Yellowstone Grizzly Encounter off-trail, May 17, 2024
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- čas přidán 17. 05. 2024
- This is a close encounter (20 feet) with a grizzly bear in Yellowstone National Park. I came face to face with this grizzly on top of a little mound. How did I handle the situation?
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I’m pretty sure Yellowstone is the new Bermuda triangle of common sense
LOL!
Agreed
That grizzly had a look on his face like he was going to report you to the park rangers for startling him. He came back for another look to ensure he had the right description.
😂😂😂
😂🤣
😂
Funny that! He did seem to give off that vibe. :D
Stan, it does not disappoint me at all that you have not been charged to the point of a life or death confrontation with a bear. With all of my confrontations with bears including four encounters Last Summer within 5 ft of my tent at night while I was sleeping, I too have never experienced a close-up life or death charge from a bear. One of my recent videos about 4 x 4 build, no build Plus 4 Bear encounters describe those extremely close up and personal bear Encounters in detail. I could tell by the behavior of that bear in your recent video that he was not in love with you but in fact was afraid of you. A more experienced bear might act in anger and just see you as an invading adversary. Be prepared for that deviant bear in the event that you have to fight for your life.😮
Imagine you encounter an alien in your garden... you also would be a bit intimidated. 😎
A wild animal with this strength is always a residual risk for a direct confrontation. But Stan has bear spray, so I'm not afraid.
.
@@jonnes__4657I have a video that will be published on June 1st. I think you'll find things in that video that you've never heard before. It is entitled The Unknown failure of bear spray.😮
Did I miss something or did you illustrate exactly what not to do while hiking Yellowstone? 1. Hiking peacefully quietly "your words" alone. 2. Not having bear spray with you. 3. Following fresh tracks.....without turning around. 4. Very nice Grizzley? 5. Staring down a bear shows aggression, not weakness. I Live 8 Miles outside the park, and I continually see folks make poor choices that harm the park or themselves, you were fortunate this time. P.S. Thanks for picking up the litter
Maybe it will be helpful for you to explore my channel a little. Thank you for your comments.
@@StanMills I agree with Michael on points 3 through 5, while he's incorrect about 2 and 1 is a matter of personal choice but increases the odds of a bear attack (just check the statistics). I think Stan puts a lot of faith in the notion that there's a benevalent God protecting him and that there's a sort of social arrangement tin which grizzly bears have granted him safe passage. I think that this might result in ever increasing risky behavior on Stan's part that could end up tragic for him. Personally, I like Stan's videos but don't like the religious cloak he puts on them. But he creates these videos so he's free to message them as he likes.
I just so appreciate the respectful nature of all the above comments. People politely, respectfully voicing their opinions seems rare in 24.
I disagree that Stan just sets out and trusts in God to watch over him, however its funny because EVERY time i watch these i worry that he will get too comfortable, its routine to him, the precautions and moves he has taken so far have always worked so why should he prepare differently. This does worry me and i just hope that Stan you do prepare for the disgruntled animal whatever it may be that is having a bad day or is sick, and doesnt know you are a gentle, respectful God fearing nature lover.
Prepare for the worst, but believe in the best?
Please take this comment in the way it was meant, with love and admiration for what you do, appreciation for these videos, and a shared faith in God.
All the best to you❤❤❤❤.
While I think Stan is pretty smart about how he hikes, I do think he should he should dub in his teachings during edit and I always check wind and thermals constantly in that ecosystem ….not sure why you haven’t taught that Stan but I do appreciate what you do teach even though it would be safer to teach while editing
While I think Stan is pretty smart about how he hikes, I do think he should he should dub in his teachings during edit and I always check wind and thermals constantly in that ecosystem ….not sure why you haven’t taught that Stan but I do appreciate what you do teach even though it would be safer to teach while editing. On this video for example, it looked like you came up on that mound with the wind in your face. Dangerous thing to do but we all do it to some extent. Can’t control the wind when you want to hike or ride into certain areas
There are no "nice" grizzly bears. There are "hungry" grizzly bears and "not hungry" grizzly bears
A day to remember! Had the same thjng happen to me. I was coasting quietly downhill on my little Honda CT90 and came around a corner to beautiful cinnamon colored huge male grizzly at 30'. We just looked at each other for about 5 seconds before he took off. What an incredible experience! He gave off this aura off an apex predator who knew he was King.
