose or otherwise, is just minding its own business in an area you want to hike through. It’s your responsibility to understand wildlife safety when you’re outdoors. That means keeping your eyes and ears peeled for wildlife, maintaining a safe distance of at least 25 yards when you encounter wildlife (100 yards for bears and wolves), and moving away if they move towards you.

If you do all this and still find yourself being charged by a moose, the best advice is to try to put something between yourself and said moose – a tree, a car or a large boulder. Moose can’t easily change direction so this is usually enough to save yourself from a trampling. 

However, moose can run faster than you’d think judging by their spindly legs and if you realize it’s likely to reach you before you can get to the closest tree, then deploying bear spray is an appropriate measure, according to the wildlife officials at the City of Valdez in Alaska who say that pepper spray will work just as well on a moose as it does on a bear. Just make sure it’s your last resort. 

How to use bear spray on moose

Using bear spray on a moose is largely the same as using bear spray on a bear, but for one key difference. To use bear spray against any mammal, you should do what you can to ensure you’re not downwind of the spray direction to avoid accidentally pepper spraying yourself, which will hurt almost as much as being trampled but with less lasting damage.

Remove the spray from the holster and hold it in two hands with your arms outstretched, one hand on the can and the other on the trigger. Wait until the moose is within ten yards (30 feet) of you then press down on the button and spray for at least four seconds, spraying in a zig-zag pattern. 

Here comes the main difference: whereas when you spray a bear, you want to angle the can slightly down towards the bear’s face, which will be closer to the ground when it’s moving on all fours, a moose’s face is likely to be significantly higher. Most moose stand six feet tall at the shoulder, so if you spray in a slightly downward fashion you’ll most likely just pepper spray its knobbly knees. Even if you’re tall you’re probably going to need to aim slightly upwards for the spray to be effective.

When the moose has been deterred, holster that spray and get yourself out of the area swiftly. You can learn more in our article on how to use bear spray.

• Best hiking boots: hit the trails

You don’t need to go down to the woods today to be in for a big bear-related surprise. Because the surprise was caught on camera and posted to YouTube.

The wonderful footage was captured on a trail cam located outside Red Lodge, Montana. It shows what happened when a black bear came across a couple of stuffed teddy bears in a wooded area – it snuggles down with them and starts to play.

Then a second bear comes along and joins in the fun, until the first guy leaves him  to it.

The video was posted by NBC Montana who don’t provide any context beyond: "Thanks to Don Redfoot for sending us this video of a couple of bears outside of Red Lodge having some fun with stuffed animals on a game cam."

But Outdoors.com did some internet digging and found this article from Great Falls Tribune from a few years back, which reveals that Don Redfoot and his wife setup trail cameras in their backyard, and left out stuffed animals ( "a stuffed bright orange teddy bear and small lion") to see if real-life animals would interact with them as far back as 2020 at least. (Where this ranks when it comes to bear habituation, we’re not sure.)

“The toys have led to some unusual interactions that the cameras have captured,” says the article. “A bear playing and rolling atop the stuffed bear; a squirrel knocking the lion toy off a boulder in an odd king-of-the-mountain showdown; deer walking past as well as the backside of a mountain lion.”

But this footage posted by NBC is clearly date-stamped 2024, so we can only assume Don has never captured anything quite this great before and wanted to let the world see it.

• What to do if you meet a bear: our safety guide

A Yukon runner who recently survived a grizzly bear attack has described how she thinks her hair clip played a role in saving her life.

According to a Facebook post from Yukon Conservation Officer Services, on the evening of Sunday, June 30, Vanessa Leegstra was running on the Trans Canada Trail connecting Pine Lake to Haines Junction with her dog on leash when she encountered a group of grizzly bears on the trail. 

"While the individual attempted to increase space, their dog broke free triggering a defensive reaction from one of the bears. The bear attacked the individual resulting in significant injuries requiring medical attention," writes the YCOS.

Leegstra is recovering in hospital from where she spoke to CBC news yesterday describing the attack. She says her dog chased the female bears away, causing the male grizzly to become territorial and round on her. Leegstra says she attempted to hide behind a tree for protection but the bruin reached her before she made it.

 "He grabbed my head and wrapped his paws around me. And I just remember the claws digging into my back. I could feel him biting my arm, my head."

However, Leegstra says she was wearing a large plastic hair clip which shattered when the bear bit into her head causing it to let go for long enough that she could get behind the tree. Her barking dog then distracted the bear, giving Leegstra enough time to escape onto the highway and call for help. In addition to a number of lacerations across her body and head, Leegstra suffered a broken arm in the attack.

YCOS reports that an officer was dispatched to the scene immediately where they euthanized a bear and closed a nearby campsite. Two additional bears have since been euthanized with efforts under way to recover the fourth bear.

"We recognize the public concern around euthanizing bears following a defensive attack. In circumstances like this, critical decisions are made in the interest of public safety and the safety of personnel, in conjunction with predator attack response protocols, using all information available," writes the department.

For her part, Leegstra tells CBC that she was born and raised in the Yukon and understands wildlife safety and recognizes the risks of recreating in bear country.

"I already had a lot of respect for grizzly bears and now I have even a more profound respect for them," she says. 

"I don't blame the bear and I don't blame myself or my dog. It just happened to be the wrong place at the wrong time."

Staying safe in bear country

If you're running, hiking or camping in grizzly country, it's important to know exactly what to do if you meet a bear to stay safe.  If you are charged or approached by a grizzly bear, it’s best to leave your backpack on and play dead.

As scary as that might sound, it’s a defensive maneuver to help keep you as safe as possible. Lie flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck. Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over. Remain as motionless as possible until the bear leaves the area.

Fighting back usually increases the intensity of such attacks. However, if the attack persists, fight back vigorously with whatever you have at hand – a branch, rocks, one of your boots – to hit the bear in the face. Learn more in our article on what to do if you meet a bear.

• “It taps into something deep within all of us” – Tooth and Claw podcast host on why we can’t get enough of grizzly bear stories

A family has been caught on camera feeding bears from their rented lodge in the Great Smoky Mountains, putting the animals and the public at risk. According to USA Today, which published the video, the incident took place in downtown Gatlinburg, which often serves as a base for people visiting nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

USA Today reports that the clip was shot last week by Michelle Payne, who spotted the group, including two young children, tossing food to the animals. According to Payne, police managed to scare the bears away by sounding their car sirens. However, the animals returned later, illustrating exactly why feeding wildlife is such a problem, however well-intentioned.

When wild animals are fed by people, they often lose their natural wariness (a phenomenon called habituation), and are more likely to approach people and settlements in future. This increases the chances of a dangerous close encounter if the animal believes its food source is threatened.

Habituated bears that are deemed a threat to public safety may be relocated or even euthanized. They are also more likely to be hit by cars, or be easy targets for poachers.

Bear safety

The National Park Service (NPS) warns visitors that bears can be found throughout the Smokies, and over the last decade an average of 339 negative human-bear encounters have been reported each year (with many more going undocumented). 

"The bear's keen sense of smell leads it to insects, nuts, and berries, but the animal is also enticed by the tantalizing smells of human food and garbage such as hot dogs, apple cores, chips, and watermelon rinds left on the ground in picnic areas, campgrounds, and along trails," says the NPS.

Not only can bears that have access to human food become unpredictable and dangerous, they can also teach others where to find scraps and garbage, exacerbating the problem.

