Three hikers described a heart-pounding encounter with a grizzly bear, nicknamed “Scuba Sue,” on a trail in southeast Alaska's Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory. The group rounded a corner and found themselves face-to-face with the bear as it was hunting for salmon.
Dr. Michelle Lynn Thaller, one of the hikers, shared on "Fox & Friends Weekend" that they had previously seen several black bears and were anticipating seeing more wildlife. However, the grizzly encounter was unexpected. Video footage from the scene shows the bear approaching the hikers on the narrow path.
"Oh, [I] was definitely terrified. And then we remembered what the rangers told us, which was what you said, to be big, talk to the bear, keep it calm and get out of its way," hiker Tanya Thompson stated. The hikers spoke calmly to the bear while slowly backing away, adhering to safety protocols. Thompson noted there was no space to step off the trail where they encountered the bear, requiring them to retreat to allow it to pass.
Tony Cutraro, another hiker in the group, mentioned they had received briefings from park rangers and were aware they were in bear country, having observed evidence of bears on the trail.
Thaller also commented on the delayed salmon run this year, which she believes has made the local wildlife hungrier and potentially increased the danger of such encounters. "These bears, they’re hungry. They’re waiting for the salmon to come," she said.
Park rangers advise individuals encountering bears to identify themselves by speaking calmly, as this signals they are human and not prey. Remaining still and avoiding sudden movements or running away are also recommended steps. After a few tense moments, the grizzly bear eventually moved past the hikers and continued on its way.