your philosophy on existing peacefully with nature reminded me of the beginning lines of my favorite poem…”go placidly amid the noise and the haste and remember what peace there may be in silence…”
Thank you for making these videos and sharing your knowledge and philosophies with us. The beauty of the areas you go in is amazing. I have only been to Montana one time. I will always remember how beautiful the north west is. We don’t have grizzlies here, just black bears but I enjoy learning about grizzlies. They are amazing bears and thanks to you I will have more knowledge of them and be safer should I make it back out west. I love the way you feel about being in the wilderness and I’m sure it carries on into your everyday life. I too feel that way when I hike. We are just visitors in any area where wildlife lives. God made us keepers of the land and we need to be responsible and diligent in doing so. My dad was a Florida game warden. He taught me the beauty of God’s creation and to respect all living things. I have him to thank for that. Thank you again. Stay safe and God bless.
Excellent video Stan! I love your soothing voice and how you respect the wildlife and their home, thank you for that, I truly appreciate it! Your camera is absolutely wonderful, very clear and steady, really nice! Also, thank you for picking up people's garbage! Keep it safe out there my friend and congratulations on finding that superb Grizzly, what a magnificent animal! Thank you for sharing this super video, I appreciate and love your work here on these incredible videos of yous, I really enjoy them, take care! Bye for now!
thats a ski helmet. love your videos man. I wouldnt suggest for most folks to hike around solo in grizzly country like you are doing. but I can tell from watching the way your handling yourself that you have been at it a hot minute and know how to judge and assess situations correctly. we have been coming across grizzly bears in parts of idaho where they arent supposed to be but from looking at a map there not all that far from the areas we know they are so it kind of makes sense. I had a terrifying run in with a female sow and two cubs bow hunting for elk up near wyoming and the pallisades. two things saved us from disaster. there was 5 grown men with packs on in a group. and her cubs were behind her down the hill not in front of her between us. she bluff charged us a few times and we did what we could to not panic and then she finally realized she had a clear avenue to leave and she took her cubs and charged down the drainage and got outa the area in a hurry. I will say this much she covered the amount of ground in 5 minutes across that drainage that ive hiked in and out of in probably 40 minutes. its absolutely crazy how fast they can cover ground in rough terrain
where Grizzlies aren't supposed to be? Why are people in Idaho so arrogant? from the Selkirks to Selway Grizzly recovery area is really not a far walk for a Grizzlie, they move into Selway from the Cabinet Yaak area of Montana as well, the highest percentage of areas where Grizzlies get poached is in Idaho and you can thank the arrogance, a young Grizzly was poached in the Selway Bitteroot area in 2007 over a black bear bait site, it was the first Grizzly to walk there since the 1940s and it's DNA showed it came from the Selkirk population in the Panhandle
@@twostop6895absolutely didn’t see anything at all arrogant about his post!!! All he stated is they have been coming across Grizzlies in his area where they haven’t been any recorded in many years 🙄
I had the immense joy of visiting Yellowstone recently with a relative who works there and is knowledgeable about a particular grizzly and to our delight we got to see her on the way to Grand Teton park, the "quad mom" known for having multiple cubs. she had 3 with her and to watch the cubs follow her across a busy road was fascinating, one of the cubs just sat back on his haunches as of say, mom, you'r kidding righ,t what are these loud monsters in our way? That was from a car, while on foot came across 2 black bears. I want to go back! It is so beautiful there it hurts.
@@StanMills I’m confused. I was always told to make some kind of noise so bears knew that you’re around. That way they won’t be startled by your sudden appearance. Please elaborate. Thank you.
@@bobnunyabiznz4917 I spent most of the video talking about that. I think the point you may have missed is this video is about how I do it because I always solo hike in grizzly country. I told you in the video that probably the safest way to hike is in groups and to make noise. But I am all about not disturbing the wildlife in their home. This is the way I do it, you should do what feels right for you. But how ever you do it, remember to start out easy and slowly, and gain a little more experience each time you do it. Thanks
Hello from Ontario Canada! Absolutely love the country out your way! It's so beautiful. Thank you for sharing all that you did. We have some beautiful country here in Ontario Canada as well. Plz stay safe as well. Looking forward to following along.. 😊 what a shame that your finding garbage in your beautiful country. 😢 these are the first ones to complain about weather changes etc... take care..
Yes I know there is beautiful country up there. I would love to visit Ontario. I’ve spent some time working in the area but that was in cities of Montreal and Toronto doing an engineering project in the late 90s. Thank you for your comments.
Beautiful country for sure. The spider web might be a pain if you walk into it but look how beautiful it is and amazing how they can spin it to trap their prey.
Respect is the right attitude towards the bear, or else if you piss them off they will likely do harm . Nice to learn all this from you Stan. Great videos.
At first I was a little bit critical because I thought Stan was taking chances, but I was just fearful for him. However, I now see how discerning and wise he is, and now I’ve become an avid viewer, because he does the opposite of taking chances!
I’ve learned so much about nature from you , truly enjoy your videos . Thank you for taking me along with you ! Most beautiful country. God Bless you .
Proceeding slowly and quietly is ideal if you want to see a bear, but the "so I don't scare the bear" thought is a little off. If you sneak around, you increase the chances you'll surprise a bear, and that can end badly. That's why the rangers and other folks always advise talking, whistling, wearing bells, or playing a trombone (okay, maybe not the trombone part). If you're sneaking around to get a view of a bear, just know you're assuming a higher risk of sudden encounters that tend not to favor the human.
Thankfully someone addressing some real troubled philosophies from Stan, listen to this information people as it may save your life if you live or spend lots of time in bear country.
Glad your philosophy has worked out for you all these years. I am from Montana and I am in the backcountry a lot backpacking and I take the opposite approach, especially when I am approaching a blind spot where there is little to no visibility. I make noise because I do not want to run smack into a grizzly and have a face to face encounter. You do not want to surprise a grizzly in this way. Telling people to walk quietly may work for you and I'm glad it does, but it is a philosophy I respectfully do not agree with.
Hi Stan Another very informative and entertaining video. I, like you hike solo and quietly. It seems like if you see them you can make wise choices to avoid them. But my closest encounter was in Yellowstone with a momma and 2 cubs, going through trees and Oops, too close. But good choices and peaceful actions got me out of it. Thanks for your good work.
