Over Memorial Day weekend, two hikers, Mason Van Zeeland and Alyssa Olsen, experienced a heart-stopping encounter with grizzly bears in Glacier National Park, Montana. The pair captured the moment on video, which has since been shared widely on social media.

The hikers were warned by others on the trail about recent bear sightings, but nothing could have prepared them for the sudden appearance of two grizzlies. One bear charged past them, while the other stopped nearby, prompting Olsen to express her fear, captured on video, as the situation escalated.

Bear Safety in National Parks

Initially, Van Zeeland and Olsen attempted to wait out the encounter, but when one bear turned its attention towards them, Van Zeeland used bear spray to deter it. The bear then retreated into the woods, leaving both hikers and bears unharmed.

This incident serves as a reminder of the ever-present wildlife in Glacier National Park, known for its grizzly population. The National Park Service advises visitors to maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears, carry bear spray, and avoid running during encounters.

Just weeks before, a tragic incident occurred when a hiker was found dead in the park, suspected to be a victim of a bear attack. This marked the first deadly bear attack in the park since 1998, underscoring the importance of preparedness and caution when hiking in bear country.

For Van Zeeland and Olsen, their encounter ended safely, providing them with a story to tell and a strong reminder of the necessity of carrying bear spray in areas known for grizzly activity.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.