Thanks for picking up the water bottle. Positive thought, maybe it fell unnoticed from someone's daypack side pouch. Usually when I find purposely left trash in the backcountry there are wrappers, bottles, an obviously left pile. Everyone please pack out all trash. ☮
Isn't that what they pay park employees for? Why should he be picking up people's germs
@@UglyBikeling There are thousands of miles of trails in Yellowstone, you think the NPS has the personnel to cover all the trails, all day, every day? Spoiler, No.
@@NotTheMedicH60 Social media tip, the AIIBECK comment is a paid person in the Maldives or Crimea. They are paid to create negativity and get paid a bonus for each response they receive back. The negativity will increase across all videos as we get closer to the election in November. ☮
Maybe the bear left you a water bottle. 😂
I left that water bottle, there for a reason! Darn't, now I have to go back there, and leave another one!! Some people! Sheesh!!
People often get mauled when they surprise a bear like you did. That bear very easily could have decided to attack instead of run during the 3 seconds you were both deciding what to do. You were very fortunate things didn’t turn out that way. Great video, but it’s not worth your life. Ending up 20 feet from a grizzly bear is asking for trouble. Just be thankful that bear didn’t have a cub with it.
Maybe you would enjoy this video. Thanks for your comments. czcams.com/video/qe_N5ua6EU0/video.htmlsi=HQxU2ZIQf446pkop
I have seen that video. I watch all your videos, Stan. I’m a big fan of your work. I just think you’re pressing your luck too much. Hiking alone without making any noise goes against every bit of advice I’ve ever seen for hiking in bear country. As you mentioned in another reply about this video, you had your camera in your bear spray hand when this happened, so you would have had to drop the camera before you could deploy your spray. You know how fast these animals are. At 20 feet, you would have been toast if that bear had decided to attack rather than run. Just because you have been lucky so far doesn’t mean your luck won’t run out one day. I know why you don’t follow the standard advice. You have talked about it in your videos, but surprising a grizzly bear at close range is an extremely dangerous thing to do, no matter what the reason is for doing it.
You know you can’t always stay away hoping to be farther away , it happens a you watch it play out , god’s protection is very real.
Stan, I really appreciate your videos, and the effort it takes to share your hikes with us. HOWEVER, one of these days, your luck is gonna run out. ☹️
I would hate to be living my life based on 'luck'. I am living life in Gods beautiful creation. My life is not a game of chance. Yours does not have to be either. Thanks for your comments.
@@StanMillsAmen❤
@@StanMillsreally, you could have fooled me the way you track these big bears; your correct regarding God’s beautiful creation, I give you that but I do not consider you to be as wise as I would hope you to be, sorry to say?!
@@lovespurpleflowersmaybe you would like this video. Thanks. czcams.com/video/PAP1-cy2dk8/video.htmlsi=WJmV2GozFSKE72R1
Good morning Stan! I have taken your advice about peacefully hiking. This happened to me with a large moose. Thank You for everything you do to encourage us to enjoy God’s things peacefully.
What an amazing encounter .I am glad that you are telling people how to treat animals and being respectful to them.What section of YNP are you hiking in this video?
Ohh doggies. Kept your cool. Humans taste bad. Lol. Scary. Glad he was just curious. But still wildlife Very unpredictable. Even though you’re cool, they could be injured or angry about something else other than you.
Great video! Thank you for sharing
Wear bells and carry bear spray. Keep an eye out for bear poop, it usually has bells in it, and smells like bear spray.
Great videos Stan, I'm glad found them, I'm subscribing.
Fantastic video Stan!
What a blessing, Stan. Glad it was a positive experience. .
You are VERY LUCKY TO STILL BE ALIVE!
That is an interesting comment. I invite you to spend some time looking at my videos on my Grizzly bears playlist. Thank you for your comments.
Mr. Mills you took my comment off, did not like the facts of the number of grizzly attacks in the Greater Yellowstone Area. People watching your videos are being dangerously mislead.