I was out hiking in Glacier National Park and stopped to tak to a Ranger he jokingly said " can you tell the diffrence between black bear scat and grizzley scat?" He said "Black bear scat has berries and grasses and grizzley scat has bear bells in it!" I like him immediately.
@@shauna5466 a small bell u carry so bears hear it and evacuate the area. My girlfriend bought one last week before we went to the smokies because she didn't want to pay so much for bearspray that would deplete in four seconds (understable- I bought bear spray) We saw two bears. One we got within about two yards of it.
Thank you for sharing your adventures and the knowledge you have. I am hoping to make it to Yellowstone in the next couple of years. Your information will come in very handy!
Great that you rested before seeing the grizzly, he never heard you that was good. Sure nice to see him. Nice area to hike loved the scenery the sky was beautiful that morning. Thank you for a great time watching an learning,
There’s a guide in British Columbia who says he never guides without a gun. It’s ignorant to think you’ll have a chance to “peacefully “ walk away from a bear you’ve startled or a Mom with cubs. If it’s their home (in your opinion ) you’re trespassing right? I’m just amazed at people who think that their “respect” for wildlife will give them any kind of edge against a predator who decides they’re going to eat you or at the very least maul you. I’ve watched a thousand videos on bears and have seen people photographing bears from hundreds of yards away and suddenly the bear turns and decides he’s attacking. They make up the space between in seconds. Seconds. If a couple of them didn’t have vehicles or warning shots they’d be dead. So you do you. Not saying you shouldn’t but your engaging in risky behavior in my opinion
Agreed 100% but each to his own! I enjoy his videos but the, " I don't carry a firearm - bears can sense the silent arrogance" comment was just dumb! Arrogant even! Hopefully it never happens, but if he ever ends up with a 600 lb bear tearing him apart after his bear spray is deployed, his last thought will be, " I should have carried a firearm".
Discharging a firearm in Yellowstone is illegal. Regardless of the studies that show bear spray to be a more effective deterrent, you can bet you'll be in serious legal trouble if you decide to shoot a bear in the Park.
I guess my phobia of bears is likely apparent from my other comment to one of your other videos. Watched one too many bear attack videos that involved either mama Brown or Grizzly bears. Obviously you have no fear, but rather have respect and a calm collected nature that allows you the opportunity to view them without incident. Well done! Not gonna lie, makes we wonder if its a thrill seeking kind of endeavor, like driving a car super fast, or bungy jumping, sky diving etc, adrenaline rush death defying stuff.
Stan, I really admire Your bravery. I was in Yellowstone recently and had to turn back on a logging road cause it was too freaky. Those monsters could grab You. Be careful but thanks so much for the inspiration
Do you have a Garmin in-reach for emergencies? We bought one because we never know where we are going or where we end up. It is a great piece of mind unit.
Great tutorial for the inexperienced! Solo hiking is the best I find. More solitude and peace solo, but more dangerous for sure. You do things right. I always carry other peoples trash (mostly lost or forgotten gear)as well. Don’t carry a handgun either, but I do recommend having one ONLY to use if a bear mauls one before or during one using spray. Sometimes they will attack and injure, run off and come back later. It would smart to have in the event one comes back or another comes in to the smell of blood to feast, especially if it gets dark before search and rescue can get in to help the injured. Never been charged myself thankfully but always hike with the spray in my hand in blind areas or areas that look super grizzy with fresh sign or after coming across a fresh kill carcass ect. Happy hiking stan. Appreciate the upload.
Man your videos are beautiful even if we didn’t see a grizzly the photography is on the ground with the hiker which is so beautiful and says a lot about a person. The very best channel of info on grizzly habitat. So dang perceptive. I was looking for videos like this after watching Timothy Treadwill. My best garth
@@twostop6895 Legislation upcoming: Title IV of America's Outdoor Recreation Act. Write your senator, but lobby for the additional ability of creators to film in Wilderness Areas, with Hand Held Devices, of course. Thank You
I don't know if it's just that you're a little out of breath from the exertion of the walk or your adrenalin is spiking because of the close proximity of a grizz.
Stan: I enjoy your narration and insights while you hike. For 20 years we have visited Yellowstone and some of the surrounding areas but I so enjoy your videos. I have tried to find your Art online and have failed. I also asked about a store or shop in Gardner to see if I might look at your art. Anyway, thank you ever so much for your time and effort...Jerry M
Your gentle and calm commentary and beautiful scenery are wonderful. I despise bears but love your hikes. I have been to Yellowstone and I thought it was the most beautiful and diverse nature I have ever seen. I’m glad I found this channel. Thanks! Edit-despise probably isn’t the right word. Terrified is.
@@deew7014 I know right? I'm curious if they really despise them or maybe they just fear them. I've just never heard anyone say they despise bears. When I visited Yellowstone solo I wouldn't go on hikes like in this video. I was too afraid of the grizzlies. I would only go far enough that I could easily get back to my car if needed. I still got to see grizzlies and lots of other animals.
@@Chillaxing113 when I was in my late teens early 20’s I had recurring dreams about bears chasing me. It went on for quite a few years and each dream was terrifying. I hadn’t really had any opinions on bears before that but those dreams were so vivid that I became frightened of bears. I live in a midwestern state where there are no bears which is great. A few years ago my husband encountered a bear. We were in PA visiting his parents and one day he went for a hike up to the Appalachia Trail which wasn’t far from his parents house. I had done that hike up to the trail with him before and he had grown up hiking it and never once mentioned bears. That day I didn’t go with him and it probably saved his life because a black bear came walking out of the trees and walked right by him. He stood still (after taking his phone out to record the bear) and kept quiet. He showed me that video and I told him had I been with him I would probably have taken off running and yelling. So maybe despise isn’t the right word maybe it should be terrified.
@@alloralou4722 I thought maybe you meant you were afraid of them and didn't actually despise them. I understand your fear. When visiting Alaska, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks encountering a grizzly bear was always on my mind. Because of that I didn't hike the back country. I was still able to observe grizzlies and lots of wildlife. We have black bears here where I live but they don't concern me as much as a grizzly. They say not to run away from a bear but I don't know if I could not do that if one was coming towards me. Like you I would probably take off running.
I was 23 (30 years ago) and was bird hunting with three buddies. We got lost. I knew the area, but got turned around. That Christmas, one gift from my Dad was a compass with a note that said never walk in the woods without a compass.
