Bear Encounter - What Would Of You Done ?

 

An eventful week in the woods.

This sow with cubs hasn’t been around in a while, ( Pic Above)  The cubs are getting big.

The video was a surprise. Likely not to see this again. https://youtu.be/_i1z-ahuzZo

 

 

While hiking behind a beaver pond, I met a sow and her yearling eating skunk cabbage near the trail. I didn't notice them until I heard loud tearing sounds. The bears were so focused on foraging skunk cabbage that they didn't hear me approaching. The incident lasted about twenty seconds, giving me time to decide what to do.

My first thought was "Oh crap!" as I never expected this! I was so close that sudden movement might startle the sow, who was just a short lunge away. I chose to freeze, hoping she would scent or see me and leave. She looked up at me in disbelief before bolting off, stopping thirty yards away and looking back for her cub. The yearling cub stayed by a small tree, watching me. I slowly backed away, and after a few steps, the yearling ran to its mother.

Thankfully, my decision worked out well. Let me know your thoughts . What would you have done ?   hikingcamera@aol.com

Jim