Three hikers in Alaska survived a close encounter with a grizzly bear, nicknamed "Scuba Sue," while hiking at the Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory in southeast Alaska. The group, including Dr. Michelle Lynn Thaller and Tanya Thompson, encountered the bear while it was hunting for salmon along a narrow trail.
The hikers recalled relying on park ranger safety protocols to stay calm and avoid provoking the bear. Video footage shows the group speaking to the bear while slowly backing away to allow it to pass. "We were definitely terrified," Thompson said. "But we remembered what the rangers told us: to be big, talk to the bear, keep it calm, and get out of its way."
The hikers noted that the trail was too narrow to safely step off, forcing them to back up slightly to allow the bear to move forward. Hiker Tony Cutraro mentioned that the group had been briefed by rangers before the hike and were aware they were in bear country. After a few tense moments, the bear passed by and continued on its way.
Thaller also highlighted that a delayed salmon run this year has left local wildlife starving, increasing the risk of encounters with bears.