I'm curious what do you think of wearing or carrying bells or singing in Grizzly territory? Do you think it's good to let them know you are there? You seem to almost take the opposite approach
Love the +++commentary videos Stan. Not that your quiet hikes aren’t great too, but love hearing your thoughts as you go… You are Galileo, man, challenging the entrenched conventional wisdom of what to do when hiking thru Grizzly country (bells, yells, air horns, crowds)
The helmet is from the last person that tried visiting the grizzly bear area. He or she is now possibly bear scat. The helmet is still there because the bear’s on an all natural diet.
I ran into two grizzlies a couple of weeks ago. They were both too close for comfort. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I must have been very close to one. I was in the bushes with him. He must have known I was there.
That does look like a riding helmet. Odd that they dropped it and just left it. I have horses and ride with a helmet. They could have taken it off and accidentally dropped it and they knew they wouldn't be able to get back on without something to stand on. That's my situation when I ride my thoroughbred. I can't mount her unless I can stand on something. So if I have to dismount on the trail and there isn't anything to stand on it's a walk back to the barn for me. LOL
I have had a couple of grizzly bear encounters in Denali and Glacier. But I think I was most careful with moose encounters as the ranger warned that a man had been killed a couple of weeks earlier by a Moose in the Beartooths exactly where I was headed. Of course, I encountered a big male moose on the trail not long after started backpacking. The moose saw me but it just stood there watching me. After realizing he wasn't going to move I went into the woods and finally got around him. But the woods were full of bear scat, so that wasn't too comforting. Later where I camped at September Morn lake I was watching the squirrels busy picking up pine cones, then I realized I had been told that it was prime time for bears eating nuts. So there I was, camped in prime bear territory. I moved.
@Rocky Mountain Adventures & Mining Those terrible activists using facts again! I highly doubt a park ranger who told him this was an activist, you just seem to be throwing around buzz words you don't understand
Rocky Mountain. I am sorry to say this, but you obviously have not spent much time in the backcountry that has big bull moose. Deep timber is nothing for bull moose during the rut. They go through there like nothing. It is very scary to see!! It is extremely scary if you get too close!
@Rocky Mountain Adventures & Mining not saying that you are a liar. But saying that a moose in the open is much more dangerous than a moose in the deep timber. That is not accurate because I have experienced moose during the rut in thick timber. Very dangerous and scary. But I did go to your channel to check out your body of work with grizzlies and other wild animals.
I don't know if you are aware of "Park Junkie", he works in Yellowstone and has been putting out great videos on his hikes and climbs in Yellowstone this summer on UA-cam and 4 weeks ago he had a really intense encounter with a grizzly and 3 cubs, GREAT VIEWING!
Yes! I love me some Park Junkie AND some Stan Mills! Reading thru the comments specifically to check on him since I haven't seen a new video come out for two weeks now. Stan, I was worried! Love your videos and art! Thank you!
@@StanMills makes total sense. Glad to hear you are ok! I'm leaving this weekend for my first trip to the area for mine and my husbands 30th wedding anniversary (along with our best friends!). It's been a lifetime dream of mine to see Montana and the area. That's what brought me to your channel, but I'm sure to stick around long after we return home. Thanks for your gentle nature and the gift you give us.
GREAT VIDEO AND INFORMATION! HOWEVER, IT'S NOT THE GUN THAT KILLS, IT'S THE PERSON THAT PULLS THE TRIGGER. LIKEWISE, IT'S NOT THE GUN THE ANIMALS FEAR, IT'S THE ATTITUTE AND BEHAVIOR OF THE PERSON CARRYING THE GUN. IN YOUR DEFENSE, SOME PEOPLE FEEL TOUGH AND ARROGANT WITH A GUN--THAT ATTITUDE CAN GET THEM ATTACKED!
@@StanMills thanks Stan, but you have excellent oration skills! P. S. Check out my newest Adventure series video entitled: bear spray or gun! I think you will like it!
No sir, the bear knew you were there. He knew you were there before he saw you. Bears have one of the best, if not the best, sense of smell than any other animal.
My question is, what about when some say, we should make noise. So are you saying, if you’re solo hiking it’s best to keep quiet vs. a solo hiker making noise. On another note, I saw some perfect looking Christmas trees, but Im aware that they can’t be cut down
Marjorjorie, this is the way I do it because I am trying not to disturb the wildlife and I am being careful to respect the fact that this is their home. This is how “I” do it. You should do things the way you think is best for you. Thanks for your comments.
@@StanMills I believe I read where you’ve done it this way for years, and never been attacked; therefore, I think your method is tried and true. I actually prefer the quiet approach also, because you’re constantly investigating the area for signs of their presence before you proceed, which is wise. I enjoy your hikes! Bless you and continue to stay safe!
Apparently, there's disagreement about whether or not one should make noise. Other bear experts say to make noise so you don't startle them. And the narrator said that grizzly never knew he was there. I thought they had an amazing sense of smell, which would mean the bear DID know you were there..
Barbara, I am not a bear expert. Never claimed to be. Just spent many years solo hiking on foot with them. To this day, I learn more each and every time I am out there. I am just telling the way I do it based on experience. You should do things the way you feel is best for you.
@@StanMills my intent was not to insult or offend you. I didn't say it in my first comment, but I DID enjoy your video, and I am amazed that there are people out there who WANT to be where the bears are. Watching videos where a bear is following people sends chills down my spine!
Hey Stan, I'm curious of the circumstances where you had to climb a tree from a grizzly encounter? I saw you had commented that you had done that before.
I have not. But I have had one very strange encounter deep in the backcountry camping once. I couldn't get my camera out fast enough so who knows what I saw...I am not sure. Wish I could have gotten a video.
Okay move quietly no bells. But isn't the purpose of the bells not to surprise them? I get the calm part but if you go over a hill or around a blind and they are on the other side doesn't that come with danger?
I heard we need to let bears know we are coming so they don’t get surprised and avoid humans. If we’re too quiet, they might think we are sneaking up on them.
Why do they collar these grizzlys ? We see our smokies black bears ear tagged when they get into trouble here in Gatlinburg, but are the grizzlys getting into trouble with ranchers ? Since it's not in a town ?
The sun is much easier to use early or late in the day because it will just be overhead in the afternoon. Just keep that in mind because it’s not as simple as east and west all the time.
