Hiker takes photo in woods, looks behind wife and realises something terrible is following them
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On July 19th, a day meant for celebration turned into a heart-pounding tale of survival for Howard Ma and Lorie Arnison. The couple had embarked on a short hike in the picturesque wilderness of Alberta, Canada, near the enchanting Troll Falls. This location, known for its lush greenery and serene atmosphere, was a popular spot for families and day hikers, making it a perfect choice for their wedding anniversary.
As they strolled along the forested trail, the couple was enveloped by the sounds of nature—the rustling leaves, the distant chirping of birds, and the gentle flow of water from a nearby stream. It was a scene straight out of a postcard, and Howard felt inspired to capture the moment. He pulled out his phone, eager to take a picture of Lorie against the stunning backdrop of the woods.
“Just one more,” he said, adjusting his camera. Lorie smiled, her eyes sparkling with joy, completely unaware of the danger lurking nearby.
But as Howard framed the shot, something caught his eye just behind her. His heart dropped. A large grizzly bear had emerged from the underbrush, less than 50 feet away. Panic surged through him, and instinctively, he shouted, “Lori, no! Stop! Come back!”
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Lorie turned slowly, her smile fading as she faced the massive creature. The bear stood motionless, its dark eyes fixed on them, its powerful body tense and alert. Howard’s mind raced—what should they do? He had heard countless stories about bear encounters, but nothing could prepare him for this moment.
With adrenaline coursing through his veins, Howard began recording on his phone. He remembered the advice he had read: never run from a grizzly bear. Yet, the absence of bear spray in his pocket felt like a grave oversight. They had to retreat, and quickly. The couple began to back away slowly, their hearts pounding in unison.
To their horror, the bear followed them, snorting and occasionally rising on its hind legs, as if sizing them up. The tension in the air was palpable; every second felt like an eternity. Howard could feel Lorie’s fear beside him, but he knew they had to stay calm. They were in this together, and they would find a way out.
Minutes stretched into what felt like an eternity as the bear closed the distance, its massive frame looming larger with each step. At times, it lunged forward in what Howard recognized as bluff charges, testing their resolve. Lorie clutched Howard’s arm, her breath quickening, but he squeezed her hand reassuringly.
“Just keep backing away,” he whispered, his voice steady despite the fear gripping his heart.
Finally, as the bear came within mere meters of them, a desperate idea struck Howard. He raised his arms high, trying to make himself appear larger. “We need to show it we’re not afraid!” he shouted. Lorie, instinctively following his lead, mirrored his actions. Together, they roared as loudly as they could, their voices echoing through the silent woods.
To their amazement, the bear paused, momentarily taken aback by their display. It seemed to assess the situation, its head tilting slightly as if contemplating their challenge. Howard’s heart raced; this was their only chance.
“Keep roaring!” he urged Lorie, and they both let out a primal sound, fueled by adrenaline and sheer determination. The bear hesitated, then slowly turned away, retreating into the depths of the forest from which it had come.
Relief washed over Howard and Lorie as they stood there, still trembling from the encounter. They had faced a wild beast and emerged unscathed, but the reality of the situation sank in. They were incredibly lucky.
Once they reached the safety of the parking lot, the couple shared their story with fellow hikers, turning their terrifying experience into a cautionary tale. “You never know what might be lurking in the woods,” Howard warned, his voice filled with urgency. “Always be prepared, and if you encounter a bear, remember to stay calm and make yourself look big.”
That day, Howard and Lorie learned an invaluable lesson about nature’s unpredictability. Their anniversary hike had transformed into a gripping adventure, one that would bond them even more tightly. As they drove away from Troll Falls, they reflected on the experience, grateful for each other and the life they shared.
In the days that followed, they couldn’t shake the memory of the bear. It lingered in their minds, a reminder of both the beauty and the danger of the wilderness. They became advocates for bear safety, sharing their story with friends and family, emphasizing the importance of awareness and preparedness while enjoying nature.
Their anniversary hike had been meant to celebrate love, but it had also become a testament to their courage and resilience. Howard and Lorie knew that they would always cherish the memories of that day, not just for the thrill of the encounter, but for the strength it brought to their relationship.
In the end, the couple realized that love, much like nature, is unpredictable. It can be beautiful and serene one moment, and the next, it can challenge you in ways you never expected. But as long as they faced those challenges together, they could conquer anything—whether it be a grizzly bear in the woods or the trials of life itself.
