Grizzly Tale

Story told first hand about an encounter with a Grizzly Bear

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"No, I've never seen a bear in the wild." Two Pair said sitting next to me at the poker table.

"Well I sure have.  It was  when I went Snowmobiling near Yellowstone a couple years back. It was my first and last time." I commented.

"Why, what happened?"

"Okay, if you really want to know but it's kind of  a long story. "

"As long as it isn't one of your usual tall tales full of bullshit." 

He answered.

" No. It's the God's honest truth, so help me. Okay here goes."

I was visiting a friend who lived near Yellowstone Park for  Thanksgiving. We had decided to go on a snowmobile run. I had never driven a snowmobile before and I was excited to give it a go. After my five minute lesson on how to operate my Polaris 650 Switchback Snowmobile,  I was ready to rock n' roll in the snow.

My buddy Eric pulled out in the lead, two other members of our party fell in behind with me bringing up the rear. It was an absolutely invigorating experience,  gliding over the snow at such a velocity.

I followed the group into the forest flying by tree after tree on a snow packed trail.  

After a fun filled couple of hours we reached our intended location on a ridge with an awe inspiring Vista. After fifteen minutes or so taking in the view Eric informed us;

"We should be getting on back to the house. It's gonna be dark soon and I don't want us to be driving around at night. It's much too dangerous." He told us.

"Why is it dangerous?" I asked.

"We've got lights  and the trail is well marked."

"Do you know where you are?"

"Well ya. Is this some kind of trick question?"

"You're in the Wyoming mountain wilderness, only six miles  from Yellowstone." He continued. " You know what this area is home to?"

" Let me take a wild guess, Animals?"  

"Yes that's correct but more importantly there are hundreds of bears living here. And you'd make a satisfying meal. So let's get on back, it'll be dark in two hours." It took some time for what he said to sink in.

"We're gonna take a shortcut back that should save us an hour or so." The Trail Boss announced.

We exited the forest emptying into a large clearing with our route taking us next to a raging river. Eric stopped,  stood up and pointed off down the river.

" Look next to the river near the pines. Do you see 'em?" He asked.

There were  five  bears fishing on the banks of the river.

" Those are Grizzlies, the nastiest bear alive next to a Polar Bear. You want to keep your distance. There's close to eight hundred living in this Ecosystem."

" I thought bears hibernated during the winter." I mentioned.

"Contrary to popular belief, Grizzlies don't really hibernate."

Eric got on his machine then tells us there's a couple of sharp turns coming up.  We should slow down before making the turn. I was about twenty five or thirty feet behind the other snowmobile when I encountered the first curve. I slowed down so I wouldn't miss it.  After I had gotten by, I went to accelerate but my Snowmobile died. I hit the starter button over and over again without success. I hollered to the group up ahead but their loud engines surely muffled the sound of my screams. I figured they'd notice I was not in the formation and backtrack to rescue me. 

After what I estimated was a good forty-five minutes, I expected to hear the sound of snowmobiles in the near distance by now.  There was an outcropping of rocks off to the right so I decided to climb up on top and use it as a lookout. 

It was an easy climb with most of the rocks acting as steps. It provided a beautiful view of the countryside. I started wondering  why they hadn't returned for me. Surely they weren't going to leave me here overnight. 

"Jesus Christ man weren't you worried. I would've been freaking out."  Two pair commented.

Then I heard a snorting sound coming from below. I could hear snow crunching from something walking around. I laid down on a ledge and peeked over. A wave of fear flowed  through me from what I saw. 

It had to be the biggest Grizzly Bear in the world. He was definitely smelling me out and it wouldn't be long before he found me.

A couple minutes later I looked down again, he was nowhere in sight. Thinking he was gone I started climbing down the backside of the rock formation. I slipped on some ice and  slid  to the bottom.

I heard a loud growl, it was the Grizzly at the top. He planned a surprise attack from the backside. If I had stayed there I would be dead. 

"How did you get away?" Two Pair asks.

"Hold on, it's almost over."

Then I did what everyone is told not to do. I started running in knee high deep snow through the forest.

I  climbed up another outcrop with the bear running after me. When I reached the top, I noticed a cave off to the side. 

I ran into the cave to hide from the Grizzly but it was a dead end. I had nowhere to go. 

"Okay come on how'd you get away?" Jacks or Better demanded.  

At the entrance was the Grizzly Bear knowing I was cornered. He stood up on his hind legs and let out a menacing growl. He must have been eight feet tall. He started walking toward me displaying his large teeth as he came closer and closer.

I paused from telling the story to take a drink.

"Come on tell us what happened then. How'd you get outta there?" Jacks or Better questioned.

"Santiago, come on what in the hell happened?" Two Pair pleaded.

That damn Grizzly Bear…

'HE KILLED ME!'

By Judge Santiago Burdon

From: Costa Rica