Skip to main content

This video shows just how fast a bear attack can happen

Grizzly bears are unpredictable and can attack at high speed, as this video proves

A grizzly bear stands in a woodland clearing.
Zdenek Machacek / Unsplash

When wildlife photographer Aaron Teasdale set up his camera to capture the release of a grizzly bear back into the wild, he wasn’t counting on the bear having other ideas. It’s not every day that we witness a grizzly bear attack firsthand. We understandably try to avoid an encounter becoming an attack, and people encountering a grizzly in the wild are too preoccupied to think about their Instagram followers. While we might have seen these majestic creatures moving across the plains and even chasing down prey, this new video shows what it would be like to experience a grizzly bear attack. I’ll give you a hint: it would be pretty darn terrifying.

Hikers and outdoors people across the U.S. know how dangerous bears can be. These furry menaces have shut down trails already this summer, and this bear in question was being relocated after a bout of getting into chicken coops. Teasdale expected the bear to leave the trailer and run straight toward the water — and freedom — but the grizzly had other plans. Instead, it decided to exact its revenge on the humans who had dared to trap and move it. Watch the video below to see how fast a bear attack can happen.

How fast can grizzly bears attack?

You’ve seen the video. It’s fast. Despite their size and hulking walk, grizzly bears can reach up to thirty-five miles per hour. For reference here, when Usain Bolt set the 100-meter world record, he topped out at around 23 mph, so if you think you could outrun a grizzly, think again. It’s not just a crazy top speed either; these bears can burst out of the traps with explosive power and speed — look at how fast the grizzly in the video leaves the trap.

The good news is that bears are generally not aggressive toward humans. The bear in this video released some pent-up energy and rage and took it out on the — fortunately — unmanned camera. That said, accidentally startling a bear or getting between a mother bear and her cubs could be enough to instigate this behavior from a grizzly. As a wildlife photographer, avid thru-hiker, camper, or anyone who likes to hang out in the backcountry where these bears make their home, you should be prepared and aim to minimize the risk of ending up like this camera. Here are some steps you can follow to avoid seeing this sight in real life:

  • Make noise to alert bears to your presence in their territory.
  • Hike in a group rather than alone.
  • Store your food in a way that doesn’t attract wildlife to your camp.
  • Be ready to identify a black or brown bear and know what to do in the event of a bear attack.
  • Carry bear pepper spray and be ready to use it.
  • Whatever you do, don’t try to outrun a bear.

Editors' Recommendations

Tom Kilpatrick
A London-born outdoor enthusiast, Tom took the first ticket out of suburban life. What followed was a twelve-year career as…
Apple just gave hikers, campers, skiers, and snowboarders a great reason to use Apple Maps and ditch Google Maps
Go anywhere and never get lost
Apple Maps update press release photo

Google Maps has long been a dominant player in navigation, known for its comprehensive data and ease of use. However, with the release of iOS 17, Apple has introduced a game-changing feature that's set to make Apple Maps the go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Apple is finally introducing offline maps, and it's a feature that will revolutionize the way hikers, campers, skiers, and snowboarders navigate the great outdoors.
iOS 17 unveils offline maps for Apple Maps
Apple Maps has come a long way since its initial launch, and it's continually striving to offer users a more robust and feature-rich experience. With the launch of iOS 17 on September 18, 2023, Apple is introducing offline maps, a feature that will be a game-changer for those who love outdoor activities.

Offline maps allow users to select specific areas to download to their phones. Once downloaded, these maps can be accessed and used without an internet connection. This makes it possible to enjoy turn-by-turn navigation and conduct searches even in remote areas where internet connectivity may be unreliable or nonexistent. It works similarly to Google Maps in the sense that you do need a WiFi connection to download the maps, but after that, you're good to go off the grid.
The perfect companion for outdoor adventures
For outdoor enthusiasts, this feature is a dream come true. Whether you're hiking in the wilderness, camping in a remote location, skiing down the slopes, or snowboarding in the mountains, having access to offline maps can be a lifesaver. Here's how this feature can benefit different adventure seekers:

Read more
You may want an electric mountain bike, but you probably shouldn’t buy one – here’s why
Spoiler alert: You can blame the government for this, too
A large sign on a tree on the side of a mountain bike trail telling riders that e-bikes are not allowed

There is really one more type of mountain bike that should be added to the list of mountain bike categories that make up the sport. Electric mountain bikes have broken onto the scene and have rapidly grown in popularity.

One look at these electric mountain bikes, especially if you look at the suspension travel numbers, would have you thinking that they fall into the “trail” or “enduro” mountain bike category. And while these bikes do look similar, the pedal assist of an electric mountain bike means that long cross-country rides aren’t out of the question.

Read more
In Yellowstone National Park, one woman was sent running after yet another too-close encounter with a bison
Here's why you should NEVER get in front of a wild bison, kids
Closeup of large black bison starting at camera from a grassy field.

In the past few years, tourists have started visiting the best U.S. National Parks in record numbers. More people means more animal encounters — specifically wild animal encounters. It should go without saying that wild animals are, well, wild. That means they can be unpredictable, aggressive, and even dangerous when they feel threatened. Can you blame them? But that hasn't stopped some people from putting their safety, even their lives, at risk just to snag "the perfect selfie." Case in point: Yet another tourist who couldn't resist getting an all-too-close "ussie" with a wild bison, and nearly found herself the victim of another Yellowstone National Park bison attack.

Instagram user yesitisjen captured this brief video snippet of the encounter:

Read more