By Josie October 8th, 2023
Mountain climbing is already a dangerous activity, and even more so for this man fighting a bear on a cliff edge.
The climber, equipped with nothing but his climbing gear, was making his descent when he encountered a bear.
The bear, perhaps as startled as the man, lunged at him.
Incredible point-of-view footage captures the nail-biting moments that followed.
Instinct and adrenaline kicked in; the climber began punching and kicking the bear - each blow a desperate attempt to fend off the attack.
A bear attack is inherently life-threatening, but the danger was exponentially magnified for the hiker on Mt. Futago.
Other than the attacking bear, he also faced the chilling risk of plummeting from a great height.
Animals, including bears, often act on instinct. The bear’s attack was not malicious but was likely spurred by surprise or fear.
This incident underscores the importance of being prepared for wildlife encounters during outdoor activities.
Knowledge of safety protocols, including making noise to alert animals to human presence and carrying bear spray, can be life-saving.