ALBERTA, CANADA, June 27 (Billings News Online) — A viral grizzly encounter on an Alberta trail is drawing fresh attention to bear safety for travelers after a woman backed away from repeated charges while walking her dog.
Reports said Alberta Forestry and Parks identified the location as near Mount Engadine Lodge on Rummel Lake Trail in Spray Lakes Provincial Park, in Kananaskis Country. In the clip circulating online, the woman appears to keep speaking and slowly retreating as the bear circles and charges.
For hikers and dog walkers in bear country, the practical takeaway is simple: do not run. The U.S. National Park Service says running from a surprised bear can trigger a predatory reaction, and the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee says bears can outrun people over short distances.
The committee’s guidance says people should back away slowly when a bear is not engaged, stand their ground during a bluff charge and use bear spray when appropriate. The guidance varies depending on whether the animal appears defensive or predatory, the committee says.