@@williamfeldner9356if you had any inappropriate language then it is removed automatically. Your opinion is great to hear. This is an educational channel so please make everything you say appropriate for people to read. Thanks for your comments.
You have now twice removed non offensive comments of mine. As before, the viewer needs to look into the number of grizzly attacks in the Greater Yellowstone Area. What you are doing is very dangerous and misleading and to a naive public.
@@williamfeldner9356 I agree, last year 3 people were killed in Alberta by grizzlies. One was jogging and two were hiking and camping.
Awesome experience.
I truly enjoy your channel.
Why would you follow that trail when you know a Grizzly was just ahead of you? You got lucky this time bro. Be careful and be safe!
If you spend any time on my channel you would know why. Seeing all the wildlife, including grizzly bears in God's amazing creation is why I do it. Thanks for your comments and have a great day.
First time watching your videos….it looks like pure heaven!
Awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Those are some good looking moose. And you got lucky with that male grizzly.
Thanks for bringing us to the park with you! I can’t _imagine_ walking right into a grizzly!!! Thanks for being so thoughtful and picking up the garbage :)
For sure
Thank you! I am not able any longer to go hiking, other than very short ones, as I have a lung disease that precludes long hikes. I do miss them but I enjoy watching these videos in the wild.
Are yu outside of the actual park I thought there were rules about staying on the trail
On May 24th 2024 a hiker was attacked and mauled by a sow Grizzly with a cub. It happened in the Jackson, Wyoming area. The hiker is said to have survived, but is injured severely. A Utube Video is available showing the helicopter extraction……
Do not be naive.
Great camera. Great clear focus!
Stan is playing the odds. Play them enough, and you get dealt a dead man's hand.
My life is not a game of chance. Yours does not have to be either. Thanks for your comments.
He seemed to circle around to get downwind to check your scent, from the direction the grass was blowing.
Yes. That is what I thought at the time also.
You were very lucky. Stay safe!
Excellent encounter and don't know how you manage it all.
Great video. The sunlight was beautiful. And REALLY disgusting that people would discard litter like that.
Lmao. It probably fell off someones pack. Grrrrr!
I hate seeing litterbugs. Don't understand why they do that. Thanks for picking up their waste Stan. I loved seeing the footage of the Grizzly but loved knowing you are doing the right thing even more. The world needs more people like you.
Very nice, thanks.
Great video
Fantastic encounter, video, and narrative Stan. Having a few similar experiences, I'm reminded of the absolute importance of remaining calm and focused to mitigate risk to person and the bear. Encounters in the field as yours, often happen randomly and near instantly. Great teaching video! Robert Nevens, Sr. (author) "Yellowstone Grizzlies: A Decade of My Experiences":
I’m heading into grizzly country camping in a few weeks up here in Canada. Hopefully we don’t see any that close to us. Grizzlies are beautiful animals, from a great distance though.
Beautiful video. Loved the moose and calf. It would have been interesting to have had the whole encounter with grizzly on video. I'm sure I'd have taken a very quick intake of breath.
Glad you are safe.
Yes it would be. But the best parts for a video always happen fast and normally bear spray is top priority. I didn’t even have a chance to get my bear spray out on this encounter.
@@StanMills feel like there's a lesson in there somewhere 🤔
The lord blesses us as he chooses
awesome video but please be careful Stan!
Had the same thing happen to us last August while hiking Skyline in Jasper. We came upon a bear very early in the morning on the trail. We stared at the bear and he stared back at us for about 3 seconds and then he ran down the hill away from us. Didn't see him again
Wow, that was close.
While I appreciate you filming the grizzly encounter, it does seem rather reckless of you not follow "grizzly protocol" especially because it gives viewers a false sense of security in the event they are in the same situation. Make no mistake, if you encounter one, you must back away slowly. Do not make direct eye contact, keep your gaze away, and with a low voice say like, "Hey bear" as you walk away from the area. This guy just stood there pointing his camera at it. Not smart.
Not necessary in this case, the bear moved on on its own.