Came across a Grizzly bear on Targhee Creek Trail 2 days ago (about 5 miles from where the lady was killed 2 weeks ago). Not the 1st one I have come upon but something about being in that area put a little extra scare in me.
I have two questions. 1. Are the collared bears chosen randomly, or are they collared because of certain behaviour or interactions with people? 2. If you twisted an ankle or became somehow incapacitated how would you get out if you can’t walk out? Do you have a way to call for help?
Another person was talking about collars so I will cut and past what I wrote: "I know they put collars on them to collect data on survival, reproduction, habitat, behavior, and movement of the grizzlies. I actually didn’t know they were putting collars on grizzlies within Yellowstone National Park to track nuisance grizzly bears. I know they do that on black bears outside of the park around the country. Plus, the collars are made to fall off after about 2 years so I don’t see how that would be effective for nuisance bears." As far as getting an injury or something while hiking, I always have an inReach satellite communicator with me.
My gosh, I never knew their long claws are primarily for digging and certainly not for digging for burrowing animals. I always thought they were just for killing large prey and threats.
When hiking if you don’t want to surprise the bear you are supposed to talk or say things like “Hey bear, don’t you scare! I know some people who don’t say much, the philosophy being to sneak past the bear. Since Stan is trying to see the bear, then the silent treatment is the technique, but of course you have to be very careful and you want to see the bear before it sees you.
i know they say grizzlies would rather avoid us or don't see us as prey like a polar bear would, but what about when they come out of hibernation? especially a mother bear that's just given birth? are there restrictions at national parks in certain seasons for this if bears are more pron to attack/prey on us ? if it is the case that is. any experts please, im a city boy so any wildlife we have go around in herds of hoodies.
I have a video that is totally dedicated to mother grizzly bears with cubs encounters on my channel. And several videos on my channel are taken soon after they come out of hibernation but I don't usually say anything about that because their behavior is no different. As far as restrictions, yes, there are certain areas of the park that are closed at certain times because of bear activity. Thank you for your comment.
Coyotes have a rapid (staccato) and high pitched type yelp, while wolves have a more sustained deep howl, more of a serenade, and will bring goosebumps to those lucky enough to experience them.
Thanks, Stan! What a gift you are to your subscribers, the animals, and God! The chemtrails were horrible in the footage where you were watching for the plane and in parts of the video after that! No wonder so many trees are dead or dying!
I didn't notice them so I will have to go back and look. It always amazes me how the airlines always have to route right over Yellowstone. Have you ever thought about the fact that there is no place to go to get away from the sounds of man?
@@StanMills I hear you! We recently moved from the mountains of southern NM and even there we could hear bombs going off from a bombing range that is south of the forest!
@@johngould7548 And they are so proud of their Yellowstone Airport that now has airline service. Now we get to hear jets approaching low to land at that airport. The western part of the park is very noisy now. I guess that is what they call progress!
They can climb trees if they want to. But if you are up a tree spaying bear spray down on one that wants to come up after you, I think you would be okay. I have never heard of a grizzly climbing a tree to try to get a human. Climbing a tree definitely makes you feel safer. I have done it before.
Your kind of the Bob Ross of hiking.! So positive and relaxing. Happy bears and and happy trees. Love your channel
Oh thank you. I never thought about it that way. Have a great day.
Thank you for the video Stan. This world needs more outdoorsman like you.
your philosophy on existing peacefully with nature reminded me of the beginning lines of my favorite poem…”go placidly amid the noise and the haste and remember what peace there may be in silence…”
Desperate. My favorite also
Desiderata
Thank you for making these videos and sharing your knowledge and philosophies with us.
The beauty of the areas you go in is amazing. I have only been to Montana one time. I will always remember how beautiful the north west is.
We don’t have grizzlies here, just black bears but I enjoy learning about grizzlies. They are amazing bears and thanks to you I will have more knowledge of them and be safer should I make it back out west.
I love the way you feel about being in the wilderness and I’m sure it carries on into your everyday life. I too feel that way when I hike. We are just visitors in any area where wildlife lives. God made us keepers of the land and we need to be responsible and diligent in doing so.
My dad was a Florida game warden. He taught me the beauty of God’s creation and to respect all living things. I have him to thank for that.
Thank you again. Stay safe and God bless.
Excellent video Stan!
I love your soothing voice and how you respect the wildlife and their home, thank you for that, I truly appreciate it!
Your camera is absolutely wonderful, very clear and steady, really nice!
Also, thank you for picking up people's garbage!
Keep it safe out there my friend and congratulations on finding that superb Grizzly, what a magnificent animal!
Thank you for sharing this super video, I appreciate and love your work here on these incredible videos of yous, I really enjoy them, take care! Bye for now!
thats a ski helmet. love your videos man. I wouldnt suggest for most folks to hike around solo in grizzly country like you are doing. but I can tell from watching the way your handling yourself that you have been at it a hot minute and know how to judge and assess situations correctly. we have been coming across grizzly bears in parts of idaho where they arent supposed to be but from looking at a map there not all that far from the areas we know they are so it kind of makes sense. I had a terrifying run in with a female sow and two cubs bow hunting for elk up near wyoming and the pallisades. two things saved us from disaster. there was 5 grown men with packs on in a group. and her cubs were behind her down the hill not in front of her between us. she bluff charged us a few times and we did what we could to not panic and then she finally realized she had a clear avenue to leave and she took her cubs and charged down the drainage and got outa the area in a hurry. I will say this much she covered the amount of ground in 5 minutes across that drainage that ive hiked in and out of in probably 40 minutes. its absolutely crazy how fast they can cover ground in rough terrain
where Grizzlies aren't supposed to be? Why are people in Idaho so arrogant? from the Selkirks to Selway Grizzly recovery area is really not a far walk for a Grizzlie, they move into Selway from the Cabinet Yaak area of Montana as well, the highest percentage of areas where Grizzlies get poached is in Idaho and you can thank the arrogance, a young Grizzly was poached in the Selway Bitteroot area in 2007 over a black bear bait site, it was the first Grizzly to walk there since the 1940s and it's DNA showed it came from the Selkirk population in the Panhandle
@@twostop6895absolutely didn’t see anything at all arrogant about his post!!! All he stated is they have been coming across Grizzlies in his area where they haven’t been any recorded in many years 🙄
I had the immense joy of visiting Yellowstone recently with a relative who works there and is knowledgeable about a particular grizzly and to our delight we got to see her on the way to Grand Teton park, the "quad mom" known for having multiple cubs. she had 3 with her and to watch the cubs follow her across a busy road was fascinating, one of the cubs just sat back on his haunches as of say, mom, you'r kidding righ,t what are these loud monsters in our way? That was from a car, while on foot came across 2 black bears. I want to go back! It is so beautiful there it hurts.
