The reason I hike quietly in Yellowstone
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- čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
- I get a ton of comments about the way I hike in grizzly country. So I made this little video to try to explain what I am doing. I am not giving advice to people on what they should do, this is just about the way I do it and why.
That's a good point Stan. Something interesting is that even though you have spotted them first, they already smelled you from miles away.
That depends on wind direction.
Yeah it’s entirely dependent on wind. Stan is doing every single thing correct to become grizzly pulled pork. Dude is literally taking luck and throwing it off a cliff
If you watch his other videos he demonstrates that: 1. they don't always smell you 2. they may smell you but they can't identify you or your location 3. They can't see you if you don't move 4. They don't get agitated and rush. The idea is to minimize detection not eliminate it, and if they do detect you through smell, that in and of itself is less disturbing/threatening/challenging to them than someone making a lot of noise yelling and waving about.
@@GlazeonthewickeR how many times have you hiked in the Yellowstone? Mr expert 🙄
what does that matter when you really dont know what firection the bears are from the wind? sneaking up on them is not a great plan@@henryrodgers1752
Thanks Stan - we love coming along on your hikes. Keep safe!
Thank you for sharing your walks in Yellowstone, also appreciate your perspective on hiking in Yellowstone
I live in the woods surrounded by 150 foot Douglas Fir and Cedar. People like to comment about what would happen if a tree fell on my house. I’ve weighed the risks and benefits and am happy to say that like Stan, I’m comfortable with MY decision. 🌲🐿🍄
What a ridiculous analogy. Trees aren't animate. They won't suffer for your poor, selfish choices, but a bear that attacked or unalived someone could. It could also cause that part of the park to be closed thereby blocking more intelligent, less selfish people from enjoying it.
God Bless you Stan and keep you safe❣️God’s Beautiful Creation indeed!!!
My way is safest. I don't go there. You're a marvelous man Stan. Blessings.
God Bless Stan
Beautiful Stan; really appreciate your respect for the natural world
Stan, I agree with you 1000% and then some! If I hiked, that's the way that I would do it! That's the intelligent way to hike in my opinion!
RESPECT THE OUTDOORS AND RESPECT THE WILDLIFE! ❤
Thank you Stan. I too hike quietly, so often there are close encounters, but, seeming less threating to the wildlife.
Stan hikes in grizzly country because Stan has a deep desire to do so because he adores hiking in Yellowstone. Who wouldn't? It's transcendently gorgeous. He has weighed and carefully considered the dangers and he has decided it's safe enough for himself and he accepts the dangers. Let's support Stan.
Some of these bears are crazy though, just like people. It can all be calm and peaceful and out of nowhere a crazy bear, like Jeffrey Dahmer, just snaps and decides he’s going to rip you to shreds.
I agree. I think Stan's videos are amazing and I don't doubt his reasons for doing what he does, but there has to be a "thrill" component for him, and he knows not one bear, wolf, or mt.lion understands what he's doing- he smells good, and the ability to sneak up on him, like hiding in that lone clump of tree(s) on the right in that field could be the end of him. He's brave and adventurous but all the wildlife experience and knowledge of that immense and beautiful park shouldn't prevent him from having help/or a drone scouting out his path a head of him, and carrying NOT bear spray, but a modern blunderbuss, and a 44 mag. IMO
@@nomadscavenger Beautifully said! Thank you 😎👍
until Stan gets eaten and then your gonna cry about Stan getting eaten..See its a vicious cycle
@@robertclark4509 Well, we don’t really expect Stan to get eaten. At least I pray not.
Stan, they know you're there 🐻
Thanks for all the videos!
Hike how you like!
Urban people are never quiet hiking…talk talk talk…notice nothing…disrupt the silence..bears or not!
Those dinner bells they wear make me cringe so bad. Silly risk aversion at every step and then go get in a car without a second thought. NPCs at their finest.
My thoughts on the safer way differ from yours but you are the expert and to argue is not an option I would ever consider . One point I will say is that your out there to get footage of bears being bears so you obviously you don't want them to exit and most times I believe they do when they know your in the vicinity and by doing so all the great footage your known for would be a substantially lower amount. Could be worded better but you understand I'm sure.
Beautiful as you spotted the bear walking through the meadow.