Thanks for sharing your hikes. I enjoy every one of them. I am glad you tell us of your grizzly encounters that end in a happy parting of ways. I wish more people would see these instead of the unfavorable news we hear on the news. We are visiting their home.
Yes, we are visiting their home. So treating them right and with respect is very important to me. Thank you for your comments.
Hi Stan, I love your vids. Curious, how many griz encounters have you had over the years?
Damn stan, you're brave. I would have shit on my pants 😂😂😂😂
Montana is truly beautiful. I felt solitude just watching those beautiful mountains and valleys with no big cities
You don’t have time to be scared. It is after when you start thinking about it that is scary.
Another great video Stan. Back in 2009, in an area not known to have a grizz population, I came up one at 5 feet! I would have tripped over him if he hadn't picked me up. No bear spray because I was in black bear country. This bear was not happy, and I dont blame him. This encounter lasted maybe 10 seconds, but felt like 15 minutes. Biggest adrenalin rush of my life, and I was an Ironworker!
Because ironworking is soooo exciting!!!
@davidsuch8942 Exciting? More like death defying. Are you a high rise jockey, or just another micro unit?
@@livingthewild iron worker is a losers' occupation. You were probably an economic puppet most of your life, who lived paycheck to paycheck.
I actually love watching Ironworker videos building high rises. Especially in the old days when they would be moving all over, climbing steel, with no safety equipment. That was crazy.
@@StanMills Thanks Stan. Worked iron in the "crazy" old days and managed to survive. I prefer the more natural, primal risk involved in hiking with grizzlies, my favorite non humans. Peace.
text book case of what not to do 1) hike alone, and silently 2) follow fresh bear tracks 3) not carrying bear spray. I mean how could you not expect an encounter while actively pursuing fresh tracks?
Yes, you have been reading too many books. Why not go out and get some experience, then maybe you would know what you are talking about!
Stan, I'd have to say that I'd have to "clean myself up a little" after being surprised and coming within 20 feet of this grizzly! Great footage! Thanks for posting. And I'm betting that it took you about 30 seconds to get set up with your tripod, etc.? 👍👍👍
Yes, I think I mentioned that in the video. One thing I didn’t mention was the fact that I was carrying my tripod/camera in my right hand and I need my right hand to get my bear spray out. So I would have had to put down my camera first. But by then, the grizzly was already turning around and heading the other direction.
Obviously not an aggressive bear which is good. Everyone goes on their merry way.
I really enjoy your videos Stan. Thank you for sharing. Where are you finding moose in Yellowstone these days?
I never see moose in Yellowstone. Maybe I need to get out of the car.
There are exceptions to this encounter.
Please don't die doing what yiu Love 😘
Seems like Stan went looking for trouble
No, went looking for grizzly bears and other wildlife in Gods beautiful creation.
I can’t wait to get back into Yellowstone this August.
How far away from the moose are you? They seemed keenly aware of your presence.
If that had been a mom with cubs would you still be with us?
Yes, watch this video. Thanks. czcams.com/video/qe_N5ua6EU0/video.htmlsi=2t3NcXEc95K7UIsC
@@StanMills Thanks. I love your videos and that you acknowledge the Creator. Please keep making content.
God’s promises are yes and amen
Cameraman doesn’t die.
I always like to "false charge" bears when I run into them, they always look at me like what??? 😂
Had it been a female with cubs you'd of been in trouble.
Really. Watch this.czcams.com/video/qe_N5ua6EU0/video.htmlsi=bTM3V_CdLmBemnsO
Us. Thank for picking up the bottle!
@8:13, yeah but how many people get mauled by bears when they too didn’t do anything to upset them. It’s called predatory behavior and it happens more often than we’d want to.
😂 those aren't predatory attacks, goofy.
@@davidsuch8942 Who here has studies Bear Psychology 101?
I just read that Yellowstone is going to make a certain area totally off limits to humans for certain months of the year due to many bear / human encounters.
@@sunnyday7843 the one in Hayden valley? I dont even know where people were going off trail over there.
@@davidsuch8942 I don’t know exactly but there’s a vid that’s very new on CZcams explaining- official info and some kind of news channel . Not just regular person announced it .
