Ever have that feeling that someone, or something, is following you?
It’s probably one of the most unsettling feelings a human can experience, especially if that something is a 500-pound bear. Hiking is great and all, but is it worth it? I’ve been on my fair share of hikes, and I’m starting to question it. Don’t get me wrong, I love being in the great outdoors, getting exercise and taking in the grand views. However, I’ve never found myself in the middle of a classic Animal Kingdom high-speed chase while I’m on the treadmill.
Just saying…
Hiking trails and roads are commonly used by animals as well as people for no other reason than… it’s easy to move. Would a bear rather weave its way through the thick forest, or just mosey on down the road? Animals often times opt to take the road/path, which means run-ins with people are inevitably – and dangerously – going to happen. The good news? Bears typically aren’t going to chase down a human on a trail… but when they are chasing something else and humans just happen to also be there, things can get dicey.
This insane viral video comes out of Glacier National Park in Montana. Wildlife is abundant there, as over 70 different mammal species call the national park home, and mule deer are often easy to spot across the beautiful landscape. More than three million people visit Glacier each year to try and catch a glimpse of the variety of wild animals (like bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep).
These hikers got more than a glimpse… they accidentally found themselves in an interactive experience.
Obviously, the National Park Service advises tourists to keep their distance from animals – especially those that are considered to be more dangerous. But you can’t do much when the wildlife comes running at you. In this situation, all the hikers could hope for was that the bear would be too preoccupied with the mountain goats it was chasing to notice them.
Fortunately, that’s how it appears to have played out, as the caption for the post stated that everyone ended up safe and sound:
“Friendly reminder to carry bear spray – my friend sent me this from Glacier National Park… and everyone was okay!”
@madylame just glacier things!! friendly reminder to carry bear spray – my friend sent me this from glacier on friday and everyone was okay!! #glaciernationalpark #touristattraction #hikingszn ♬ The Subway – Chappell Roan
Pretty wild stuff, eh?
As the caption clarified, no hikers were harmed as a result from that close call. Someone in the comments said they witnessed the chase down in person as well, and that all of the goats got away (if you care about that, and can trust a random person online). Some of the other comments below the post? They were hilarious:
“Dude this is probably some of the most insane national park footage ever.”
“The amount of laundry those people will need to do after this.”
“Those poor mountain goats running for their life.”
“I’m surprised the bear didn’t give up on fast food and settle for the slow cooker full of food on the hillside.”
“Once again, not hiking has saved my life.”
Amen to that.
