Black Bear or Bigfoot?

by
posted on November 5, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
wilder_ah2015_fs.jpg (2)

The forest can hide its share of surprises, and a group of hikers in Utah learned just that last week. In this video, posted to YouTube on Oct. 30, a hiker and his companion appear to be observing a bear in Provo Canyon. When the furry beast realizes its not alone, however, it stands up—revealing a form that's more than enough to scare the upstart camera crew away at a sprint.

Their footage went live with the title "Provo Canyon Bigfoot Encounter?" not long later. The video's owner later told Salt Lake City's FOX13 that no one in the group had ever believed in Bigfoot—until the encounter, I'd guess—and that they thought they'd be recording the far more common (and decidedly real) black bear. Later reports have said that the group left all their camping gear behind during the hasty departure, and returned for it the next day.

The most logical explanation is that our hikers were simply videoing a bear that popped up on its hind legs after it realized it wasn't alone. That happens. Even so, there are enough "Bigfoot" believers out there for the debate to remain open, and the video itself has amassed more than 2 million views in less than a week.

In reality, it looks like a bear. A lot like a bear. A glare from one of them will send most hikers scurrying away just as fast a hypothetical Bigfoot encounter would. And that's assuming this isn't some sort of elaborate hoax.

I personally can't bring myself believe that there are any Bigfoot like creatures wandering around the American Northwest—in large because if there were, some hunter would have dragged one out of the woods by now. That said, I leave it up to you to watch the video and decide.

Latest

LEDE Composite Image
LEDE Composite Image

Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Guide

Most folks have already gotten their Mom something by now. Whether it's the simple pleasure of making her a special dinner, a full-on family getaway for the weekend, or that latest book she's been craving, some sorts of people know how to make a mom's day complete. Then, of course, there's you—the sort of person who frantically clicks into a gift guide the week before Mother's Day. All jokes aside, here are five things Mom is sure to love.

North Fork Bullets: The Reintroduction of an Icon

Fans of hard-hitting hunting bullets rejoice! North Fork bullets is back in action and better than ever. Phil Massaro breaks down the latest from this storied company.

First Look: Ol' Man Outdoors Clamp Down Jaw and Stabilizer Truss Systems

Ol'Man Outdoors, has introduced two advanced technologies that enhance the safety and effectiveness of ladder stands. The Clamp Down Jaw System securely locks the ladder stand to a tree before a hunter ever leaves the ground, while the Stabilizer Truss System enhances ladder stability, provides more tree options and eliminates unwanted noise.

New World Screwworm Closing the Gap to the Border

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced in April that the New World Screwworm (NWS) is closer to the Texas border than ever before in this latest outbreak. On April 20 Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller warned, “The threat of the New World screwworm is creeping dangerously close to our border. A confirmed case in Nuevo León, just about 60 miles from the United States, in a young calf is a flashing red warning sign we will not ignore.”

10mm Auto Pistol Caliber Carbines: The 'Best' Outdoor Option?

Last year we posed the question, "Is the 10mm Auto PCC the next great outdoor carbine?" while taking a look at a few of the models currently in production. Since then, the selection has continued to grow. Are the PCCs chambered for 10mm Auto the most powerful options out there? The answer is yes, and no. It's a matter of context. Let's take a look at what these carbines have to offer compared to those chambered in other handgun calibers.

New for 2026: Updated Federal Upland Steel

Federal Ammunition has two new 12-gauge loads in its Upland Steel shotshell lineup. Built for consistent patterns and hard-hitting performance with non-lead shot, these new offerings are being delivered to retailers nationwide and expand the versatility of the Upland Steel product line.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.