Watch How Terrifying It Is to Be Chased Through the Woods by a Bear!

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If you have ever wondered what it would be like to be chased through some woods by a bear – this is the video for you! It was captured on a GoPro by a cyclist and starts off as a perfectly normal and relaxing bike ride. But then something extraordinary happens. A large grizzly bear emerges from the trees to the right of the cyclist and starts to chase him! As the cyclist speeds up – so does the bear. It soon turns into a frantic chase with the cyclist getting more breathless and, understandably, more concerned. Eventually, he veers off the path and hides behind a tree. A local hunter fires a shot which scares the bear away and the cyclist can get back on his bike.

Where Do Grizzly Bears Normally Live?

Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) are a native species of North America. They are a subspecies of brown bear (Ursus arctos) and are not found anywhere else in the world. They are able to live in a range of habitats. You may spot them in woodlands, forests, and alpine meadows but they can also be seen on prairies. They also like to be near water so you are more likely to find them in coastal areas as well as close to rivers and streams. The wilder areas of Canada have 25,000 resident grizzlies!

In the US, grizzlies can be found in five states. These are Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming. Of these, Alaska has the largest population which reaches around 30,000.

How Should You Deal With a Grizzly Bear Encounter?

The National Park Service has issued advice on what you should do if you encounter a grizzly bear. They rarely attack humans but if they do, they are capable of inflicting serious injuries. Recommendations vary by location depending on how the particular bears are behaving so always check with the local park authorities first.

The general advice is to start by identifying yourself as a human. We are not a prey species for bears so if we make it clear that we are human they are less likely to attack us. Stay calm and talk quietly and slowly. You can also wave your arms slowly. It may help if you make yourself look as large as possible by climbing to higher ground.

Do not run or climb a tree – bears can run fast and climb! Finally, if you are actually attacked by a grizzly bear – lie on your stomach and play dead.