That was so close but what an experience! Sure nice to see the grizzlies are out enjoying their morning digs. Glad you had your first bear of this spring. Sure looks nice up teepee creek , great job , love the video!
Great video! I hope you had your bear spray ready just in case. I am always amazed at you going out almost every time all alone. I think you are safer with at least one other person, in case something happened to you.
I always have 2 cans of bear spray. But in something this close you really would not have time to use it even if you had it in your hand. Thanks for your comments.
We saw Moose at Buttermilk trailhead in September of 2023 and at Island Park Idaho just down the road.
At what distance would you fire off your bear spray? I assume this would only be an option if it were moving towards you at close distance.
I always carry 2 cans of bear spray but have never had to use one. In this close encounter, I had no time to get it. The bear was too close and reacted too fast to be able to use bear spray. Plus the wind was coming towards me which means I would have sprayed myself. I have never had a bad reaction from a grizzly bear in my life so that is why I have never used bear spray. Thank you for your comments.
I’m really torn on these videos. You obviously do a nice job and are clearly respectful, quiet and careful. But I can’t shake the feeling that with so many visitors to the area, more folks will see these videos who don’t have the proper KSA’s to be out there, and start clomping around putting both themselves and bears in danger. This is a hard one.
I agree with you. Most of the people that come out here have no idea what they are doing. And yes, they put both themselves and the bears in danger. But maybe people can consider the fact that this is the bears only home, and treating it and the bears with the greatest respect. The grizzlies have always shown me the same respect back all my life.
I seem to remember a story about a young man and his gf who thought that they had a “respectful” relationship with Grizzly Bears, not to mention cameras?!
Perhaps if no one watched your content, we might not feel responsible if anything horrible happens to you, just saying?! At least you might end up in God’s presence if the worst happens though I hope that you stay safe!
@@lovespurpleflowersrespect means treating them as the wild and deadly animal that they are. Not feeding them and treating them as a pet.
You are living in a delusional world. I live in wyoming and every year we see stupid tourists beyond belief and videos like yours just encourage them.
Glad you’re fine. Whew….a bit too close for comfort. Look fwd to your experiences.
Can yall just wish this man a safe travel and let him enjoy his documentation of wildlife. He seems very aware of his surroundings and has escapen bears in the opposite direction before. Yes it’s a wild environment yet there’s a beauty in it.
Wow, what a large bear foot print.
Wow, incredible video, thanks for sharing! I ask this out of curiosity because I honestly don’t know - most of what I’ve read is you shouldn’t look at a grizzly too long directly in the eye as it can be a sign of aggression (as recommended by the National Parks Service, among others). I was surprised you said you made sure to look directly at the bear to show no signs of weakness - I’m curious if I’m missing something in my training
You are not missing anything. You have to decide what is best for you. Personally, I have been solo hiking in grizzly country for a large part of my life and from my experience this is how I do it. I am not handing out advice or telling anyone else how they should do things. But however you do it, I hope you are able to get out and enjoy God’s beautiful creation. Have a great day.
This channel should be called: fearless.
Sooo, following the grizzly tracks…in Yellowstone…purposefully? Find the bear. Is this for a post to the Facebook Group; Yellowstone: Invasion of the Idiots?
winds blowing hard enough to make the bear spray useless
Was that the closest encounter you’ve ever had?
No, 2nd closest.
That is a close encounter for sure.
Love how he circled around to get down wind!
Yes, it surprised me a little also.
Wow, the only way you could have handled it better was to not be there - and I know that's not an option for you (nor for me). Keep up the great work.
I showed your videos to my mom, she said that you have a 🔫😂, she’s like: “no way this guy walks around without a weapon “
Always 2 cans of bear spray. But have never used one. Thanks for your comments.
The mother moose and calf are awesome to watch! Wow...interesting grizzly encounter.... Thanks, Stan. 👍😎🇨🇦✌ Walk softly and carry a camera!
Great as always, Stan! P.S. I wish you would carry at least a sidearm (or chest arm ;) ) should the worst actually happen. Bear spray is all good and all, but like I said... For worst cases..
Besides being in a national park, you really think any shooter could do anything with a 20ft encounter? If a charge was triggered immediately, he’d be on Stan in +/- 1 second.
