An encounter between humans and wildlife took an unnerving turn when a group of people and several bears found themselves a little too close to each other on a bridge in Montana.
The incident occurred in Yellowstone National Park, near Gardiner (map), according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. A videographer for the agency captured footage of a black bear sow and her three cubs on the bridge as several apparent tourists, many carrying cameras, walked hurriedly to get away from them.
While some people snapped photos of the animals, others rushed for the safety of vehicles that were parked nearby. Meanwhile, the seemingly frightened bears ran in multiple directions.
Montana FWP posted the video on its Facebook page Friday. It was unclear when exactly the run-in took place.
“Luckily, no one was hurt and these bears made it safely back to the forest,” the post said.
The episode was “a reminder that wildlife can be unpredictable,” the statement said, urging park visitors to “respect wildlife and give them room to roam.”