A hiker is lucky to be alive after a large black bear bluff charged him on the trail. The hiker begin shaking bear bells as the animal approached, but the bear was not deterred. The man who shared the footage on social media is using the viral video to remind hikers that bear bells are not an effective deterrent.
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“Black bear charges hiker jingling bells on the popular Mt Wilson Trail in Los Angeles,” wrote Ben Babušis in his caption. “Remember, bear bells are to alert wildlife of our presence, they do not work as a deterrent. I was not present for this. Video provided by my stepmom [Lisa Babusis] @pauksciuke who witnessed this from a distance down the trail – she is an avid hiker down in So Cal. It was a false charge, no injuries!”
[RELATED: Bear Jump Scare: Woman Startled When Animal Leaps From Car]
When hiking in bear country, wearing a bear bell isn’t a bad idea, but relying on it solely is. Carry bear spray at all times, and be sure you know how to use it.
Watch a bear bluff charge a hiker who was jingling bear bells below (or see it here):
Header stock image by Japanesescape_Footages/Getty Images
Best Bear (and Mountain Lion) Sprays
- SABRE Frontiersman MAX Bear and Mountain Lion Attack Deterrent
- Counter Assault Bear Deterrant Spray
- UDAP Pepper Power Bear Spray
- Mace Brand Bear Spray
- UDAP Griz Guard Bear Pepper Spray
Learn more about bear sprays here.
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