The phrase “strength in numbers” usually rings true, that is unless the numbers are up against a feisty bear.
Anytime another animal picks a fight with a bear(and it’s not that often), they are getting into a battle of attrition and endurance. Bears of all types are known for their ability to run, travel, and fight over long periods of time, and this brown bear was definitely willing to tango for as long as it needed to when a pack of dogs, looks like Alaskan Malamutes or possibly Alaskan Huskies, descended upon it.
It’s unclear if these dogs are wearing radio collars for hunting purposes or if they’re sled dogs, but the way they went after the bear, you’d think this wasn’t their first rodeo. Usually you see hounds used for bear hunting in places that allow it, however in cold places like Alaska, I could see why snow-friendly breeds would make more sense.
Anyways, back to the video… beautiful drone footage captured this wildlife encounter from a bird’s eye view, which had to be the safest way to observe this showdown. No one in their right mind would have wanted to be anywhere near these animals as they got into an all-out brawl, so a drone was the perfect way to shoot this once-in-a-lifetime footage.
Untouched snow is quickly disturbed by a flurry of footprints from the dogs and the bear. The winter wonderland setting is almost ironic considering the brutal acts of nature that are playing out in the glistening white snow.
There are multiple getaway attempts throughout the video by the bear, but none of them are successful. The dogs stay right on the bruin’s tail, and make sure to swoop in and attack when they feel like the bear is getting away.
Time and time again, the dogs surround the brown bear, though the bear always counters with a “sit and spin” defense mechanism. It sound simple, yet it is extremely effective, and never allows for any of the dogs to flank the brown bear.