At 69 im hiking less, but am still out there. I wear bear spray, am meticulous about food smells/storage, use unscented body products, etc. and run a quiet camp ( mostly so i can hear what the heck is going on out there!) When I used to mountain bike, I used my bell a lot so as to not suddenly surprise wildlife, particularly bears. I think about your silent approach all the time and am intrigued....I guess as a mother, who often literally had children in tow, i got used to making plenty of noise on the trails, what with being responsible for their well being. 👍😎🇨🇦
@@TheRealMoses22 No need to be rude. This is where I live. Go back to your basement with bars on the windows.
This world is full of rude people. Just read through some of the comments on this video. One thing I have learned is to just ignore those kinds of people. They don’t deserve your attention. And remember what i said about the way I hike; this is how I do it, you should do what you feel is best for you. Thank you very much for your nice comments.
Thanks again Stan!
I have no problem with how you choose to move through life… I however don’t believe being quiet is any less disruptive. We are no more to them than a blowfly is to us once it flys over the threshold of our homes…enjoy every minute of it… never know when you’ll get swatted out!
If you think that by hiking quietly you are not "disturbing" the wildlife you are kidding yourself. For every bear you see first you have probably "disturbed" ten others that you never saw and you were the one who was completely unaware of their presence. Any time you are upwind of a bear he is likely to have winded you and he is "disturbed" by your presence and you never even knew it. I also hike quietly because I know that the bears are most likely aware of me whether I make noise or not and I hate hearing people yell "hey bear" in the wilderness. What could be more disconcerting than going on a beautiful and peaceful hike and hearing other people incessantly yelling "hey bear" in the distance.
I used to love national geographic magazines ( I'm oldish lol ) but watching CZcams videos is the best!🎉
Love your videos Stan. It takes me out in the woods with out leaving my armchair. I agree with your 'go guietly' approach. Just common sense respectful. I will say though that I think the bears and wildlife in Yellowstone are more used to humans than outside of the park where they get one whiff of a human they hightail it out of there, so you're very fortunate to be able to observe them so readily. Always look forward to your latest video
I'm glad to hear you appreciate the incredible beauty around you. Thank you for sharing that with us.
Well, Stan you know, the animals tread more softly until they lunge at you! I hope you or someone w/you is packing; it worries me every time I watch your wonderful videos. Do you remember what happened to a Mr.Treadwell in Alaska? His video was given to his friend and she and the media put out the last of him and the unlucky friend w/him. It had to be stopped - too many ghouls watching/listening, but she did it for a warning, I'm guessing. The natives in India have discovered wearing a face on the back of their heads only worked for awhile, until the predator wasn't fooled any more. Please be careful and thanks for taking the risks, it's just the most beautiful park.
Mr. Treadwell, from what I read, placed his tent on or near a bear trail storing his food inside the tent. He was arrogant in believing that he had powers in communicating and understanding these dangerous creatures. I feel bad that his girlfriend died in a horrific way because of his foolishness.
As an avid hiker with numerous 14ers, and spending years in Alaska, Wyoming, and Canada. It's only a matter of time until you dont see that sleeping sow and cubs. Then you'll change your mind as they are eating you. Then, all will be euthanized. I hope no one here follows your lead. Doing what you're doing just to get views is dangerous. Some city folk that had never been outside before will mimic you and get injured.
@@SoloHiker1here is a video you may like: czcams.com/video/qe_N5ua6EU0/video.htmlsi=Z7qC0LctcPTxVrGo
@@SoloHiker1here is another, grizzly protecting carcass: czcams.com/video/0ZFy9JO-t18/video.htmlsi=6v_yUcjDfZ2QNlYy
So cool! I love Yellowstone!
Terrific videos. Glad to find your channel.
I used to have a serial nightmare of being stalked by a Grizzly.
Had a few road side encounters recently. In one, we warned a large group of pic-knickers, that the bear was skirting around them. The bear was behind their cars, so it was tense for a few moments. A collared bear, in a national park.
Looks like the last griz was staring right at you
Well Stan, a bears hearing is about the same as a Labrador retriever, their sense of smell is 1000s of times greater than a dog. If you believe that you are approaching bear in the wild without them knowing you are there, I respectfully doubt that happens. Understand that bears can know you are there in their house and not perceive you as a threat, they may ignore you but I bet you they know you're present.
Might depend on the wind direction, scents etc. Also might have another agenda. When bears attack. Could be it woke up on the wrong side of the bed, headache, tooth ache put it in a bad mood or more likely protecting it's territory. Who knows, some might be just plain mean & some might be tired of seeing people out in it's wilderness. Probably would depend on the land. A tight trail might warrant making some noise as not to startle & moving off the trail to give rite of way.
