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

LEDE2026 Speer Ammo
LEDE2026 Speer Ammo

Speer Announces New Products That Will Be Showcased at SHOT Show 2026

Speer Ammunition has announced several new loads for 2026, which include one new addition of Lawman TMJ and two new additions of Speer Impact component bullets for reloaders.

New for 2026: Ruger Red Label III

Ruger has announced the return of one of America's most iconic over/under shotguns with the Red Label III. First launched in 1977, the original Ruger Red Label earned a reputation for rugged reliability, classic lines, and American-made quality. Decades later, the Red Label III strives to continue that legacy.

New for 2026: Armageddon Gear Gun Slinger Chest Rig

The Gun Slinger Chest Rig, is now offered alongside the original Big Game Chest Rig for hunters who want sidearm carry built in from the start.

#SundayGunday: Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2, the latest iteration of hunter-focused spotting scope from Leupold. Coming in both straight and angled configurations, and the buyer’s choice of 20-60x85mm or 15-45x65mm zoom ratio’s the SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 has a configuration for any preference and set of circumstances.

Bourbon Enthusiasts can Support Turkey Conservation

Mr. and Mrs. Bourbon, founded in 2018 by Russ Smith—a former professional basketball player—and Cecy Linzey, has entered into a partnership with Turkeys For Tomorrow (TFT) and is offering bourbon branded with the organization’s label.

Federal to Release More than 20 Centerfire and 25 Shotshell Options in 2026

Federal Ammunition has announced more than 20 new centerfire rifle ammunition options for 2026, and more than 25 new shotshell offerings.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.