Kimberly Mendoza, 17, was walking in the woods near Lake George in Mammoth, with an unnamed friend when they spotted a black bear, according to SWNS.

The two attempted to retreat from the bear but their path was blocked by fallen tree branches and the pair did not want to turn their backs on the bear.

Video taken by Mendoza shows the bear approaching the pair and pawing at the friend. The bear turns around and leaves the pair after the friend swipes away the paw.

The video has over 4.4 million views on TikTok since it was posted in late July.

What to do if you encounter a black bear

Bear attacks are rare, according to the National Parks Service, as bears that approach people are primarily interested in protecting their food, cubs, or space.

The NPS advises that if one encounters a black bear that they should remain calm and speak in a low, controlled manner so as to not provoke the bear.

If a black bear attacks, the park service says to fight back – don’t play dead ‒ and try to find safety in a secure location as soon as possible.

The post Watch as curious black bear paws at California teen’s leg in close encounter appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.