Watch: Spooked Bear Nearly Tramples Turkey Hunter

by
posted on May 12, 2016
** 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. **

I've mentioned before that turkey hunters put themselves at risk. Heck, earlier this spring we shared the video of a Texas hunter who had a snake nearly slither right up his pants. The woods are awfully active in the spring, and those of us who hunt gobblers often find ourselves right in the middle of things—and seated firmly on the ground, no less.

This latest video (which is embedded above) isn't reptile-related, but it's another close shave. In a video that the owner claims was filmed in Pennsylvania, a turkey hunter nearly gets run over by a black bear. No, this isn't a bear charging the hunter himself—the bruin's just spooked by something on the horizon, and doesn't seem to realize that it sprints within feet of whoever is holding the camera. The audio isn't great, but it sounds to me like there may be a barking dog or something of that nature in the distance, which is enough to get the bear moving.

According to the description that's paired with the video, the hunter continued on with his turkey hunting, and later called in a tom—though not close enough to score a kill. An exciting morning, to say the least.

Like I said, the video's embedded above. I'd encourage you to give it a look.

Latest

W H2026 08 F Cape Buffalo 9R0A7308
W H2026 08 F Cape Buffalo 9R0A7308

Hunting Cape Buffalo: Don’t Just Stand There—Keep Shooting

A 49-year veteran of hunting the Cape buffalo is here to say encounters with the great beast aren’t always as you imagine.

Reviewed: Plano GoNow Boxes

Need something waterproof to store your hunting or shooting gear on the way to camp or the range? Look no further. Plano’s GoNow boxes hit the mark!

Standout New Hunting Guns of 2026

This year’s standout hunting firearms reveal an industry focused on refining proven ideas. Manufacturers are increasingly embracing features once reserved for premium models and including extras that a few years ago were considered aftermarket additions. Whether you’re chasing game close to home or venturing deep into the backcountry, today’s new hunting guns arrive more capable than ever before.

Massive Expansion of Hunting and Fishing Opportunities

The Department of the Interior recently announced the largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Service is also making more than 1,000 modifications to existing regulatory provisions, reducing complexity and making it easier for hunters and anglers to understand and comply with applicable rules. 

Behind the Bullet: The .25 WSSM

Quarterbores are back, so let's take a look at a fan favorite released just after the turn of the millennium: the .25 WSSM.

Henry Repeating Arms Introduces the Founding Fathers Collection

Henry Repeating Arms has introduced the Founding Fathers Collection, a series of seven Tribute Edition rifles honoring the men who shaped the American republic: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.