Video captures ‘momentous experience’ as grizzly bear wanders near national park road
A grizzly bear was spotted roaming along a road in an Alaska national park — and the “momentous experience” was captured on camera.
The sighting happened in Denali National Park and Preserve along Denali Park Road, park officials said in a Facebook post.
The video prompted social media users to share their own bear experiences at the park.
“We have been within 25 feet of a Grizzly every time we have been to Denali. Truly magnificent creatures!” one person commented.
Others said they were thankful they were inside a vehicle when they saw the massive bears.
“Saw one there a few years ago. Let’s just say that I was glad to be inside the bus!” another person commented.
But some didn’t have the safety of a vehicle.
“I saw one from the road to Denali, but I was on my bicycle! Different set of options,” one person wrote.
Park officials reminded visitors to stay safe by staying 300 feet away from bears if outside of a vehicle and 25 yards if you are within a vehicle.
If a bear comes closer than 25 yards, park officials said to close the vehicle’s windows and stay silent because bears have an “outstanding sense of smell and keen hearing.”
“They are inquisitive creatures that are extremely intelligent,” park officials said. “If they lose their natural fear of humans, they can pose a threat to visitors and themselves.”
”This is their home — give them their space!” they added.
There are only about 300 to 350 grizzly bears on the north side of the Alaska range, officials said, so visitors are more likely to see black bears, which also live within the park.
Wildlife officials advise visitors to take a bus through the park for an opportunity to spot grizzly bears. Guests can take a tour bus or shuttle.
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