People who feed bears, store food improperly, or litter within Great Smoky Mountains National Park itself can face fines up to $5,000 and up to six months in jail.

USA Today has contacted police in Gatlinburg and the owners of the lodge regarding the incident last week, and is awaiting a reply. 

• The best binoculars: enjoy watching wildlife from a safe distance

Bears are intelligent, dextrous, and quick to spot an easy meal – as one driver learned the hard way recently in the Great Smoky Mountains.

A video recorded by a resident's Ring doorbell captured the moment a mother bear approached an unattended vehicle with her unusually large litter of five cubs. In the clip, which you can watch below, the adult pulls herself onto her hind legs to investigate an open window. 

Having smelled something interesting, she easily climbs up the door, leans inside, and retrieves a bag of food.

Wild animals accessing human food is a serious problem, whether it's a result of carelessness or people deliberately feeding them. Animals that get used to interacting with people become habituated, meaning they lose their natural wariness around humans.

This makes them more likely to seek out people and settlements in future, and increases the risk of a dangerous close encounter. Bears are likely to lash out if their or their food source is threatened, and bears that injure a person may be relocated or even euthanized for public safety. Habituation can also make them more likely to be hit by cars, or become targets for poachers.

Bear safety

The National Park Service (NPS) warns people visiting the Great Smoky Mountains that the whole area is bear territory, and around 340 negative bear encounters are reported each year (with many more going unreported). 

"The bear's keen sense of smell leads it to insects, nuts, and berries, but the animal is also enticed by the tantalizing smells of human food and garbage such as hot dogs, apple cores, chips, and watermelon rinds left on the ground in picnic areas, campgrounds, and along trails," says the NPS.

Park Rangers can issue citations for people who litter, feed bears, or store food incorrectly. Those found guilty could face a fine up to $5,000, and up to six months in jail.

"Visitors are urged to view all wildlife at a safe distance and to never throw food or garbage on the ground or leave it unattended," the NPS says. "Garbage kills bears!"

• The best binoculars: enjoy watching bears and other wildlife from a safe distance

Perhaps you saw that headline circulating last week about a grizzly bear chasing a moose through a deserted Montana campground. If you did, you almost certainly wanted to know more. Whether it’s a wildlife on wildlife story like that one or a man surviving a mauling by a grizzly bear when it accidentally bites his can of pepper spray, there’s no doubt about it – we can’t get enough of grizzly bears. Or black bears for that matter. And bear biologist Wes Larson has a theory as to why.

“It taps into something that is deep within all of us,” muses Larson. 

“For a long time in human evolution, this was our main threat. We were prey for a lot of different things for tens of thousands of years. So it's this primal fear that almost everyone has. Maybe you don't even realize that you have it. But it's down within our psyche.”

My own interest in that video clip took me down a rabbit hole to Larson’s Instagram page, where I was faced with a photo of the biologist coming face-to-face with a black bear after crawling 80 feet down a den to conduct field observations – by no means his only closeup with a bear, but certainly his most memorable. 

“That was a really a really scary night,” he recalls. “It was a night that I really had to suppress a lot of innate fears and things telling me this is not something you should be doing.”

Despite those innate fears, Larson has spent the best part of 20 years studying bears – grizzly, black, polar and sloth – and launched his own wildlife podcast Tooth and Claw to dive deeper into animal behavior. He recently agreed to speak with me on why we’re so fascinated by animal attack stories, and how learning about them can help us stay safer in wildlife country.

Growing up in bear country

Larson grew up in Montana where he says the constant presence of both black and grizzly bears when he was exploring the state’s trail system in his hiking boots gave him an “intoxicating feeling” for him in his childhood. 

“They were always in the back of your mind and for me, especially as a kid, that made that experience so much more adventurous.”

He initially earned a degree in biology with a mind to pursuing medicine but when it came time to start shadowing doctors, he realized that a life spent indoors with no work-life balance wasn’t for him. Returning to his lifelong love of wildlife, he began to research professors who might take him under their wind. That’s how he discovered Dr Tom Smith who was conducting research on polar bears out of Utah. 

With no wildlife research experience, Smith told Larson he didn’t have a space for him on the program, but the two started meeting weekly to chat about their mutual interest in bears. After about a year, Larson was hired to perform administrative tasks. That landed him a role as a tech on the polar bear project before Smith finally took him on as a graduate student.

Larson spent seven years researching polar bears, several working on sloth bears in India and another five or six on a black bear project in Utah. Most recently, he worked as a bear management specialist for Yellowstone National Park, where grizzlies and black bears co-exist.

“During those years, my daily life could look like anything from going out and hazing a grizzly bear to pushing it off of a kill that was too close to the road to installing bear-proof containers in campsites.”

Tooth and claw

When research ground to a halt during the pandemic, Larson knew he had to find a way to put his experience to good use. He had been considering the possibility of a wildlife podcast for a while and along with his younger brother Jeff and their mutual best friend Mike Smith, he launched Tooth and Claw: True Tales of Animal Attacks in September 2020. 

“The general consensus was, if you tell people about attacks then you're making people scared of wildlife and I thought that we could do it in a way where you get to hear the story,” explains Larson.

Their first story was that of Tatiana the tiger who leapt from her enclosure at the San Francisco Zoo and attacked three visitors. In the nearly four years and hundreds of episodes since, Tooth and Claw has dug into attacks on humans by pandas, pythons, sharks, alligators, mountain lions and of course, grizzly bears.

“A lot of people want the gore, and they want the crazy story and they don't necessarily care quite as much about the science, but we kind of trick them by pulling them in with these these stories that are fascinating.”

Though Larson uses available literature to research the subjects of the show, he also relies on his own field work, and sometimes even finds himself venturing into attack sites, at least when they take place in his own backyard. That’s what wound him up at Soda Butte Campground in Montana a couple of weeks ago, the scene of the 2010 grizzly bear mauling that killed one, when that moose came galloping out of the woods with a grizzly in hot pursuit.

“Information is empowering”

When I listen to the Soda Butte Campground (because, after all, interest in bear attacks is embedded deep in my psyche,) I’m expecting all sensationalism and gore, but I’m pleasantly surprised to discover how much science there is.

Larson explains why mama grizzlies avoid areas where their cubs might meet male bears (they’ll eat them) and how habituation occurs, leading bears to lose their fear of humans. It’s these details that Larson says inspired him to start the podcast, because as he says, in most situations there are often measures victims could have taken to prevent the attack.

“I think when people gain that kind of information, it really empowers them. Then if you see a bear, you can actually enjoy that interaction rather than being terrified the entire time.”

Whether they come for the blood or the biology lesson, it’s working. The podcast enjoys millions of downloads each year and both of Larson’s co-hosts have quit their jobs to work on Tooth and Claw full-time. 

There are bound to be listeners who are now more afraid than ever of wildlife, but there’s ample opportunity to gain knowledge from each episode, whether that’s taking your earphones out on a hike to avoid startling a bear or using a portable electrified fence around your tent when camping in grizzly bear country.  

“This is an animal that can be totally unpredictable”

Despite Larson’s intention to educate about wildlife behavior, in the Soda Butte episode, one thing becomes clear – not all animal attacks can be explained by someone getting too close for a photo or leaving food inside their tents. The 2010 victims were innocently sleeping when the bears attacked.

