A viral video from Yellowstone shows a visitor running toward a grizzly and appearing to cling to a truck to keep up with the animal. The clip’s poster said a male grizzly had been following a female for hours, and authorities warned the situation was unpredictable and dangerous. The National Park Service recommends staying at least 100 yards from bears; animals that injure people may be euthanized. Commenters condemned the close approach and highlighted the risk to both humans and wildlife.
Viral Video Shows Yellowstone Visitor Chasing Grizzly, Clinging to Truck for Photos
Photo Credit: iStock
A viral video from Yellowstone National Park captures a visitor running down a traffic-lined road toward a grizzly bear and appearing to cling to the side of a pickup truck to keep pace. The footage has drawn criticism for dangerously close interaction with wildlife and for putting other visitors and park staff at risk.
What the Video Shows
Footage shared by Unofficial Networks appears to show a person sprinting toward a pair of grizzly bears—then hanging onto the side of a truck as the animals moved along the roadway. According to the person who posted the clip, a male grizzly had been following a female after she crossed the road, and the male had been pursuing her for hours.
Why This Is Dangerous
Grizzly bears are powerful and unpredictable. Approaching or attempting to keep up with them can provoke defensive or aggressive behavior, and bears can close distances very quickly. In crowded roadside viewing areas, one person's risky actions can create chaos and increase the chance of injury for bystanders and park employees.
Park Rules and Possible Consequences
The National Park Service recommends that visitors stay at least 100 yards (about 91 meters) from bears. These rules are designed to protect both people and wildlife. When a wild animal injures a human—whether the encounter was accidental or provoked—park officials may decide to euthanize the animal to protect public safety.
Public Reaction
Viewers who saw the original clip reacted strongly in the comments, condemning the behavior and warning of the danger it posed.
"Unacceptable behavior," one commenter wrote.
"They are harassing the bear," another said.
"Really dangerous," a third added.
Treating wildlife as photo props or pursuing close-up shots can harm ecosystems and jeopardize the safety of the broader visitor community. Park staff and experienced wildlife viewers urge visitors to remain patient, back away from animals, and observe from safe distances to avoid incidents that could end tragically for people or animals.
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