Young woman is chased by a black bear during a hike through a Mexican nature reserve.
Phone footage shows the hiker, identified only as ‘Isagamez’ on TikTok, suppressing a nervous laugh as she walked away from the medium-sized bear as fast as she could without running so as not to provoke it.
The images were reportedly filmed in the Chipinque Nature Reserve in northern Mexico, on the afternoon of 16th January.
But the bear could be seen following her with ease, with the woman later captioning the footage: “Part of my training is the Chipinque Ecological Park, it is located in Nuevo Leon, in the municipality of San Pedro Garza Garcia. So it is normal to meet black bears. You just have to be calm and not run.”
Netizens congratulated her for not running from the black bear but criticised her for turning her back on it.
Many reminded her that by turning her back on it, she was basically inviting the apex predator to attack her.
One user said: “You are never supposed to turn your back on them.”
Another added: “The first thing they tell you, don’t turn your back on them.”
While another netizen joked: “The bear gave you a chance and you didn’t run.”
The hiker is understood to have escaped unharmed.
According to spokespersons from Chipinque Ecological Park, the sighting of black bears is relatively common, especially during other seasons, generally during the summer when they seek food to prepare for autumn and winter.
The reserve stated: “Every year, there is a pattern where we begin to see more movement of black bears from June onwards. They are in search of food in preparation for the autumn-winter period when there are fewer resources; this period is called hyperphagia.
“Bears cover many kilometres each day, moving to different points around the metropolitan area of Monterrey in search of food and water.”
The reserve advised travellers not to stop to take photos or videos of them unless they are at a safe distance, never turn their back on them, and try to deter them by appearing larger and making a lot of noise.
It added: “If a black bear huffs in your presence, it is a warning that it does not want you close.
“There is not always a warning before an attack, so it is vital to always keep a distance as you move away without turning your back and without running.”
The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is endemic to North America and can be found in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
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Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
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