And if you get to see some bears while hiking on foot, well all I can say is that it is an amazing experience.
@@StanMills I’m confused. I was always told to make some kind of noise so bears knew that you’re around. That way they won’t be startled by your sudden appearance. Please elaborate. Thank you.
@@bobnunyabiznz4917 I spent most of the video talking about that. I think the point you may have missed is this video is about how I do it because I always solo hike in grizzly country. I told you in the video that probably the safest way to hike is in groups and to make noise. But I am all about not disturbing the wildlife in their home. This is the way I do it, you should do what feels right for you. But how ever you do it, remember to start out easy and slowly, and gain a little more experience each time you do it. Thanks
That bear was recently hit and killed while crossing a road. She left an orphaned cub. Last I read the cub hasn’t been seen.
Hello from Ontario Canada! Absolutely love the country out your way! It's so beautiful. Thank you for sharing all that you did. We have some beautiful country here in Ontario Canada as well. Plz stay safe as well. Looking forward to following along.. 😊 what a shame that your finding garbage in your beautiful country. 😢 these are the first ones to complain about weather changes etc... take care..
Yes I know there is beautiful country up there. I would love to visit Ontario. I’ve spent some time working in the area but that was in cities of Montreal and Toronto doing an engineering project in the late 90s. Thank you for your comments.
Beautiful country for sure. The spider web might be a pain if you walk into it but look how beautiful it is and amazing how they can spin it to trap their prey.
Beautiful scenery. I'll have to keep my grizzly bear country hiking to watching and viewing as you share. Thanks once again for sharing.
@31:00 and @31:30, that’s all that is left from the last two people who weren’t hiking peacefully, in a respectful manner…
Beautiful hike ,very intense with the bear on your trail ! Take care, God bless
Respect is the right attitude towards the bear, or else if you piss them off they will likely do harm . Nice to learn all this from you Stan. Great videos.
At first I was a little bit critical because I thought Stan was taking chances, but I was just fearful for him. However, I now see how discerning and wise he is, and now I’ve become an avid viewer, because he does the opposite of taking chances!
This is one of my fav videos. Thanks for the lesson and thank you so much for picking up and hauling the garbage out.💓
I really enjoy your videos. Peaceful. Thank you
I’ve learned so much about nature from you , truly enjoy your videos . Thank you for taking me along with you ! Most beautiful country. God Bless you .
Proceeding slowly and quietly is ideal if you want to see a bear, but the "so I don't scare the bear" thought is a little off. If you sneak around, you increase the chances you'll surprise a bear, and that can end badly. That's why the rangers and other folks always advise talking, whistling, wearing bells, or playing a trombone (okay, maybe not the trombone part). If you're sneaking around to get a view of a bear, just know you're assuming a higher risk of sudden encounters that tend not to favor the human.
Thankfully someone addressing some real troubled philosophies from Stan, listen to this information people as it may save your life if you live or spend lots of time in bear country.
Agreed.
Glad your philosophy has worked out for you all these years. I am from Montana and I am in the backcountry a lot backpacking and I take the opposite approach, especially when I am approaching a blind spot where there is little to no visibility. I make noise because I do not want to run smack into a grizzly and have a face to face encounter. You do not want to surprise a grizzly in this way. Telling people to walk quietly may work for you and I'm glad it does, but it is a philosophy I respectfully do not agree with.
“My philosophy is to come out here in Gods beautiful creation in a peaceful manner that respects the wildlife.”
Amen, Stan.
So beautiful, yet the fear factor in me is registering off the charts!
Hi Stan
Another very informative and entertaining video. I, like you hike solo and quietly. It seems like if you see them you can make wise choices to avoid them. But my closest encounter was in Yellowstone with a momma and 2 cubs, going through trees and Oops, too close. But good choices and peaceful actions got me out of it.
Thanks for your good work.
I was out hiking in Glacier National Park and stopped to tak to a Ranger he jokingly said " can you tell the diffrence between black bear scat and grizzley scat?" He said "Black bear scat has berries and grasses and grizzley scat has bear bells in it!" I like him immediately.
What are bear bells?
You hope a grizzly goes peacefully on his way………
That's a very old joke
@@shauna5466 a small bell u carry so bears hear it and evacuate the area. My girlfriend bought one last week before we went to the smokies because she didn't want to pay so much for bearspray that would deplete in four seconds (understable- I bought bear spray)
We saw two bears. One we got within about two yards of it.
@@bryantparker7390 oh he'll nahh
Thank you for sharing your adventures and the knowledge you have. I am hoping to make it to Yellowstone in the next couple of years. Your information will come in very handy!
Great video. It is wonderful how you emphasize how the wilderness is their home and we should respect it and the inhabitants.
Great that you rested before seeing the grizzly, he never heard you that was good. Sure nice to see him. Nice area to hike loved the scenery the sky was beautiful that morning. Thank you for a great time watching an learning,
Yes, very nice area. I hope you can get out and try it some time. Thanks for your comments.
There’s a guide in British Columbia who says he never guides without a gun. It’s ignorant to think you’ll have a chance to “peacefully “ walk away from a bear you’ve startled or a Mom with cubs. If it’s their home (in your opinion ) you’re trespassing right?
I’m just amazed at people who think that their “respect” for wildlife will give them any kind of edge against a predator who decides they’re going to eat you or at the very least maul you.
I’ve watched a thousand videos on bears and have seen people photographing bears from hundreds of yards away and suddenly the bear turns and decides he’s attacking. They make up the space between in seconds. Seconds.
If a couple of them didn’t have vehicles or warning shots they’d be dead.
So you do you. Not saying you shouldn’t but your engaging in risky behavior in my opinion
Agreed 100% but each to his own! I enjoy his videos but the, " I don't carry a firearm - bears can sense the silent arrogance" comment was just dumb! Arrogant even! Hopefully it never happens, but if he ever ends up with a 600 lb bear tearing him apart after his bear spray is deployed, his last thought will be, " I should have carried a firearm".
