Video captures bear charging hiker on Mount Wilson Trail

A hiker escaped unharmed after a large bear charged at him on the Mount Wilson Trail in Angeles National Forest on April 15, footage reported by ABC7 Los Angeles showed.

The encounter, captured on video by a fellow hiker, serves as a reminder of wildlife hazards along the popular San Gabriel Mountains trail network — a destination regularly visited by hikers from across the greater Los Angeles region, including Orange County.

The incident took place April 15 on Mount Wilson Trail, a heavily used path in Angeles National Forest, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. A large bear appeared on the trail and charged directly toward the hiker.

The hiker initially attempted to drive the bear away by jumping and jingling bells — noise-based deterrents commonly recommended by wildlife officials. When those efforts failed to halt the charge, he stepped off the trail and concealed himself behind nearby bushes, allowing the bear to pass.

After the animal moved on, the hiker resumed his trek without injury, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. A second hiker in the vicinity recorded the full encounter on video, which ABC7 Los Angeles later broadcast.

No injuries were reported. There was no immediate word from forest officials on whether the bear had been identified or was under monitoring following the April 15 incident.

Wildlife officials generally advise hikers to make noise while on trails to avoid surprising bears and to carry bear spray in areas with known wildlife activity.