Larson has been studying bear behavior for years, and those years have taught him two things above all else – bears can be unpredictable, and having a deterrent in bear country is your best defense. For him, that deterrent is bear spray.

“I trust bear spray. It works really well. There's plenty of studies that have been done that show how well it works and having that tool and knowing how to use it, that gives me a lot more confidence going into any kind of situation with a grizzly.” 

With that confidence, he says, you can venture into a wilderness area such as Yellowstone or Alaska – two places he says are his favorite for wildlife viewing in North America – and experience these animals as more than just a potential threat.

“When you really dig into their biology and you get to know them a little bit better, you see that they're really complex animals, and they have adapted to us, and that to me is such a trophy that we need to hand to this animal because it's really hard to adapt to our presence.” 

And conversely, when you remove these predators from wild spaces, those areas cease to be wild, and from Larson’s perspective at least grow “stale and tame.”

“I feel like the main thing that I've learned as I've worked with bears is a deeper appreciation for wilderness and for open spaces and places where these animals are allowed to live their natural lives.”

• “They aren’t our friends” – Wild Kingdom host on the most common wildlife viewing mistakes

When the Edens family left their minivan at a campsite on Bass Lake in California this week, they returned to discover a trapped bear trashing the vehicle… and using it as a public convenience.

Irik Edens, who was on a trip with his wife to celebrate their (unlucky) 13th wedding anniversary with their kids, told a local news channel: “I noticed there was something moving in the car. I was like, ‘Wait a minute, all the kids are down there. Who’s in the car?’ Then I see the silhouette of the bear in the back window and, like, ‘Holy cow! There’s a bear in our car!’”

It appears the bear had opened the car door to chow down on the syrup that the family was going to use on some pancakes, and somehow managed to lock itself inside the vehicle. So what’s a bear to do, other than trash the place, and do a poo and a wee for good measure?

The bear apparently wasn’t in the car for long but managed to create a lot of damage in a very short time.

Eventually, a California Highway Patrol officer busted the van’s front window so the bear could escape.

Not that the Edens could use the vehicle any more. “It stinks in there!” said Irik. Instead they hired a car to get home and presumably had a very amusing phone conversation with their insurance company.

Bears are well known for being able to open car doors, so if you’re in bear territory – even if you’re not venturing far from your vehicle – it’s best to lock your doors. Also, store food in a bear locker or other bear-proof container, and make sure to carry bear spray and a bear horn. See also: What to do if you meet a bear: our safety guide.

• The best family tents 2024: spacious shelters for the whole tribe

Bears naturally prefer to avoid close encounters with people, and will typically leave an area if they know you are coming (hence the advice to talk and make noise when hiking through their territory). However, they won't hesitate to defend themselves if they feel threatened, as one man discovered recently after spotting one of the animals at the roadside and moving in for a closer look.

A video shared this week via Instagram account TouronsOfNationalParks (which you can watch below) depicts a man recording himself approaching a bear that he had noticed in the undergrowth while driving. Disturbed by the intrusion, the bear dashes under a guardrail, sending the person stumbling back before the video cuts out.

Those found guilty of approaching bears can even face jail time if a judge decides to make an example of them. In 2021, a woman was sentenced to four days in jail for approaching a grizzly bear and her cubs at Yellowstone National Park. 

A video of Samantha Dehring, from Illinois, went viral after she wandered up to the bears to snap some photos and refused to move back even after the sow made a bluff charge. 

"Approaching a sow grizzly with cubs is absolutely foolish," said Bob Murray, acting US attorney for Wyoming, at the time "Here, pure luck is why Dehring is a criminal defendant and not a mauled tourist."

• The best binoculars: enjoy watching wildlife from a safe distance

In the fictional Jellystone Park, it’s the tourists who have be wary of Yogi bear stealing food out of their picnic baskets. In the real-world Yellowstone National Park, however, it seems like it’s the grizzly bears that have to be careful they don’t lose their dinners. But not to tourists. To hungry wolves (cue Duran Duran…)

In this incredible footage, shot by wildlife photographer Trevor LaClair, a playful wolf seems very interested in the carcass that the grizzly is merrily chowing down on (the carcass having been thoughtfully pixelated out by ABC’s Eyewitness News).

As the wolf bounces around like a playful puppy, it’s not entirely clear if it’s actually more interested in the meal or trying to get the bear to play. Which seems unlikely and a very dangerous ambition.

Anyway, the grizzly’s having none of it. It lashes out at the leaping lupine at one point, though not with any great enthusiasm, then just goes back to eating. The wolf isn’t put off at all, and continues its merry dance for a while longer before eventually giving up.

In fact, earlier this year National Geographic published an article on the unusual interactions between the wolves and bears at Yellowstone. “The park has very large packs of wolves,” says says Clayton Lamb, a wildlife scientist at the University of British Columbia and research firm Biodiversity Pathways. "And they have grizzly bears that overlap with them, which is not uncommon, but they do so in very open and easily viewable landscapes. It can be fairly difficult to observe those sorts of interspecies interactions in other places.”

Normally, wolves will drive away unwelcome grizzly bears when they get too close to their pack, or a bear will scare off wolves entering their territory. But it seems the wolves and bears at Yellowstone are becoming increasingly tolerant of each other.

The likely motivator, suggests the article, is food.

Bears will sometimes snatch a wolf pack’s kill if they are hungry enough, according to Daniel MacNulty, a wildlife ecologist at Utah State University.

“I've seen this kind of interaction between a large pack like that and a single bear," he says. “It does kind of look as if the wolves are maybe being playful with the bear, or vice versa, but honestly, I think it's all business for both the bear and the wolves.” 

• Does bear spray work on wolves? A look at both the theoretical and practical nuances of using bear spray against a wolf

Picture the scene. You’re driving through Lamar Valley in beautiful Yellowstone National Park when suddenly, a dark moving figure off to the side of the road catches your attention. A bear and her cubs!

There’s nowhere to pull off, but no way you’re missing out on this wildlife viewing opportunity, plus the two cars ahead have already pulled over. So you pull as close to the side of the road as you can and jump out without even lacing up your hiking boots to get a closer look.

Only a few minutes go by before there are dozens of cars half-parked on the road, their owners and passengers milling about trying to get the best shot, and a queue of gridlocked cars snaking a half mile in either direction. You’ve successfully created your first bear jam. And that’s a problem.

What is a bear jam?

Sadly, a bear jam doesn’t involve a bunch of bears shucking and jiving to some sweet tunes, though that would be cool. A non-technical term, “bear jam” is now frequently used by the National Parks Service to describe the increasingly common phenomenon of traffic jams forming around bears on the side of the road.

Now naturally, you should be driving through any National Park with caution, and if you see a bear on the side of the road, or a moose, bighorn sheep or any other big mammal for that matter, you should slow down. 

A bear jam occurs when the flow of traffic becomes so slow as to impede other drivers, and often involves multiple cars stopping or illegally parking on the roadside in order to watch – or photograph – a bear. 

Bear jams have become such a problem that some spots like Canada’s Yoho National Park have enacted temporary laws restricting stopping or slowing to view wildlife.

What's the problem with bear jams?

Obviously no one wants to hit a bear with their car. Though there are no national figures on bear deaths caused by vehicles, the state of Pennsylvania alone reports between 400 and 500 bear deaths caused by cars each year, and the National Parks Service blames speeding. And for what it’s worth, your car won’t do so well in that kind of situation either. 