This is exactly correct. A bear can smell you long before it sees you, or you see the bear (depending on wind speed and direction). If it's guarding an elk kill or it's cubs, it may perceive you as a threat, regardless of how quiet you are. Being super quiet does not make you any more safer than making alot of noise. And in some instances, it is worse, particularly if your sudden presence startles the bear. So whatever you do, be safe.......
God's beautiful creation indeed. Thanks for sharing.
I like the way he was able to keep a tree between him and the bear in some of the footage.
I know one young man who was mauled by a grizzly sow with cubs. He was taking a morning stroll along the river, and she jumped him from 30 feet. After the mauling was over, he called for help, and kayaked to the nearest highway to meet the ambulance. It took a few months to put him back together, but he's back in the woods.
Would wearing bells have helped? Probably not. But it would have ruined the quiet peace of the morning, and drawn a ridiculous amount of attention to himself, frightening away not only bears, but everything else as well. Gun or bear spray? Only if he could use it effectively during the mauling. He didn't have time to do anything before he was down.
Be the apex. Stay in charge. If possible, move around cover that a bear might be sleeping in. If not, keep calm and carry on. If you wear an earbud, it should only be going to a 2-way radio.
*ridiculous
(Sorry)
@@higrimace Good catch. I'm sure I do that particular one too often....
Thankyou Stan , I appreciate the way you hike . It's the way people where taught not so long ago . You home with respect and not to disturb the residents .
I also learned to go the opposite way from possible danger and a bear of any kind .
Thankyou .
For what he is doing, I understand why he hikes quietly. He is filming bears and general wildlife. I get it. But for the average hiker, I would definitely not recommend hiking quietly.
Love your wilderness ethic Stan. My hiking in G bear country is usually quite, early and alone also. I do make a little noise - kicking rocks or coughing - in certain situations: obvious bear activity and heavy cover.
Love your videos.
I hope you will make videos of your hiking. If you start, then let me know. Would love to watch them. Thanks for your comments.
I agree with the way you hike. Just have really have head on a swivel, know your wind direction and thermals and watch for fresh sign. Of course carry first aid, InReach ect with.
I wouldn't be able to hike so quietly because all of the Bears would hear my deodorant cracking from all the terror
Is it best to hike into the wind when in bear country? Do you pay attention to wind direction when you hike?
with the wind. so they smell and hear you.
Agreed. I move like a ghost in the woods, while maintaining a very high level of situational awareness. I would never even consider wearing bells, or any of that.
Totally agree!!!👍👍👍🐻🦬🦌🫎😎🦅🇺🇸
Stay alert and safe Stan , don’t end up a piece of Grizzly poop .
Grizzlies are my favorite animal and I don’t want to see them get indigestion.
Creeping is not hiking.......just walk, carry a whistle and some spray.....if you feel it's necessary, a sidearm...... and relax...... you're not bothering nature if you walk briskly.
Love hearing the sandhills above, and the coyotes in the distance
All of these comments make me smile. you have a better chance of getting struck by lightning or winning the lottery than getting attacked by grizzly bear. And yes, that includes Stan, who hikes in grizzly bear country all the time.
You do you. Others have experienced a startled bear, not as smooth as you make it sound. And you can't possibly know that critters don't know you're there, you didn't notice them watching you.
Stan the man, goes stealth mode into bear country🤣 I actually think I like that strategy better than "make as much noise as you can so you don't surprise the bears". Being quiet so one can take in all the sounds of the forest and be more a part of it seem more intriguing to me.
Here's the thing he knows what he's doing you probably don't. I'd still follow the basics when hiking in bear country if I were you. It's not as easy to spot bears as you'd think you're more likely to bumb into one
@@bruderschweigen6889 Oh I fully agree with you, I never meant it was a wise strategy for noobs like myself.
beeindruckend schön ❤
The only way not to disturb the wildlife is to stay out of there! You can be as quiet as you want but, everything down wind of you will get a whiff of you and gets “disturbed” by it!
Don't get ate, Stan. Probably an unpleasant experience for ya'. PS walk softly and carry a big stick or bear spray. ;)
What a beautiful park I've gotta go now
If you do, you have to get away from the crowds on the highways. And to get away from people on popular trails, you need to go past the 3 mile mark.
@StanMills Yes sir, you just day hike and come home ? Need bear spray, GPS device things of that nature I'm assuming ?