Discharging a firearm in Yellowstone is illegal. Regardless of the studies that show bear spray to be a more effective deterrent, you can bet you'll be in serious legal trouble if you decide to shoot a bear in the Park.
Love your videos! So natural and calming. Let’s us enjoy nature and the animals as natural and pure as possible, seeing it through your eyes and lens.
I guess my phobia of bears is likely apparent from my other comment to one of your other videos. Watched one too many bear attack videos that involved either mama Brown or Grizzly bears. Obviously you have no fear, but rather have respect and a calm collected nature that allows you the opportunity to view them without incident. Well done! Not gonna lie, makes we wonder if its a thrill seeking kind of endeavor, like driving a car super fast, or bungy jumping, sky diving etc, adrenaline rush death defying stuff.
Thank u again for another awesome video! You are a great educator.
Enjoying your hiking experience vicariously. Thank you for sharing the beauty and tranquility with such a deep spirit of quiet respect.
Love your adventures Stan. Thank you.
Excellent video, great tips, but one other thing I do is carry a 460 magnum in grizzly country as last line of defense.
Then you're not hiking peacefully
Stan, I really admire Your bravery. I was in Yellowstone recently and had to turn back on a logging road cause it was too freaky. Those monsters could grab You. Be careful but thanks so much for the inspiration
Best content on UA-cam ATM btw. You're and American treasure. I'd love to go on a hike w you sometime
Do you have a Garmin in-reach for emergencies? We bought one because we never know where we are going or where we end up. It is a great piece of mind unit.
Yes, always
I enjoy your videos Stan! Stay safe out there. 😎
Yes, even in the middle of the ocean I can stay connected and get weather updates.
Really good informative video and hike. Two cans of bear spray is such a must. Thanks for the info.
Great tutorial for the inexperienced! Solo hiking is the best I find. More solitude and peace solo, but more dangerous for sure. You do things right. I always carry other peoples trash (mostly lost or forgotten gear)as well. Don’t carry a handgun either, but I do recommend having one ONLY to use if a bear mauls one before or during one using spray. Sometimes they will attack and injure, run off and come back later. It would smart to have in the event one comes back or another comes in to the smell of blood to feast, especially if it gets dark before search and rescue can get in to help the injured. Never been charged myself thankfully but always hike with the spray in my hand in blind areas or areas that look super grizzy with fresh sign or after coming across a fresh kill carcass ect. Happy hiking stan. Appreciate the upload.
Great info on the FWP bear biologists in the yellow piper. Good to know.
Great info not just for the inexperienced but for everyone that loves bears.
Hi Mr. Stan Mills you are very BRAVE. Thank you for the wonderful film.
@@katharinajohn1339 I am just out enjoying God’s beautiful creation. Thank you so much for all your comments.
Stan love your video with the grizzlies such awesome animals. You are so cool with them also kinda tense situations but enjoyable
Man your videos are beautiful even if we didn’t see a grizzly the photography is on the ground with the hiker which is so beautiful and says a lot about a person. The very best channel of info on grizzly habitat. So dang perceptive. I was looking for videos like this after watching Timothy Treadwill. My best garth
Wonderful video. Makes me rethink how to go about fly fishing in grizzly territory.
Thanks Stan, your channel is fantastic.
Outstanding video! Very informative.
Fascinating Stan. One of my favorites.
I believe you are correct… I don’t think yelling out to a griz is a wise idea, best to slide away silently. Nice hike 👍
Do you think the film permit process will be fixed? I miss Stans videos and I discovered you during Yellowstone flooding last year
@@twostop6895 Legislation upcoming: Title IV of America's Outdoor Recreation Act. Write your senator, but lobby for the additional ability of creators to film in Wilderness Areas, with Hand Held Devices, of course. Thank You
Great educational video how to be safe in grizzly and blackbear country,thank you Stan Mills
I don't know if it's just that you're a little out of breath from the exertion of the walk or your adrenalin is spiking because of the close proximity of a grizz.
I think your philosophy about respect for nature is great.
Stan: I enjoy your narration and insights while you hike. For 20 years we have visited Yellowstone and some of the surrounding areas but I so enjoy your videos. I have tried to find your Art online and have failed. I also asked about a store or shop in Gardner to see if I might look at your art. Anyway, thank you ever so much for your time and effort...Jerry M
I see I miss spell. It is StanMillsWildlifeArt@gmail.com
Lovely hike with you!💙🌸🌙🐌
He calls it a helmet and a hat.... Bears called it food wrappers.
funny!
Right about the time I asked the question you answered it.I enjoy watching your videos so keep it up
Your gentle and calm commentary and beautiful scenery are wonderful. I despise bears but love your hikes. I have been to Yellowstone and I thought it was the most beautiful and diverse nature I have ever seen. I’m glad I found this channel. Thanks!
Edit-despise probably isn’t the right word. Terrified is.
Do you really despise bears?
I love bears , simply magnificent creatures What’s to despise?
@@deew7014 I know right? I'm curious if they really despise them or maybe they just fear them. I've just never heard anyone say they despise bears. When I visited Yellowstone solo I wouldn't go on hikes like in this video. I was too afraid of the grizzlies. I would only go far enough that I could easily get back to my car if needed. I still got to see grizzlies and lots of other animals.
@@Chillaxing113 when I was in my late teens early 20’s I had recurring dreams about bears chasing me. It went on for quite a few years and each dream was terrifying. I hadn’t really had any opinions on bears before that but those dreams were so vivid that I became frightened of bears. I live in a midwestern state where there are no bears which is great. A few years ago my husband encountered a bear. We were in PA visiting his parents and one day he went for a hike up to the Appalachia Trail which wasn’t far from his parents house. I had done that hike up to the trail with him before and he had grown up hiking it and never once mentioned bears. That day I didn’t go with him and it probably saved his life because a black bear came walking out of the trees and walked right by him. He stood still (after taking his phone out to record the bear) and kept quiet. He showed me that video and I told him had I been with him I would probably have taken off running and yelling.
So maybe despise isn’t the right word maybe it should be terrified.
@@alloralou4722 I thought maybe you meant you were afraid of them and didn't actually despise them. I understand your fear. When visiting Alaska, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks encountering a grizzly bear was always on my mind. Because of that I didn't hike the back country. I was still able to observe grizzlies and lots of wildlife. We have black bears here where I live but they don't concern me as much as a grizzly. They say not to run away from a bear but I don't know if I could not do that if one was coming towards me. Like you I would probably take off running.