So you slow down when you see a bear. But doesn’t that just make everything safer?

The problem arises when drivers start to crawl at a rate where other cars might attempt to pass them, or pull over illegally, often on stretches of road where there is nowhere safe to do so. Then they might roll down their windows or, worse still, get out of their cars and start wandering around trying to take photographs of the bears, crowding bears and even chasing them. Meanwhile, other drivers are trying to continue through the area but are being forced over the median line, obstructing oncoming traffic. 

Add to all this the presence of a bear and maybe a couple of cubs scurrying around the road and before you know it, you’ve got yourself a bear jam. Bear jams almost always take place in areas where your line of sight is restricted and they pose a hazard for other drivers and endanger the lives of people and bears on the road. The rare white bear that Yoho enacted temporary laws to protect was sadly killed by a car on the same day her cubs were struck in a separate incident.

In a video about bear jams created by the NPS, Yellowstone rangers explain that large numbers of humans stopping on the roadside to watch bears frolicking in meadows also means bears get habituated to humans and may associate them with food, if you’re foolish enough to feed them. When bears lose their fear of humans, it can mean they end up being euthanized, and that’s a needless tragedy.

Furthermore, causing a bear jam could land you with huge fines. When Yoho imposed temporary speed limits, penalties ranged from a $115 ticket to a mandatory court appearance and a maximum fine of $25,000, while down in Grand Teton National Park, a wildlife photographer just racked up $20,000 worth of legal fees fighting a speeding ticket he incurred when photographing an injured grizzly bear. Bear jams can be costly and dangerous to everyone around.

How to avoid bear jams

No one expects you to not observe, or even photograph, a bear when you see one from your car. Bears are incredible creatures and parks like Yellowstone are set up to maximize your wildlife opportunities. 

However, that leaves the burden of responsibility on you to not create a dangerous situation, which if nothing else might cause you to be publicly shamed on Instagram. 

The good news is that there are steps you can take to avoid causing a bear jam. The following is official advice from Yellowstone rangers on avoiding bear jams:

1. Obey all traffic laws and posted speed limits at all times.
2. If you see a bear on the side of the road, slow down and put your hazard lights on to alert the driver behind you.
3. Only stop if there is a designated pull-out where you can legally and safely do so.
4. If you are safely parked, do not exit your vehicle. Standing in the road increases the danger to everybody. Photograph the bear from inside your car, or enjoy it from a distance using your binoculars.
5. Let animals decide where they’re going to go, and give them the right of way. Stay at least 100 yards away from bears. If they move closer to you, it’s your job to back off.

• 6 wildlife photography tips from a pro

A renowned wildlife photographer who was fined for slowing traffic to photograph a grizzly bear has claimed that fighting the ticket has cost him $20,000.

On October 9, 2023, Tom Mangelson saw an injured grizzly bear lying on the side of Highway 26 in Grand Teton National Park. He slowed down to photograph the bear, known as grizzly bear #610, which had been struck by a vehicle. Later that day, the bear recovered from its injuries, but Mangelson received a $150 fine for obstructing traffic. 

Mangelson has been disputing the fine, claiming that he was slowing down to protect the bear and her cubs, while the National Parks Service says he was operating his vehicle at such a slow speed as to interfere with the normal flow of traffic, otherwise known as creating a "bear jam", according to reporting by WyoFile.

Though Mangelson's lawyers argued in court last week that the body cam footage presented by the NPS doesn't in fact show Mangelson or his vehicle, U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Carman issued a guilty verdict on Tuesday, writing that Mangelson had driven past the site on four separate occasions for the "specific purpose of slowing the traffic in the vicinity of grizzly bear #610"

“He drove back and forth past the site at a very slow rate of speed and in doing so caused other traffic to slow behind him."

Mangelson, who owns a gallery in Jackson, estimates he has spent about $20,000 defending his case and tells WyoFile on Wednesday that he will appeal his conviction after sentencing on June 27.

“I did exactly the right thing a person with common sense and a brain would do under the circumstances.”

Though drivers in National Parks are advised to drive with caution to avoid wildlife collisions, so-called "bear jams" are also an issue in wildlife areas, posing risks for other road users and potentially habituating bears to the presence of humans.

We recently reported on a temporary reduced speed limit imposed in Canada's Yoho National Park that was intended to protect a rare white bear and her cubs, however those bears were later struck and killed by vehicles in separate incidents on the same day.

• Wildlife safety: 8 tips for unexpected encounters

A first-of-its-kind study published last week on grizzly-polar bear hybrids shows the population remains extremely rare, following fears it would increase with global warming.

The genome analysis of over 800 polar and grizzly bears was performed by researchers from Environment and Climate Change Canada, Polar Bears International, University of Manitoba, MacEwan University, Government of Northwest Territories and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. 

The study reports to be the first-ever large-scale analysis of hybrids of polar and grizzly bears, sometimes referred to as "grolar bears", and was performed by developing a genetic sequencing chip to provide rapid analysis of samples from polar and grizzly bears. 

According to the report polar bears evolved from grizzly bears several hundred thousand years ago. While gene flow has occurred between the two species in the past, recent hybridization is restricted to a small group of bears in the western Arctic.

Polar bear researchers have been concerned that an increase in hybridization could threaten the ability of polar bears to adapt and survive, particularly those in Hudson Bay, which some scientists say face extinction by mid-century.

The report analyzed 371 historic polar bear and 440 historic grizzly bear samples from Alaska, Canada and Greenland and confirmed only eight previously-known hybrid bears, totaling around one percent of samples. The first grolar bear appeared in 2006 and all eight grolar bears can all be traced back to one female polar bear, essentially forming just one family.

“We were surprised to find no new cases of polar-grizzly hybrids despite speculation of increasing numbers,” says co-author Dr. Ruth Rivkin, who said the sequencing chip will be important in monitoring grolar bear in areas where the two populations overlap as global temperatures rise.

Polar bears are listed as a vulnerable species and wildlife experts are concerned  that their populations will further decline, or they will be bred out of existence, as their habitats change with global warming.

• How to survive a polar bear attack

A man visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park has given a perfect demonstration of how not to behave around bears – particularly when cubs are involved. The tourist spotted a female and her three offspring on a road near a parking lot, and rather than back away and give them space, he decided to hold his hand out to the young animals, beckoning them forward.

The incident was caught on camera by another park visitor, who shared the resulting video via Instagram account TouronsOfNationalParks – a page that calls out bad behavior at sites of natural beauty around the world, often involving wildlife.

Predictably, the sow went on the defensive and made a bluff charge at the man, giving him a fright and forcing him back so her cubs could cross the road safely. He was lucky; like all wild animals, bears are very protective of their young, and are likely to attack any perceived threat.

The NPS warns visitors that all of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is bear country, and over 300 negative encounters with the animals are reported every year (with many more going unreported). 

Visitors are advised to be particularly careful when walking dogs, which are involved in the majority of these incidents. Dogs are only permitted in campgrounds, in picnic areas, on roads, and on the Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee River trails. If visiting the park with your pet, you should should keep it on a leash no longer than 6ft at all times, and never allow it to bark at or chase a bear.

"If your dog gets into an encounter with a bear, there is about a 50 percent chance that it will be injured or killed – and an even higher chance you'll be injured if you intervene," says the NPS. 