@@Cowboysdontcomplain I take 2 cans of bear spray.
You better be carrying a high caliber weapon no matter how you do it!
Oh how fun!
And it works out well for the Grizzlies too, as they are world renowned for loving surprises.
Yellowstone Grizzlies are slightly domesticated when it comes to humans
I would not try this in the Alaskan Bush with a Ursus Arctos Horribillis.
Don't the experts say to make your presence known because startling a bear is something that can aggravate them?
I’ve spent a large portion of my life out here and not seen an expert (out here) that says that. Who are the experts that you are talking about that have years of solo hiking in grizzly country? Maybe you would like this video. czcams.com/video/qe_N5ua6EU0/video.htmlsi=p129Cl0UgKkpsNR7
Stan, you have changed my entire approach to hiking in bear country! I will now be quiet and respectful-Amen. Thanks Stan for the education and wisdom!
Stan is not wise or canny. Stan is courting death. Don’t be like Stan. 😳
What is your experience or expertise?@@julieduncan1996
You have judged Stan negatively and criticized his behavior. But, you have not presented an argument, counter strategy or different approach. Let's hear it, Julie. Please share your wisdom!@@julieduncan1996
When you're a wildlife enthusiast, being quiet is the only way. I've encountered more bears, elk, deer, mountain goats, etc. by being quiet and not having anyone with me.
I’m no Bear/apex predator expert…..but imo unless you can disguise your scent completely and know wind direction you’re gonna end up startle a bear by being quiet.
NOPE! Stayin home!
Great video footage of those magnificent creatures. Thanks Stan.
Too close for comfort. Happy hiking.
Stan, I guarantee you that any and every wild creature in the forest hears and smells you LONG before you encounter them. You cannot be quiet enough to pass through their territory unnoticed. You cannot acclimate them to your presence through familiarity, thus engendering safety for yourself. They are wild animals, and have no regard for you whatsoever. I wish you health and safety - and a good set of bear bells.
HEY BEAR
HEY!!!
Well. . . Good luck with all that.
Stan is their eyesight like a dog in that they have less depth perception than humans
He hikes quietly through this land so not to disturb the bears and other wildlife.
If you really are concerned about disturbing them,, STAY OUT OF THEIR HABITAT, STAN!
No, it is about being in their habit and not disturbing them. I thought I pointed that out. Spend some time on my channel and see how many bears I see without disturbing them.
@@StanMills No, it's about getting CZcams views and dollars. There's no way you would do this without video posting it on CZcams.
@@timhallas4275wow, you must really think it is scary out here! I don’t live a life of fear. I am out enjoying God’s beautiful creation in peace and freedom. You can do the same.
Walk softly and carry a large can of bear spray.
I find this approach intriguing. The relentless shaming by some of these comments reminds me of the know-it-alls who shamed people for not getting a covid shot. What a scam that turned out to be.
So everyone knows that conventional wisdom is to make as much noise as possible so you don't "surprise" a bear. First of all, there is no empirical evidence to support that, and how many times does "conventional wisdom" eventually prove to be discredited? In order to support that contention, you'd have to compare identical scenarios using both the quiet and noisy strategies and compare outcomes, which is obviously impossible to do. Not to mention, bears are notoriously individualistic when it comes to a reaction response. What we'll never know is how many bears were aware of a quiet hiker and moved off without an encounter as opposed to bears who were enraged by a noisy hiker and decided to attack. The vast majority of the time, a bear will be aware of your presence with or without noise and you simply don't know if noise will deter or provoke an attack. A bear in predatory mode won't care one way or another.
So you be you. Personally I like to hike quietly most of the time, and nothing is more pointless than a hike in the wilderness than the numbing "hey bear" chant. If I'm approaching or in thicker brush, I'll stop before entering and also periodically to pause, listen, and make a distinctive loud human noise that can be heard at a distance. If I'm traversing that kind of terrain where there is an increased likelihood of an encounter, my spray or firearm will be unholstered and mentally prepared to deploy if charged.
Every area and situation is unique, and there's no reason not to employ a mix of strategies.
Ok if you are in open country but certainly not in forest where you do not have the same visibility. Good luck
As an outdoor enthusiast and avid camper I think you put too much in your “faith” and not enough in reason and wildlife knowledge. I think you have been very lucky doing what you do. Do you a have a wish to die by bear? Certainly looks so…
If continuing doing what you do, you have great chances ending up on the “Scary Bear Attacks” channel.