I was 23 (30 years ago) and was bird hunting with three buddies. We got lost.
I knew the area, but got turned around.
That Christmas, one gift from my Dad was a compass with a note that said never walk in the woods without a compass.
And this is how white men make headlines, "Man EATIN By Bear!"
I'm curious what do you think of wearing or carrying bells or singing in Grizzly territory? Do you think it's good to let them know you are there? You seem to almost take the opposite approach
David, I tried to spend a lot of time answering that question in the video.
Are there moutain lions too in Yellowstone?
Yes about 20-50 animals in the park, they are very very solitary there. Normally up in higher elevations or miles away from park roads
My brother is a wild life photographer. He used to photograph in the Yellowstone area. Now Denali.
He is Ranger Rick.
Love the +++commentary videos Stan. Not that your quiet hikes aren’t great too, but love hearing your thoughts as you go…
You are Galileo, man, challenging the entrenched conventional wisdom of what to do when hiking thru Grizzly country (bells, yells, air horns, crowds)
The helmet is from the last person that tried visiting the grizzly bear area. He or she is now possibly bear scat. The helmet is still there because the bear’s on an all natural diet.
I ran into two grizzlies a couple of weeks ago. They were both too close for comfort. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I must have been very close to one. I was in the bushes with him. He must have known I was there.
That does look like a riding helmet. Odd that they dropped it and just left it. I have horses and ride with a helmet. They could have taken it off and accidentally dropped it and they knew they wouldn't be able to get back on without something to stand on. That's my situation when I ride my thoroughbred. I can't mount her unless I can stand on something. So if I have to dismount on the trail and there isn't anything to stand on it's a walk back to the barn for me. LOL
Could have been a spare helmet
Once you know there’s a bear in the area you’re traveling, do you shout out to make your presence known or do you remain quiet
Like your approach to wildlife👍🙋♀️🙆♀️🙅♀️🤓
I have had a couple of grizzly bear encounters in Denali and Glacier. But I think I was most careful with moose encounters as the ranger warned that a man had been killed a couple of weeks earlier by a Moose in the Beartooths exactly where I was headed. Of course, I encountered a big male moose on the trail not long after started backpacking. The moose saw me but it just stood there watching me. After realizing he wasn't going to move I went into the woods and finally got around him. But the woods were full of bear scat, so that wasn't too comforting. Later where I camped at September Morn lake I was watching the squirrels busy picking up pine cones, then I realized I had been told that it was prime time for bears eating nuts. So there I was, camped in prime bear territory. I moved.
Thank you for the story brother
@Rocky Mountain Adventures & Mining bruh that makes no sense lol
@Rocky Mountain Adventures & Mining Those terrible activists using facts again! I highly doubt a park ranger who told him this was an activist, you just seem to be throwing around buzz words you don't understand
Rocky Mountain. I am sorry to say this, but you obviously have not spent much time in the backcountry that has big bull moose. Deep timber is nothing for bull moose during the rut. They go through there like nothing. It is very scary to see!! It is extremely scary if you get too close!
@Rocky Mountain Adventures & Mining not saying that you are a liar. But saying that a moose in the open is much more dangerous than a moose in the deep timber. That is not accurate because I have experienced moose during the rut in thick timber. Very dangerous and scary. But I did go to your channel to check out your body of work with grizzlies and other wild animals.
I don't know if you are aware of "Park Junkie", he works in Yellowstone and has been putting out great videos on his hikes and climbs in Yellowstone this summer on UA-cam and 4 weeks ago he had a really intense encounter with a grizzly and 3 cubs, GREAT VIEWING!
Yes, I watched it. I am glad he kept his camera going. That is a very good example of a bluff charge.
Yes! I love me some Park Junkie AND some Stan Mills! Reading thru the comments specifically to check on him since I haven't seen a new video come out for two weeks now. Stan, I was worried! Love your videos and art! Thank you!
@@lynnhardesty6040 It is hard to see much wildlife when it gets hot. I am still hiking and hiking is still great but the videos would be kinda boring.
@@StanMills makes total sense. Glad to hear you are ok! I'm leaving this weekend for my first trip to the area for mine and my husbands 30th wedding anniversary (along with our best friends!). It's been a lifetime dream of mine to see Montana and the area. That's what brought me to your channel, but I'm sure to stick around long after we return home. Thanks for your gentle nature and the gift you give us.
GREAT VIDEO AND INFORMATION! HOWEVER, IT'S NOT THE GUN THAT KILLS, IT'S THE PERSON THAT PULLS THE TRIGGER. LIKEWISE, IT'S NOT THE GUN THE ANIMALS FEAR, IT'S THE ATTITUTE AND BEHAVIOR OF THE PERSON CARRYING THE GUN. IN YOUR DEFENSE, SOME PEOPLE FEEL TOUGH AND ARROGANT WITH A GUN--THAT ATTITUDE CAN GET THEM ATTACKED!
Yes, totally agree with your comment. Said much better than I can. Thank you.
@@StanMills thanks Stan, but you have excellent oration skills! P. S. Check out my newest Adventure series video entitled: bear spray or gun! I think you will like it!
No sir, the bear knew you were there. He knew you were there before he saw you. Bears have one of the best, if not the best, sense of smell than any other animal.
You have to consider wind direction also. But you may very well be right that he knew I was there.
My question is, what about when some say, we should make noise. So are you saying, if you’re solo hiking it’s best to keep quiet vs. a solo hiker making noise. On another note, I saw some perfect looking Christmas trees, but Im aware that they can’t be cut down
Marjorjorie, this is the way I do it because I am trying not to disturb the wildlife and I am being careful to respect the fact that this is their home. This is how “I” do it. You should do things the way you think is best for you. Thanks for your comments.
@@StanMills I believe I read where you’ve done it this way for years, and never been attacked; therefore, I think your method is tried and true. I actually prefer the quiet approach also, because you’re constantly investigating the area for signs of their presence before you proceed, which is wise. I enjoy your hikes! Bless you and continue to stay safe!
Title should read .. ‘Man looks for grizzly bear. Man finds grizzly bear.’ :)
I've said before we don't have grizzly bears in England - but if I came across one I have a fair idea how to handle it 👍😊
Glad I am not the only one who carries two bear spray. 😁
Good call on the Cub. Grizz compass...
Apparently, there's disagreement about whether or not one should make noise. Other bear experts say to make noise so you don't startle them.