Respect the bears

Deliberately approaching, distracting, or feeding wild animals in US National Parks is illegal, and those found guilty can expect a fine, or even jail time.

In 2021, a young woman was fined over $2,000 and sentenced to four days in jail after approaching a grizzly bear sow and her cubs to take photos at Yellowstone National Park. As ABC News reported at the time, 15-year-old Samantha Dehring from Illinois, was also given a year of unsupervised probation.

"Approaching a sow grizzly with cubs is absolutely foolish," said , acting US attorney Bob Murray on behalf of the District of Wyoming in a statement after the sentencing. "Here, pure luck is why Dehring is a criminal defendant and not a mauled tourist."

• The best binoculars: top recommendations for watching wildlife from a safe distance

Getting ready for race day means months of training, researching the route, charging your GPS watch and making sure you've got your nutrition and hydration down pat. And if you're running in the Banff marathon, it also means preparing for wildlife encounters of the grizzly variety.

On Sunday, the Banff marathon was heavily delayed due to multiple grizzly bears on the course. A video posted to Instagram by Back Country Quest, which you can watch below, shows a large bruin crossing the road before scenes of dozens of halted runners being rounded up by park officials and given instructions on how to proceed behind a safety vehicle.

According to reporting by the Rocky Mountain Outlook, this was just one of several bear delays on the day. They report that the race's winner, Andrew Payne, was stopped three times by bears, adding 90 minutes to his finishing time of 4:32:11.

“Everyone walked back slowly and it was just getting closer and closer as we were walking back and eventually a car came along and scared it away, but it was huge. It was at least the size of six, seven people," recalls Payne.

Though most of us wouldn't expect to encounter a grizzly bear on race day, it's quite a common occurrence for this particular marathon, which takes runners through stunning Banff National Park, home to 65 grizzly bears.

“This isn’t a typical marathon, we know this can happen so we were prepared for it,” says race director Paul Regensburg.

Bear safety

No matter whether you're running a marathon or hiking and camping in grizzly country, it's important to know exactly what to do if you meet a bear to stay safe.  If you are charged or approached by a grizzly bear, it’s best to leave your backpack on and play dead.

As scary as that might sound, it’s a defensive manoeuver to help keep you as safe as possible. Simply lay flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck. Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over. Remain as motionless as possible until the bear leaves the area.

Fighting back usually increases the intensity of such attacks. However, if the attack persists, fight back vigorously with whatever you have at hand – a branch, rocks, one of your boots – to hit the bear in the face. Learn more in our article on what to do if you meet a bear.

• The best road running shoes 2024: hit the streets at speed

Wildlife officials in California have confirmed the first known case of a black bear killing a human in the state. 

Local news outlets report that a 71-year-old woman named Patrice Miller was discovered dead in her home in Downieville in Tahoe National Forest by officers performing a welfare check back on November 8, 2023. At the time, officials pointed to evidence that a black bear had been involved, however they remained unsure as to whether or not Miller had already died of natural causes when the bear entered her home.

On Thursday, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife revealed that an  autopsy has now confirmed Miller was killed by the bear. The bear involved was identified using DNA and has been euthanized.

While grizzly bears are known to attack humans – just last month, we reported on a visitor to Grand Teton National Park who was mauled on a hike – it's highly unusual for black bears to attack humans, and for those attacks to be fatal. The last fatal black bear attack in the US occurred a year ago in Arizona when a man was attacked in his campsite, and prior to that the most recent deadly incident was a 2021 attack in Colorado which killed a woman hiking with her dogs.

According to reporting by CBS News, human-bear encounters in California are increasing due to rising numbers of people entering the backcountry, and carelessness in securing food and garbage. If you live in or recreate in bear country, the chances of a bear encounter are relatively low, but it's important to practice basic bear safety:

• Stay aware of your surroundings
• Secure all food and scented items using a bear canister, bear bag or locking trash can
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it

Read our article on what to do if you meet a bear to educate yourself on best practices for keeping yourself and others safe, and wildlife wild.

• Wildlife safety: 8 tips for surprise encounters

Bear 815 at Yellowstone National Park, also known as Obsidian Sow, has become something of a local celebrity after giving birth to three cubs last year. Unfortunately, the family's popularity has led some members of the public to endanger themselves in the hopes of getting a photo of the four at close range.

Last month, professional photographer Stacy ONell found herself stuck in a bear jam as Obsidian and her three yearlings crossed a road, and could only watch as over a dozen people piled out of their cars, cameras and phones in hand, for a closer look. She recorded the incident from inside her vehicle, and captured the moment Obsidian Sow changed direction and ran towards the assembled crowd to drive them away from her cubs.

Grizzly bears prefer to avoid encounters with people, but can lash out if their or their young are threatened. Luckily for these photographers, her charge was only a bluff and once the people moved she changed course and led her three cubs to safety.

Her video (which you can see below) was shared this week via Instagram account TouronsOfYellowstone, which calls out bad behavior at US National Parks, often involving wildlife.

Emma Jacobs, professional wildlife photographer and panel judge for the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards, explains that patience and care are essential for photographing wild animals.

"Only photograph natural behaviors and always avoid making animals do anything to cause them harm or distress," she explains in our guide six wildlife photography tips from a pro. "That means no startling birds to get them to take flight or tempting a marmot closer with trail mix. You’re a guest in their house, so be quiet, still and let them be wild."

Be bear aware

Distracting or harassing wildlife at US National Parks is a federal offence, and visitors caught breaking the rules can expect a hefty fine, or even a brief spell in jail.

"The animals in Yellowstone are wild and unpredictable, no matter how calm they appear to be," warns the National Park Service (NPS) "The safest (and often best) view of wildlife is from inside a car."

You should always stay at least 100 yards (91 meters) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 meters) from bison and elk. A telephoto camera lens or a pair of binoculars will help you get a good view from a safe distance. For more advice, check out our guide wildlife safety: eight tips for surprise encounters.

• The best binoculars: enjoy watching wildlife safely

If you're going camping or hiking in bear country, hopefully you know to lock up your food, especially if you're leaving your campsite. In the absence of frequent bear sightings, however, it can be easy to get lazy around this rule and think that a granola bar or two inside your tent is no big deal. A new video that shows a black bear taking on a trash can in downtown Aspen, Colorado will hopefully change your mind about that now that camping season is here.

The clip, which you can view below, was posted to Instagram by Roaring Fork Bears, a non-profit organization that specializes in devising proactive solutions to help reduce and avoid human-bear conflicts in the Roaring Fork Valley. The organization donates bear-resistant trash cans to residents in need to help deter local bears, which are now waking up from winter torpor and hungry, from making a habit of coming into residential areas in search of food.

In the video, the persistent black bear is seen dragging the Kodiak KP95-HDLL trash can down a driveway, over rocks and turning it over and upside down for what appears to be at least several minutes, before slinking off defeated.

"Bears know when it's trash collection day," writes the RFB with the post.

Videos like this one highlight just how tenacious bears can be when they detect food, and while the trash can emerged unscathed from this encounter, it should be clear that your tent will most certainly not.

If you are recreating in bear country this year, be sure to know how to hang a bear bag to keep your food – and any other tempting smelly items like toothpaste and flavored chapstick – off the ground at night when you're sleeping. You can also carry a bear canister if you're not expecting lots of trees. If you're in a campground with bear lockers, use them for all scented items at all times and remember to pack out all trash. 

