VIDEO: Black Bear Enjoys Serene Swim On Flathead Lake

Bear swimming on Flathead Lake
Source: Facebook Video

As Montanans, we get to have experiences that the rest of the world misses out on.  Nobody from Costa Rica or San Francisco or even, Gary Indiana gets to see the stuff we do.  

We're pretty lucky, aren't we?

A man was boating on the Flathead near Wild Horse Island when he noticed something swimming in the water.  And before you ask, no, it wasn't the Flathead Lake Monster. 

 

Bear swimming on Flathead Lake
Source: Facebook Video

But it was a black bear, swimming some yards away from his boat.  Black bears are strong swimmers, and quickly take to rivers and lakes, especially if it means getting a nice, juicy fish for breakfast.  

The whole scene is peaceful and beautiful, and on a whole a lot more placid than some of the other bear encounters we've seen...

Watch the whole video below!  And leave a comment if you've ever seen a black bear swimming this far from shore! 

Leave a Comment Here

Cathy Kolinski (not verified) , Thu, 09/17/2020 - 13:38
Loved in Kalispell for a time, and loved to drive around the lake. Found grizzly tracks once, but never something like this. How very special! Thanks for sharing. ?
Rebecca Westfahl (not verified) , Thu, 09/17/2020 - 18:26
Wow so beautiful
Michael Leed (not verified) , Thu, 09/17/2020 - 20:01
Thank You so much for the video. The photographer(s) deserve a lot off credit to be the only one out in the smoke that day.. There is a separate post that informs everyone that the he (she?)made it. https://www.distinctlymontana.com/video-serene-black-bear-swims-across-flathead-lake-near-wild-horse-island?fbclid=IwAR2y0rk4H1Pnh8IC2nGJABZtToZVkqiZG1cwk1H_uRoooZH_YGCDvCYf_bQ
I think I'll murmur "Smokey", "Hello Smokey", as I walk the island.
Anonymous (not verified) , Fri, 09/18/2020 - 10:54
Can’t believe this little guy swam that far......I was so afraid for him going that far. Hope the trip was worth it and that he didn’t have to make the return trip.
Gwynne (not verified) , Fri, 09/18/2020 - 18:11
I've never seen a bear do this, however have seen 4 lg. elk with racks in the misty morning swimming in the cold, cold water, what a sight , thanks.
Beth Hoel (not verified) , Thu, 09/24/2020 - 11:20
Amazing video. Montana is a place I want to visit and explore. I would love to live out my days in the Flathead Lake region of Montana
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