And the narrator said that grizzly never knew he was there. I thought they had an amazing sense of smell, which would mean the bear DID know you were there..
Barbara, I am not a bear expert. Never claimed to be. Just spent many years solo hiking on foot with them. To this day, I learn more each and every time I am out there. I am just telling the way I do it based on experience. You should do things the way you feel is best for you.
@@StanMills my intent was not to insult or offend you. I didn't say it in my first comment, but I DID enjoy your video, and I am amazed that there are people out there who WANT to be where the bears are. Watching videos where a bear is following people sends chills down my spine!
Hey Stan, I'm curious of the circumstances where you had to climb a tree from a grizzly encounter? I saw you had commented that you had done that before.
It is in one of my older videos I think called "Scary situation in the fog with grizzly bears"
Is fall starting to show in Yellowstone?
I was there less than a week ago. Wildflowers blooming, no signs of fall. Lots less people than in previous years.
Have you ever came across any bigfoot tracks or wierd encounters with any mountain lions?
I have not. But I have had one very strange encounter deep in the backcountry camping once. I couldn't get my camera out fast enough so who knows what I saw...I am not sure. Wish I could have gotten a video.
Okay move quietly no bells. But isn't the purpose of the bells not to surprise them? I get the calm part but if you go over a hill or around a blind and they are on the other side doesn't that come with danger?
I heard we need to let bears know we are coming so they don’t get surprised and avoid humans. If we’re too quiet, they might think we are sneaking up on them.
Why do they collar these grizzlys ? We see our smokies black bears ear tagged when they get into trouble here in Gatlinburg, but are the grizzlys getting into trouble with ranchers ? Since it's not in a town ?
research
Anybody who records grizzlies deserves a subscription
The sun is much easier to use early or late in the day because it will just be overhead in the afternoon. Just keep that in mind because it’s not as simple as east and west all the time.
Very informative video, thanks.
The name of the nearest highway has been muted to protect its privacy.
Came across a Grizzly bear on Targhee Creek Trail 2 days ago (about 5 miles from where the lady was killed 2 weeks ago). Not the 1st one I have come upon but something about being in that area put a little extra scare in me.
I bet. Isn’t that grizzly still around there?
@@StanMills Yes. The one who attacked the lady was a mom with a cub. The one I saw appeared to not have a cub.
Is this wyoming or Montana? Just curious. God's creation is wonders.
Helmet you found was a relatively expensive ski helmet.
I have two questions. 1. Are the collared bears chosen randomly, or are they collared because of certain behaviour or interactions with people? 2. If you twisted an ankle or became somehow incapacitated how would you get out if you can’t walk out? Do you have a way to call for help?
Another person was talking about collars so I will cut and past what I wrote: "I know they put collars on them to collect data on survival, reproduction, habitat, behavior, and movement of the grizzlies. I actually didn’t know they were putting collars on grizzlies within Yellowstone National Park to track nuisance grizzly bears. I know they do that on black bears outside of the park around the country. Plus, the collars are made to fall off after about 2 years so I don’t see how that would be effective for nuisance bears." As far as getting an injury or something while hiking, I always have an inReach satellite communicator with me.
My gosh, I never knew their long claws are primarily for digging and certainly not for digging for burrowing animals. I always thought they were just for killing large prey and threats.
When hiking if you don’t want to surprise the bear you are supposed to talk or say things like “Hey bear, don’t you scare! I know some people who don’t say much, the philosophy being to sneak past the bear. Since Stan is trying to see the bear, then the silent treatment is the technique, but of course you have to be very careful and you want to see the bear before it sees you.
i know they say grizzlies would rather avoid us or don't see us as prey like a polar bear would, but what about when they come out of hibernation? especially a mother bear that's just given birth? are there restrictions at national parks in certain seasons for this if bears are more pron to attack/prey on us ?
if it is the case that is.
any experts please, im a city boy so any wildlife we have go around in herds of hoodies.
I have a video that is totally dedicated to mother grizzly bears with cubs encounters on my channel. And several videos on my channel are taken soon after they come out of hibernation but I don't usually say anything about that because their behavior is no different. As far as restrictions, yes, there are certain areas of the park that are closed at certain times because of bear activity. Thank you for your comment.
Does anyone know, were those wolves or coyotes howling in the beginning of the video?
Coyotes
@@StanMills Thank you! Love your videos. This is one of your best, imo.
Loved hearing those coyotes “singing!” Super super cool. Would love to hear more of that, or wolves.
Coyotes have a rapid (staccato) and high pitched type yelp, while wolves have a more sustained deep howl, more of a serenade, and will bring goosebumps to those lucky enough to experience them.
What a magnificent animal!
Thanks, Stan! What a gift you are to your subscribers, the animals, and God!
The chemtrails were horrible in the footage where you were watching for the plane and in parts of the video after that! No wonder so many trees are dead or dying!
I didn't notice them so I will have to go back and look. It always amazes me how the airlines always have to route right over Yellowstone. Have you ever thought about the fact that there is no place to go to get away from the sounds of man?
@@StanMills I hear you! We recently moved from the mountains of southern NM and even there we could hear bombs going off from a bombing range that is south of the forest!
@@StanMills I remember backpacking in Yellowstone June of 2020. About the only aircraft I remember seeing was a daily park helicopter. Peaceful.
@@johngould7548 And they are so proud of their Yellowstone Airport that now has airline service. Now we get to hear jets approaching low to land at that airport. The western part of the park is very noisy now. I guess that is what they call progress!
Can we catch Lyme disease by hiking? I’m just afraid of catching it or any other disease out there hiking. Thx.
The whole web wraps around your face and the juice spider disappears up one of your nostrils
Is it true that adult grizzlies cannot climb trees?
They can climb trees if they want to. But if you are up a tree spaying bear spray down on one that wants to come up after you, I think you would be okay. I have never heard of a grizzly climbing a tree to try to get a human. Climbing a tree definitely makes you feel safer. I have done it before.
Did the coyote have a collar on?
Just finding your videos. Do you carry a gun and bear spray? I’m enjoying your walks so far! I love wildlife.
I carry 2 cans of bear spray.
Heading to Yellowstone in early October, any trail recommendations for bears and wolves since Lamar Valley probably won’t be open.
You worry me dear one. What is the meaning of nudge? Prayers often!!!
Great tutorial…thanks.