Keeping your food safe from bears doesn't just mean you'll have a hot dinner to cook over your camping stove at night – it keeps local bears, yourself and other campers safe from harm.

• The best camping coolers 2024: keep food and drinks delightfully chilled

The hiker who was attacked by a grizzly bear in Grand Teton National Park on Sunday has taken to social media to reveal details of the incident. In an Instagram post, Shayne Patrick Burke reveals he played dead while the bear mauled him, and describes how his bear spray saved his life.

Burke describes himself on his account as a climber and wildlife photographer and explains that he had set out on Signal Mountain in the hopes of photographing a Great Grey Owl. After more than an hour, he was using GPS to navigate back to the parking lot when he realized he may have got in between a bear and her cub.

"I noticed a brown bear cub running up a hill about 50 - 70 yards in front of me. I knew this wasn’t good," writes Patrick, who says he unholstered his bear spray as he saw the mother bear charging towards him and attempted to deploy it.

"As I did she already closed the gap. When she pounced I opted to turn and give her my back and I laid down in the prone position on my belly and braced for the ride, interlocking my hands behind my neck to protect my vitals."

In the post, which you can view below, Burke details how the bear bit him in the legs and started slamming him into the ground. Next, she went for his neck, which he says he believes was a "kill bite," but fortunately for Burke, he was still holding the can of bear spray.

"As she bit my hands in the back of my neck she simultaneously bit the bear spray can and it exploded in her mouth. This is what saved my life from the initial attack."

The bear then ran into the woods, leaving Patrick the opportunity to escape the area. He says he applied makeshift tourniquets to his legs before calling for help. He was then airlifted to a nearby hospital.

Burke, who says he is a disabled veteran and has survived gunfire and IED explosions, says he asked the attending park rangers not to kill the bear, and park officials have confirmed that they will not pursue the bear because she was protecting her cub. The story does, however, highlight the importance of bear awareness.

When hiking in bear country, always practice the following:

• Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Make noise, especially in areas with limited visibility or when sound is muffled (e.g., near streams or when it is windy).
• Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it readily accessible.
• Hike in groups of three or more people.
• Do not run. Back away slowly if you encounter a bear.

You can learn more in our article on what to do if you meet a bear if you're going to be recreating in bear country.

• What states don't have bears – and can I even hike in them?

Canada's famous white grizzly bear has emerged in Yoho National Park after winter torper with two new cubs, and local officials have been quick to pass emergency laws protecting her from photographers and social media influencers.

On Thursday, Parks Canada announced a temporary no-stopping law along a 10 km stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway in the park, after the white bear, known as Nakoda, showed up in the area. In addition, the speed limit has been reduced to 70 km per hour along the stretch between  Yoho Valley Road and Sherbrooke Creek to help protect the seven-year-old bear and her cubs from an expected increase in traffic as hopeful wildlife enthusiasts try to get a photo. 

Already, photos of the rare bear have been circulating on social media, with an Instagram post, which you can see below, just yesterday showing her grazing with one of her cubs next to her near Cathedral Mountain Lodge.

According to reporting in Lakeland Today, Nakoda is the only young reproducing bear in the Lake Louise area and she typically comes to this stretch of the highway each spring to feed on the wildflowers. In 2022, her sister was hit and killed by a car on the highway, and wildlife officials want to protect Nakoda from the same fate.

Now, if you violate the no-stopping rule or speed restrictions, you could receive penalties ranging from a $115 ticket to a mandatory court appearance and maximum fine of $25,000, which Parks Canada hopes will have you thinking twice about endangering the rare bear, or other drivers.

White grizzly bears are extremely rare, and wildlife officials say that their unusual appearance is probably caused by a recessive gene. In 2022, Nakoda was captured and fitted with a GPS tracker to allow wildlife officials to track and protect her.

If you are traveling in the area, observe all local laws, understand bear safety and remember to give wildlife lots of room. Only stop when it is safe and legal to do so, and enjoy wildlife from afar with binoculars.

• Wildlife safety: 8 tips for surprise encounters

A Colorado walker has been attacked by a black bear in the resort town of Steamboat Springs, where we reported on cute bear cubs climbing ski towers just last month.

According to a news release, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials were notified about the incident at around 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday. The person, who has not been identified, reported that they had been "swiped at from behind" by a bear while on their morning walk. 

"The victim reported to the wildlife officer that they had been walking on the path connecting Walton Creek Road and Mt. Werner Circle near the ski resort and noticed a yearling cub in the area. They then felt a swipe from behind and were knocked to the ground where they received scrapes to their arm from falling."

The victim was able to complete their walk before alerting wildlife officials and receiving first aid.

Bear attacks on humans are rare, particularly among the black bears that inhabit Colorado, but interactions do increase in the spring when bears are protecting their young – on Sunday, visitor in Grand Teton National Park was seriously injured by a grizzly bear. 

CPW took the opportunity to remind Coloradans to be bear aware. Keep your dog on a leash and if you see a bear don’t run. Instead, stay calm and slowly back away until the bear is out of sight. If you see cubs,  you should leave the area immediately to give them space as the mother is likely to be close by. Read our article on what to do if you meet a bear for more information.

• Wildlife safety: 8 tips for surprise encounters

A visitor at Grand Teton National Park has been seriously injured after an encounter with two grizzly bears.

According to a news release from the National Park Service, the 35-year-old male park visitor was "seriously injured by a bear" on Sunday afternoon. The incident took place in the area of the Signal Mountain Summit Road, a scenic drive with hiking trails.

Park rangers and search and rescue personnel provided emergency medical care at the scene before airlifting the man to an ambulance which transported him to hospital. 

"Law enforcement rangers and park biologists believe the incident was a surprise encounter with two grizzly bears, with one of the bears contacting and injuring the visitor," states the report.

The man is reported to be in stable condition and "expected to fully recover" from his injuries. The Signal Mountain Summit Road and Signal Mountain Trail are currently closed to all public entry.

According to the GTNP website, Signal Mountain is home to both black and grizzly bears and both animals are often seen in the area. Park officials remind visitors to practice bear awareness in the park at all times with the following advice:

• Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Make noise, especially in areas with limited visibility or when sound is muffled (e.g., near streams or when it is windy).
• Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it readily accessible.
• Hike in groups of three or more people.
• Do not run. Back away slowly if you encounter a bear.

You can learn more in our article on what to do if you meet a bear if you're going to be recreating in bear country.

• Wildlife safety: 8 tips for surprise encounters

A dashcam video of a mama bear attacking a truck on a remote road in Japan looks more terrifying than any scene in Cocaine Bear. The POV footage gives you an all-too-vivid idea of what it’s like to have 900lb of angry ursine hurtling straight at you.

The incident too place in rural Hokkaido, Japan recently, when two foragers were driving their tiny truck on a woodland path. Suddenly the bear appears from the side of the road and, clearly riled and highly agitated, it hurtles directly towards the truck.

The impact cracks the windscreen and leaves a wiper dangling.

The men speed off but the bear apparently chases them for quite some distance.

As Nippon TV News 24 Japan reports, analysis of the footage reveals that the foragers’ truck inadvertently drove between the mama bear and her cubs, who must have crossed the track just before the truck passed through.

So the mother bear perceived the truck as a threat and went on the attack. You can’t blame the guys for speeding out of there, but we bet they wished they had a more powerful engine.

This next video from ABC7 also shows the attack but also has an image revealing the damage inflicted on the truck as a result of the attack. That was clearly some collision.

