@slopitch_keith: Came face to face with two grizzly cubs while hiking the Rockwall trail in Kootenay National Park this week. Literally let my guard down for thirty seconds after surveying the area knowing these three frequented the area. Came up to a small bush to have both cubs playfully approach me without warning. Within two seconds momma was on me. The first false charge (not pictured) ended with her less than ten feet from me. The noise she made was absolutely terrifying. Thankfully she was just making a point. Absolutely lucky momma was only protecting her young. This video is after our first encounter after I backed down off the trail. I am very bear aware but relaxed for thirty seconds to send a quick text. 100% my bad. I did have bear spray in my hand after the initial retreat but thought I angered her enough. I was also downwind - not ideal. The entire encounter lasted less than a minute. Backing up, making space, not turning my back and speaking in a firm voice was enough to walk away from this without injury. I was lucky after letting my guard down for a very brief moment. Thankful everyone walked away no worse for wear. A group of four Belgian hikers took a pretty cool video of me coming back up onto the trail with momma and her cubs running off down the mountain in the background. Lesson learned. Never let your guard down, not even for a second when in bear country. This momma is spotted often on this trail, almost daily, without incident. I just happened to be quiet at the wrong time. They were just as surprised as I was to see each other not five feet away. Feeling fortunate in Canada 🇨🇦 Happy trails out there and stay safe! #grizzly #kootenay #bear #canada #rockwall

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Thursday 27 August 2026 18:11:29 GMT