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A Calgary couple had a heart-stopping experience on a popular hiking trail in the Canadian Rockies this weekend, coming face-to-face with a wild grizzly bear. Howard Mah and Lori Arnason, who had never previously encountered a grizzly in the wild, found themselves shadowed by the massive animal along the trail.

The couple, from Calgary, were enjoying a Saturday hike when they noticed they were being followed. "We started to notice that there was a bear following us, keeping pace with us," Mah explained. "It was pretty unnerving."

The grizzly, described as a large male, maintained a steady distance, observing the hikers as they continued along the trail. The tense situation escalated as the bear grew closer, prompting the couple to take action. “It got to the point where we were quite concerned,” Arnason recounted. “It was definitely starting to show interest and was closing in.”

Ultimately, the couple decided to stand their ground and attempt to deter the bear. After several attempts to make noise, Mah and Arnason let out a loud roar, which seemed to surprise and momentarily halt the grizzly's advance. This assertive action appeared to be enough to convince the bear to change its course and wander off into the forest.

“We just yelled as loud as we could, and it seemed to work,” Mah said. “It paused for a moment, looked at us, and then turned and walked away.”

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of bear safety in the Canadian Rockies. While encounters are rare, they can be dangerous. Experts recommend carrying bear spray, making noise while hiking to alert bears to your presence, and knowing how to react if you encounter a bear. This close call has certainly reinforced those lessons for Mah and Arnason.

“We’ll definitely be carrying bear spray next time,” Arnason affirmed. “You never know what you might encounter out there.”

Park officials are aware of the incident and are monitoring the area. They urge hikers to remain vigilant and to follow all posted safety guidelines. This experience highlights the raw beauty and potential dangers of wilderness areas, emphasizing the need for respect and caution when exploring these incredible landscapes.

Key Takeaways for Hikers in Grizzly Country:

• Carry Bear Spray: Always have bear spray readily accessible and know how to use it.
• Make Noise: Talk, sing, or clap your hands to alert bears to your presence.
• Stay Aware: Pay attention to your surroundings and look for signs of bear activity.
• Know How to React: Understand the proper responses to different bear encounters (e.g., stand your ground, back away slowly).