ALBERTA, CANADA, June 27 (Billings News Online) — A viral video from Alberta is drawing attention to bear safety for hikers after a woman was filmed backing away from a grizzly bear near Mount Engadine Lodge on Rummel Lake Trail in Spray Lakes Provincial Park, Kananaskis Country.
Coverage of the clip says the woman kept moving backward and talking while the bear circled and charged, rather than running. The National Park Service warns that running from a surprised bear can trigger a predatory reaction, and the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee says bear behavior should guide the response.
The committee advises people to back away slowly from a bear that is not engaged, stand their ground during a bluff charge and use bear spray when appropriate. It also says bears can outrun people over short distances.
The footage has renewed attention on safety for visitors to bear country, where officials say distance, calm movement and the right deterrent can matter.