@tapdq no clue where you got the idea that he puts too much in his faith. Yes, he is a man of faith - but did you even listen to his reasons? He's always been very rational and purposeful in his decision making in the backcountry and has decades of situational, in-depth wildlife knowledge and experience hiking in Grizz country. Certainly doesn't seem like blind luck to me. Where are your videos where you share your vast experience?
Anyone who walks away from a single encounter is lucky no matter which method they use to survive. That's the reality. People hike alone in Yellowstone/Tetons all the time and you don't hear them hollering for bears nonstop. Any time you hike into bear country you're taking a risk. I don't care how much wildlife knowledge you have.
Sneaking up on Grizzly’s is certainly not a good idea. Any bear expert will confirm.
And “God’s beautiful creatures” as he says are Apex predators that can kill you in a matter of seconds. If you know about bears you should know this is not ok.
@tapdq I have been following Stan's hikes on his YT channel for many years now. I too have hiked in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and have encountered a grizzly within 'rock throwing distance'. I carry bear spray. Stan however, has hiked hundreds of miles and in those many years and on his many hikes he has had very few of what I would consider to be "close encounters". Stan's increased 'risk' of a bear encounter are only increased by the sheer number of miles he covers in prime bear country. Your remarks are entirely naive and I wonder how many back country hikes in bear country you have actually done? BTW, a study of using bear bells and other means of noise alerts have shown they have no effects on deterring bear encounters. So please enlighten me as to your use of "reason'" and "wildlife knowledge".
Good for you!
There is a difference in encountering by accident and sneaking up on a bear…
You don’t become immune to stupidity because you’ve done things right or been lucky in the past. I understand you know the man, might be your friend etc.
But if you’re objective about it and really look at how you should behave in Grizzly country, it’s wrong and dangerous.
I’haven’t had the chance yet to go west, but I have hiked plenty in eastern Canada and the high Arctic. Encountered a few black bears from far and luckily never a polar bear. In any case I was prepared with the right equipment for the situation and cautious.
the quieter the better chance of spooking a bear. Im not finding the logic
I am not giving advice but just showing what I am doing. If you spend some time on my channel then maybe you will see the logic. Thanks for your comment.
Sorry Stan, but sneaky stuff doesn't work on a female grizzly with cubs ... if she sees or smells you and you are close, she will rip you a new one
You should like this video. Thanks. czcams.com/video/qe_N5ua6EU0/video.htmlsi=OeSKixgGby7XDq81
Dude you’re moving like a hunter. You could encounter one just like a hunter I.e. surprise/sow w/cubs/territorial, you’re asking for trouble in my honest opinion but hey it’s your choice in the end. You’re not gaining anything by quietly moving.
Maybe you would like this video. Thanks for your comments. czcams.com/video/qe_N5ua6EU0/video.htmlsi=p129Cl0UgKkpsNR7
Really?? Smoke a little less pot before lunch.
What is he lying about?
Absolutely violates one of the most fundamental rules of travel in griz country…
Man’s rules an ways are not always the best understanding. Trusting the good lords ways an directions are truly the best!
@@teresabarbao8593
Those grizzlies don't care about your lord. Or your bear spray if you come upon a particularly nasty one. They will rip your face off, disembowel you and eat chunks of your flesh whilst you're still alive. I mean, you can scream out for God as you writhe but the bear won't care then either.
I can't imagine a worse way to go.
So, you and your friend can play "find the Grizzly" all you want, counting on the Lord's grace...but just remember it will be the bear's demise that folks ultimately feel sorry for.
Smart people would stop specifically seeking them out for social media views.
Silly. You are going to get munched.
good at lying and breaking bear country rules
He is not talking rules . Sharing is hikes an enjoyable times in gods creation . Encouraging people an the love of god’s beautiful creation . No need for lying .
Well Stan. I think you are doing a disservice to the hikers that are not as experienced as you are by claiming how quiet you are. One of the most experienced hikers and Bear photographers I know was severely mauled twice-once in Glacier 30 years ago when they think they woke a sleeping bear and once 20 years later in YNP by a female with at least one cub. That time hiking alone and off trail he came over a berm and nearly stumbled on her. Both times he admitted he was hiking quietly.
Wonderful
Too bad they don't have a silent drone. They provide wonderful footage, but at the expense of terrible NOISE.
Does this guy use anything besides bear spray for protection
I’ll wager that you eat tofu also.