@@Lynxswildyes, you make a good point.
I don’t ever carry a fire arm for a lot of reason that I do talk about in other videos. But I can’t even imagine shooting a bear under any circumstance. I would never do it. Thank you for your comments.
Bear spray has a much wider area of effect then a pistol, though wind could be a problem. You can’t carry a weapon around in a National Park, though you can transit a park with one. We’re you to shoot a bear, and only wound it, most likely it would then beat the living hell out of you.
@@Lynxswild I know for a fact i can. Doesn't mean everyone can as well. 2 leggers ambush shooting at you up close and personal in another life. To each their own. The last thing I would want to do is kill a bear.. I don't even hunt any longer, much less never have any bear... However... I wouldn't hesitate if I was about to be mauled.
One beautiful bright moring walk, the opposite encounter will happen.👍
You were lucky my friend and not too smart for following his tracks.
Maybe you would like this one; czcams.com/video/PAP1-cy2dk8/video.htmlsi=WJmV2GozFSKE72R1
Don’t hike alone. Don’t leave without gun or bear spray. Don’t hike in silence!
Never go outside. Dont eat sugar. Never drive a car!
@@279sebdrizzle yourself with honey so that you will make a lovely little snack, yes you 279seb….get out there!
I think that the commenter is saying to go outside, hike, enjoy nature (e.g., drive). However, be prudent and prepared on the trail (e.g., drive defensively and wear a seatbelt). Now, living a keto lifestyle I agree with you on the sugar. ☺️
@@279seb you forgot these caveats- - - - - don't spit into the wind, don't tug on Superman's cape, and don't threaten a grizzly bears Cubs or its food source.
@@279seb this is what happened when your dad never pull out and your mom never swallow.
Beautiful video. Glad that wasn't a sow and cubs
You should watch my newest video. A grizzly with 5 cubs. Thanks for your comments.
Stan’s attitude reminds me of hard core surfers attitudes towards sharks. They’re comfortable with the risks. They have to be aware of them. Most surfers never have an attack encounter with one of the “big 3 sharks “ … i’m just a risk-averse individual so for me it’s just not worth it😂 that, and I’ve probably watched one too many “scary bear attack” channel videos
Omg. I could hear your voice little shaky about the grizzly 😮
I thought you’re not supposed to make eye contact and kind of look away. Don’t they take it as a challenge by looking at them typically?
The hunter becomes the hunted! Be careful out there.
20 ft, really ?!!.... 6 meters ??!!! 😮
Great to see it was an uneventful encounter, other than your heart rate I'm sure. And thankful the grizzly did as they mostly always do and avoid human contacts.
It's just a numbers game. I'm afraid you're headed for a deadly encounter.
All it takes is to come up over another hill with a cub there. It's mother doesn't take three seconds to decide what to do. She comes out of nowhere and is on you before you know it.
20ft is close... could you smell him?
I have never been able to smell a grizzly bear. I know some people say they can, but I can’t.
I this happened to me I could not talk for teh rest of the day
I'm sorry but never hope to encounter a grizzly while out hiking.
This guy will end up winning a Darwin Award
Before long…..
So glad for your great encounter. Would you say this is the closest one you’ve had?
What do you expect to happen when your tracking a grisly. Not too bright in my book 🤪
To see a grizzly?? I thought that is why I’ve been doing this for so many years.
Amazing encounter. Seems fortunate for you that he was in a "good" mood with such a close encounter. And what if he wasn't in a "good" mood: then what?
Another awesome video & encounter in God's country. Thank you Stan
Yes, God’s beautiful country is always awesome even when I don’t see much wildlife. Thanks
I am glad not to be reading your obituary, but had that bear been a sow with cubs, I probably would be. Not malice on its part, but instinct.
You may like this video. Thanks. czcams.com/video/qe_N5ua6EU0/video.htmlsi=Ruvn3pizXQRYlQgX
Every second of your hike is filmed, but the 30 seconds when you're closest to the grizzly is not....
No kidding. At 20 feet there are other priorities.
Excellent information. The bear sure seemed uncomfortable you were there.