Hunter Nearly Trampled by Black Bear

Cephas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In a heart-stopping moment, a black bear rapidly charges by mere steps away from a turkey hunter. Captured on camera the woods of Pennsylvania, this intense footage offers a riveting glimpse into the unpredictable world of the state’s robust bear population.

“It was a Saturday like any other until I almost got run over by a bear.”

Colton White, a seasoned hunter, had set up in the dense woods of Centre County, Pennsylvania, eagerly awaiting turkeys during their hunting season. With turkey decoys strategically placed, he settled along a sturdy log, fully prepared for an eventful day. Little did he know that fate had a surprise in store.

As White skillfully mimicked turkey calls, the forest came alive with sounds of nature. Suddenly, a rustling from the nearby leaves drew his attention. “I saw black movement, and hoping to see turkeys, I was startled as I realized a very good-sized black bear head was what I was seeing, just 20 yards away,” White recounted.

With a surge of adrenaline, White remained motionless, captivated by the unexpected visitor. As the bear, devoid of cubs, approached, an opportunity emerged. “Being a news videographer for NBC during the week, I quickly noticed a great opportunity to get some video. I quickly switched my iPhone from my GoPro… and started rolling,” White wrote.

The bear, seemingly unaware of White’s presence, continued its advance. However, the unforeseen happened as it suddenly seemed to take notice of the turkey decoys. White’s astonishment grew as the bear charged past him a mere six feet away. “I never expected him to spook from the decoys, let alone come blazing by me,” White explained. “Needless to say, I was shocked by his reaction of the decoys.”
Watch the amazing encounter in the video below.



Pennsylvania is home to a thriving population of black bears, renowned for their imposing size. These majestic creatures serve as a testament to the state’s commitment to preserving its wilderness.