Watch: Bear jumps into tree to avoid speedy mountain bikers

A black bear appeared ready to cross a mountain bike trail when it quickly jumped up a tree to take cover as it heard five mountain bikers racing downhill heading its way.

Leading the “train” at Whistler Mountain Bike Park in British Columbia was Steve Peat, a professional downhill mountain biker known as a legend in Britain.

Alex Griggs happened to capture video of the encounter, and Peat posted it on his Instagram account, writing, “Ace last day in the park!! Even got to see a black bear jumping into a tree while I was leading the train!!”

The bear clung to the tree while waiting for the riders to pass. Once the coast was clear, it climbed down and continued on its way.

It is not unusual to encounter black bears at this venue, which boasts of being the No. 1 mountain bike park in the world.

According to Blackcomb Peaks, an estimated 50 black bears make their home in the forests and mountains surrounding Whistler Village, including a family of bears that make its home at the mountain bike park.

Visitors are given the usual tips on how to stay safe. One is to talk or sing to avoid surprising a bear. In this case, the mountain bikers made plenty of noise to announce their presence.

Feature photo courtesy of Alex Griggs via Steve Peat.