Bear encounter gives triathlon runners an unexpected obstacle

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Racers in Anchorage, Alaska's Gold Nugget Triathlon have come to expect a wildlife sighting or two along the 16-mile course.

This year an encounter caught on video got a tad too close for comfort.

The clip begins with what appears to be a mother and two black bear cubs crossing the running path, near the golf course in East Anchorage.

One of the cubs takes a detour toward a surprisingly calm runner.

The encounter ended peacefully, thanks to the cool nerves of the runner.

Organizers will look for new ways to discourage bears from the area in the future, such as playing more music along the route.

May and June mark the season of wildlife births, and animals can be encountered nearly anywhere in Alaska.

Cox Media Group