KEYSTONE, Colo. (KDVR) — A chance encounter on Sunday at Keystone Ski Resort happened when a black bear made a visit across one of the runs.
Brian O’Neal was on his first run of the day, along the Last Chance run when the bear crossed his path, barely missing the bear. He says it happened so quickly he barely had time to react.
“We got up on the mountain, my son and I, it was literally our first run we were heading over to Sumitt Express and just came around the corner and all the sudden there was a bear,” O’Neal said. “It just happened so quick, it was hard to really react it was just like holy crap. I yelled for my son because he was in front of me and he didn’t even see it because it kind of came between us.”
Thankfully, he had the video to show his son when he got down the mountain. His son was in pure shock. O’neal said ski patrol followed the bear shortly after and everyone was safe.
He’s been skiing for over two decades and never had an encounter like this but is happy to have the wild story to share.
“I guess there’s a first time for anything. You see dear every now and then, you see moose up there, especially in the summer but never a bear on the ski slope,” O’Neal said.
Keystone says if anyone encounters wildlife on the mountain, they should report the sighting to the Keystone emergency service team by calling 970-495-6911.