To be clear, this isn’t a case of tourons acting stupidly, as is often the case with these wildlife attack videos. The poor guys just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But it’s another reminder of just how primally savage bears can be, and why it’s worth brushing up on what to do if you encounter a bear while out in the wild.

• 5 tips for safe backpacking in bear country

When people encounter a wild bear for the first time, it seems the temptation to get a closer look sometimes overwhelms common sense. A video compilation posted by Instagram account TouronsOfYellowstone last week shows visitors crowding bears, sprinting after them to take photos, and in one case even trying to pet one while it's feeding.

Sometimes the animals ignore this behavior, but occasionally (as with the petting incident) it crosses a line and the animal charges. Thankfully everyone seems to escape without injury, but things could easily have gone differently.

It's not clear where all the clips were filmed, but some appear to have been shot at National Parks and other areas where the dangers of distracting wildlife are clearly posted.

As several commenters noted, deliberately getting close to bears is dangerous to both people and animals. If a bear attacks a human, even if threatened, it's likely to be euthanized for public safety.

If caught, visitors who approach bears risk fines, and even jail time. In 2021, a woman from Illinois was prosecuted for approaching a grizzly and her cubs at Yellowstone.

As the Guardian reported at the time, Samantha Dehring was jailed for four days, fined $1,000, and ordered to make a $1,000 community service payment after pleading guilty to "willfully remaining, approaching and photographing wildlife within 100 yards".

"The park is not a zoo where animals can be viewed within the safety of a fenced enclosure," said attorney Bob Murray. "They roam freely in their natural habitat and when threatened will react accordingly. Approaching a sow grizzly with cubs is absolutely foolish. Here, pure luck is why Dehring is a criminal defendant and not a mauled tourist."

For advice on how to stay safe, see our guides what to do if you meet a bear and wildlife safety: eight tips for unexpected encounters.

• The best binoculars: enjoy watching wildlife from a safe distance

Rick Martinez and Brian Gordon are getting used to visits from wild bears to their impressive home in the foothills of Monrovia, California. Rick’s Instagram account is full of vids of various bears playing in the backyard, more often than not casually vandalising the place in the most adorable ways (we’re not talking major damage here, just inflatable pool toys and chlorinator becoming collateral damage).

And dips in the house’s swimming pool are especially popular among the local ursine population.

But Brian and Rick’s the latest vid is his pièce de résistance. Even Rick himself calls it a “cuteness overload” as the smallest cubs they’ve ever seen follow a momma bear into the backyard and she tries – but fails – to entice he offspring into the pool.

And that’s not all – a whole load of other clips show the three bears giving the place a thorough exploration and even doing a spot of climbing.

Rick and Brian recognize the momma bear as a regular visitor called Maddie, but this is the first time they’ve seen the cubs.

While the videos are undoubtedly cute, it worth remembering that these are wild bears and not as tame as they may look. Rick and Brian appear to keep a safe distance at all times or at the very least make sure there’s a barrier of some sort between them and the bears.

Some people might be concerned about bear habituation, especially with bear encounters are on the rise, but the guys aren’t actually interacting with the bears beyond just recording them. After all, would you like to try to tell a bear to get out of your pool?

Here’s a couple of their previous videos:

• How to use bear spray: our easy-to-follow guide to storing, carrying, and using this vital hiking safety tool

Whether you’re setting up base camp, venturing out on a fishing trip or heading to the campground with your tribe, there are many reasons you need a camping cooler. The ability to keep food and drink chilled for days on end in the backcountry is the stuff of magic.

In the last couple of decades, camping coolers have come on leaps and bounds, thanks to brands like Yeti, Orca, Pelican and Stanley. It was Yeti that really upped the ante in 2006, creating highly effective and durable ice boxes that ushered in a new age of cooler quality. Founders Roy and Ryan Seiders were fed up with cheap coolers that couldn't cope with the demands of their fishing trips and set about doing something about it.

Today, the popularity of coolers is such that many hardcore campers wouldn’t dream of loading their camping tent into the car without it also being joined by a quality ice box. Here, we give our seven reasons you need a camping cooler for various backcountry scenarios.

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What is a camping cooler?

• A camping cooler is an insulated container that keeps interior items chilled
• It has to be filled with ice
• There are broadly two types: hard sided coolers and soft sided coolers
• Hard sided coolers keep items chilled for longer and are more durable
• Soft sided coolers are cheaper and more portable but are not as high performing

A camping cooler (also known as a cool box, ice chest or ice box) is an insulated container that keeps food and drink chilled when filled with ice. Unlike your fridge or freezer at home, a cooler doesn’t use a power source to keep the temperature down but instead has highly insulating walls that stop the interior from warming up.

There are broadly two varieties, hard sided coolers and soft-sided coolers. Hard sided coolers are the workhorses of the cooler world and are best for car camping, base camping, fishing and boating. The best hard-sided coolers will retain ice for several days and are extremely durable, though they tend to be more expensive than soft sided coolers. They also usually require at least two people to move them when fully loaded. 

Soft sided coolers usually feature backpack style straps and are lighter and much easier to carry than their hard sided brethren. This makes them ideal when you have a bit of a hike to reach your chosen destination, such as a long walk to a beach or a march across the festival grounds from the car to your pitch. The disadvantages of a soft sided cooler are that they tend to be less durable and don’t retain ice for anywhere near as long as the finest hard sided options.

1. No more warm bevvies

• Hard sided coolers can retain ice for a week or more
• This allows you to keep drinks chilled for camping trips, beach days and festivals

On any given camping trip, you’ve already foregone the comfort of your cozy bed for an inflatable camping mattress. You’ve swapped the sofa for a moderately comfortable camping chair - but let’s face it, even the best camping chair has nothing on a decent couch. You’ve traded the consistent, omnidirectional warmth of your central heating system for the campfire, which is admittedly gloriously warm but only from one direction.

The good news is that, with a quality camping cooler, you don’t have to sacrifice the invigoration of ice-cold bevvies. After a long day on the trail, you’ll be longing for that freezing cola. A crisp, cold glass of sauvignon blanc is just the ticket alongside your chorizo pasta. Plus, nobody wants a warm beer for the campfire singalong. When planning a camping trip, be sure to plan in the camping cooler.

Today’s hard sided coolers can retain ice for a week or more, becoming a virtual fridge for your adventures in the great outdoors. Of course, all the above are campsite related examples but the same applies for garden parties, beach days and festivals.

2. Keep things fresh

• You can load your cooler with all the cooking ingredients for a long camping trip

So, if your hard sided cooler can keep your brewskies satisfyingly ice cold for a week or more, they can also keep your food fresh, which opens up the possibility of long camping trips without the need to be constantly stocking up on fresh produce. This is good news for campsite cooks, event organisers, festival stands, basecamp managers and more besides.

The ability to keep food cold while camping means that you can plan your camping meals in advance of your trip, safe in the knowledge that you’ve got all the ingredients you need to cook up a storm.

3. It's a bear necessity

• The best way to store food when camping is in a hard sided cooler
• Many national forests and state parks insist on this
• Keeping food stored in this way stops bears and other unwanted visitors snooping around camp

Common consensus used to be that hanging your camp food high from a tree branch was the way forward when it came to avoiding unwanted visitors to the campsite. However, this approach has since fallen out for favor, as it’s been found that bears, or their cubs, are able to climb high enough to pilfer your precious edibles. As well as this, they’ll often return to spots they’ve had success in the past so, if everyone took this approach, campsites would see even more four-legged visitors.

