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74-Year-Old Hiker Followed by Mama Bear And Cubs On Trail in Alaska

Geoffrey Glassner via InsiderEdition on YouTube
Geoffrey Glassner via InsiderEdition on YouTube

74-year-old Geoffrey Glassner experienced a thrilling and potentially dangerous encounter with a mother grizzly bear and her two cubs while hiking in a National Park in Alaska. Instead of succumbing to fear, Glassner remained calm and kept his cell phone camera rolling throughout the entire experience.

Hiker’s Unexpected Company

Young Grizzly bear in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.
Young Grizzly bear in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Image via Depositphotos.

While visiting a National Park in Alaska, Glassner found himself followed by a mother grizzly bear and her two cubs. Hoping they would veer off the trail, he kept his cool as the grizzly family continued to follow him. The protective mother stayed close to her cubs, ensuring they stayed together.

YouTube video
“Hiker Records Video As Mama Bear And Cubs Follow Him Along Trail” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: Inside Edition

Why Did the Grizzly Bear and Her Cubs Follow the Hiker?

Grizzly bear cubs
Grizzly bear cub in a field of flowers. Image via Depositphotos

Grizzly bears, especially mothers with cubs, may follow a human out of curiosity or perceived threat. In this case, the protective mother ensured her cubs stayed close, possibly seeing the hiker as a potential threat to her young.

How Should One React When Encountering a Bear in the Wild?

A portrait of a wild grizzly bear.
A portrait of a wild grizzly bear. By Jean Beaufort. Image via https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=300112&picture=grizzly-bear, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82893998

Stay calm, avoid making sudden movements, and speak softly. Do not run, as it might trigger a chase. Back away slowly and make yourself appear larger by raising your arms.

Conclusion

Grizzly Bear
Male Grizzly Bear walking through mountain meadow. Image via Depositphotos

The encounter between Geoffrey Glassner and the grizzly bear family highlights the importance of understanding and respecting wildlife. By staying calm and informed, humans can safely share the wilderness with these magnificent creatures. Brown bears, with their remarkable adaptations and behaviors, continue to fascinate and inspire those who venture into their habitats.

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