A viral video showing a man confronting and fatally shooting a bear inside his home has sparked widespread interest online. The incident occurred in the early morning hours when the homeowner, now widely referred to as “The Bear Guy,” encountered a black bear in his kitchen.
The homeowner, armed with a suppressed 11.5-inch Geissele Super Duty AR-15 chambered in 5.56, descended the stairs after suspecting something was amiss. As he entered the kitchen, the bear charged. Reacting swiftly, he fired seven rounds of Hornady Critical Defense 55-grain ammunition, stopping the animal just feet away.
In the follow-up video above, the homeowner answered seven of the most frequently asked questions:
- Did you get to keep the bear? No. He contacted both the sheriff and Parks and Wildlife. In self-defense bear shootings, the animal is collected by authorities.
- How did the bear get in? It climbed a second-story deck, opened a cracked window by pushing in the screen. Due to mountain weather and a lack of AC, the window had been left ajar.
- Is your hearing okay? Yes. The firearm was equipped with a suppressor, and the shooter routinely suppresses all his guns.
- Did you know it was a bear? No. He only confirmed it upon visually identifying the animal inside the home.
- What gun did you use? A Geissele Super Duty 11.5-inch AR-15 in 5.56, which he described as a personal favorite.
- Any damage to the house? Minimal. All seven rounds hit the bear. One fragment nicked the floor, but no other property damage was reported.
- What ammo did you use? Hornady Critical Defense 55 grain. Despite common skepticism about the 5.56 round on large animals, the ammunition performed effectively.
He concluded the video with a message encouraging preparedness and self-responsibility, especially for those caring for others. “You should have agency,” he said, urging viewers not to be passive in moments requiring assertive action.
This incident highlights a rare but real possibility of wildlife intrusions, even inside a home. It reinforces the value of readiness, proper equipment, and a clear understanding of when and how to use deadly force. This shooting, while unfortunate, was justified due to an imminent threat from a charging bear in close quarters.
Self-defense isn’t always about confronting human threats. In rural or mountainous regions, predators can pose a danger as well. Having the means and mindset to respond appropriately can mean the difference between life and death.