The correct way to store food when camping is in a hard sided cooler. In fact, many national forests and state parks insist on this approach. Sealed away under heavy duty lid latches, the tempting aromas of your ingredients should stay locked away. Coolers like Yeti’s Tundra series come with extra-long shank Master Lock padlocks, which are officially approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

4. Bring your catch home

• A cooler allows you to keep your bait, drinks and snacks cool
• You can also use it to store your catches

Spring and summer provide lovely weather for days spent fishing, but the warmth has a knack for spoiling your catch. So, if a spot of fishing is on the cards, a cooler is every bit as essential as your rod, reels, bait and lures. For a start, you can keep your bait fresh, as well as any brewskies or snacks you’re bringing along. Plus, unless you’re planning on smoking your catch, Scandi style, on a plank over a campfire that night, you’re gonna want to take your catch home while keeping it fresh.

5. One for the road

• A cooler in the trunk allows you to bring all the ingredients and drinks you need for a road trip

Whether you’re eyeing up the great American road trip or taking on Scotland’s legendary North Coast 500, having a quality cool box in the trunk means cool beers and chilled white wine at night and the ability to cook something up on the camping stove. It gives you the option of going off-grid, staying in a tent rather than motels or guesthouses and will save you money on evening meals. Better still, because you’ll already have all your ingredients, you won’t be taking frequent detours to convenience stores. Instead, you’ll simply be able to enjoy the freedom of the open road.

6. Modern cool boxes will last

• Modern cool boxes are designed to be extremely hard wearing
• They should last you for many years

Yeti moved the goalposts in 2006, when brothers Roy and Ryan Seiders set about creating a durable cooler that could stand up to all the backcountry abuse they could throw at it. This elevated the expectations users had of their camping coolers and, these days, nothing but absolutely bombproof will do.

So, while forking out for a cooler may set you back more than you’d think, particularly if you opt for a Yeti, you should end up with a product that will last for many years.

7. It’s more than a cooler

• Modern coolers are designed to be weight bearing
• You can use your cooler as a seat or as a step
• Many come with integrated bottle openers and have grooves for drinks

While keeping things chilled is the primary function of a camping cooler, they’ve got plenty of other uses too. Most are designed to be weight bearing and have grippy non-slip undersides, meaning you can stand on your box to extend your reach or address your acolytes. It also doubles up as a seat – though it’s admittedly perhaps not as cozy as the Kelty Low Loveseat.

As well as this, some coolers are designed with cans and bottles in mind, with integrated bottle openers and grooves shaped to hold a bevvy or two.

A British woman says she was "very, very lucky" after she was mauled by a bear while trying to take a selfie with the animal on vacation in Romania. Moira Gallacher, aged 72, was attacked after rolling down her car window to get a better picture of herself with the animal.

Gallacher was driving through the Carpathian Mountains with a friend, Charmian Widdowson, when they came across an adult brown bear and a cub at the roadside. They took pictures of the adult animal from her friend's side of the car, but Gallacher explained that she was unable to get the shot she wanted.

"I didn't get a proper picture," she told Scottish news site STV News in an interview from her sickbed after the attack, "so we went back and it was at my side."

As she wound down her window to get a better shot, the bear reared up on its hind legs and bit her hand, then mauled her arm.

Widdowson drove off and took Gallacher to nearby Curtea de Argeș Municipal Hospital hospital, where she is being treated for wounds to her hand. 

Gallacher remained in good spirits, and told reporters she was "a lucky woman" to have avoided more serious injuries. Widdowson credited her friend's warm clothing for protecting Gallacher from the animal's teeth.

"She was wearing a thick Marks and Spencer jacket and the poor bear got more jacket than arm," Widdowson said.

“The shock has set in today, but everything’s OK now," Gallacher added.

Bears are a common sight in rural Romania, and several travel operators run wildlife-watching tours to give visitors a better look at the animals, but critics of the government's strict hunting policies say not enough is being done to control the bear population.

As Politico explained in an article last year, the issue could be an important factor for many voters during the Romanian parliamentary election this December.

Attacks on humans increased last summer, partly due to bears becoming habituated and seeking out food from settlements after being fed by tourists.

• The best binoculars: enjoy watching wildlife from a safe distance

If you go down to the ski resort today you’re in for a big surprise. Not bears having picnic, but bear cubs doing a bit of steeplejacking.

Two cute bear cubs were filmed making a nailbiting climb up the ski lift tower at Wild Blue Gondola at Steamboat Ski Resort, Colorado. In case you can’t bear the tension, here’s a spoiler – they made it back down safely again.

The footage was captured by Colorado local Sharon Spiegel and shared this weekend by Steamboat Radio and Denver 7 News on its social media channels in two separate clips.

The two cubs were part of a group of four cubs, while a mamma bear was seen not far away keeping an eye on her inquisitive offspring. Quite why they felt the urge to scale the metal rungs is unclear, though maybe they’re just mountaineering bears at heart – climbing the pylon because it was there. Or maybe they’re hoping to find some canned humans up there.

It’s currently peak bear activity season, with bears are emerging from hibernation and looking for food sources (see when will bears start waking up for spring?). Cubs are born about two months into hibernation – usually in January or February. When they emerge for the first time, the better developed cubs cab immediately climb trees.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises to try to scare away bears so they maintain their natural fear of humans to avoid human-bear conflicts (see five tips for safe backpacking in bear country).

• The best 2-person tents 2024: for backpacking and car camping

Disturbing footage has emerged out of North Carolina showing a group of people hauling a tiny bear cub out of a tree before posing for selfies with it. The story comes just a week after we reported on a bandana-wearing hiker using a bison as a photo prop in Yellowstone National Park.

The video, which you can watch below, was shot by a resident of Buncombe County apartment complex and shared by Fox Nashville on X. It shows a group of people pulling one cub out of a tree while a second struggles to avoid their clutches. One woman then turns to her friend to get a photo of herself holding the cub.

In the clip, which you can watch below, the woman can be seen dropping the bear cub on the ground which then runs along the edge of a fence trying to find a way back to its family while women chases it.

According to reporting by ABC 13 News, biologist Ashley Hobbs arrived on the scene to find just one cub remaining, which she described as cold and wet.

"We do think that the bear probably had a pretty traumatic experience," she says, adding that she found the whole incident "frustrating."

Hobbs explains that it’s not uncommon at this time of year for a female to drop their cubs off in a safe tree and then come back.

The bear cub is currently in a rehab facility and will eventually be released back into the wild.

Hobbs says she was able to speak the offenders about how their behavior could impact the cub.

"We did confront them on site that day and let them know how irresponsible and potentially deadly it could be for that cub to be separated from its mom, especially ripped out of a tree like that."

Bear safety

In the spring, bears are emerging from torpor with their young and with the weather improving and more people outdoors, human/bear interactions are likely to increase. However, it is vital to give bears a wide berth and avoid getting close to their cubs, no matter how cute they are. 

Handling a bear cub, or even getting too close, could result in the bear being abandoned by its mother or a protective mother attacking you. Let wildlife stay wild, and read our article on what to do if you meet a bear (step one: don't take a selfie with it).

• Wildlife safety: 8 tips for surprise encounters