A horrifying close encounter between a grizzly bear and a hiker (and her dog) played out in Canada recently.
Elysia Boyd was reportedly in Kananaskis Country walking her dog when she came face-to-face with an apex predator. Grizzlies are basically nature’s killing machines, and are built with the strength, power, sharp talons and teeth to bring down and rip apart nearly anything in the Animal Kingdom.
This woman and her dog could have been on the menu if not for the hiker’s perfect way of handling the charging grizzly.
Obviously, the National Park Service here in the United States advises tourists to keep their distance from animals – especially those that are considered to be more dangerous. The NPS advises tourists to stay 25 yards away from animals that are deemed “non-violent.” That list includes bison, elk, and other creatures that tend to be docile – though docile is a relative term. When it comes to bears, wolves, and other apex predators, the NPS warns park goers to keep 100-yards between them and the animals.
Granted, this hiker may not have had much of a choice. It’s very possible that the bear just kind of popped up on her, despite the fact that she was walking with her dog. She evidently didn’t have any bear spray, so she went with the natural deterrent solution: Standing tall and yelling repeatedly in a deep voice.
Every time the bear came after her and her dog, she yelled “No” and “Go away” in the deepest voice she could muster. Did the grizzly bear respond to or understand those commands? Not exactly. But the shouts did keep the grizzly at bay, and almost always stopped it from charging any closer.
There are some wild moments where the woman looked like she had to spin and guide her dog to safety as the bear came after them. And she somehow did it all while also recording the dangerous interaction. The video is quickly going viral online:
@cbsnews A woman who was hiking with her dog escaped a scary encounter with a grizzly bear in Alberta, Canada. Video shows her yelling and making loud sounds as the bear charged at them. According to the Canadian adventure business that posted the footage, the woman was walking in a known grizzly habitat with no bear spray – and was only carrying a bear bell, which they advised against. They said bears are “curious about dogs” and shared the video to stress the importance of carrying bear spray. “This could have been prevented,” the group said. “She was unprepared and/or poorly informed — and should have known better.” #grizzlybear #canada #alberta ♬ original sound – cbsnews
Absolutely terrifying.
It’s a miracle that both her and her dog escaped from this encounter unharmed, but it’s also unclear if the young bear was more curious than aggressive. If it wanted to attack her or the dog, it easily could have… and while the encounter is certainly pulse pounding, she managed to keep recording the entire time. There’s a chance the bear hasn’t seen people before and that a good shot of bear spray to the face might’ve helped it learn an important lesson about staying away.
Regardless, something tells me that’ll be the last time she goes on a hike without some. If there was ever a time to use it, it was this encounter right here. As the old saying goes, it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Social media users were shocked by the video, but also made sure to commend the hiker for how she handled crossing paths with a grizzly:
Way to handle business!!!
— Satch33 (@Satch33) June 26, 2026
Her dog was a huge help. Whenever I hike in remote areas or places where grizzlies roam, I always carry bear spray (or high-strength pepper spray). For me, this is not optional—it’s better to have it and not need it than to regret not having it when I need it
— Jessica (@Jessica_96ct) June 26, 2026
The composure she showed in that situation is incredible. Most people would freeze — staying calm and backing away slowly is exactly the right move. Hope she and her dog are safe!
— Kenneth Dennis (@Kenneth604BC) June 26, 2026
thank Heavens the dog is on a leash, smart owner.
— Dar = AKA Gramma Dar AKA Mouthy Mama (@kaseykahnefan) June 26, 2026
Imma just sit in my house or go the gym. No hiking for me please 😅
— J U L I A ❤️ (@LaudableJulia) June 26, 2026
Yeah, you know what? That’s not a bad idea. I’ve never been attacked by a bear while I’m laying on my couch snacking on chips. The odds of a bear attack in that situation are basically 0%.
