Video: Black bear hangs out directly above oblivious athletes at B.C. race

Last week, a mountain biker at the Pioneer Cape Trek in South Africa was chased by a giraffe at the seven-stage mountain bike race. Canadians who haven’t traveled abroad have never seen the immense mammals but here at home we also have diverse wildlife that if spotted on a ride can raise the hairs on the back of your neck. In that case maybe sometimes not spotting the wildlife is just as well, especially during a race.

Athletes participating in the MEC Triathlon Sprint on Sept. 10 in Coquitlam, B.C. were unaware of an unexpected spectator. The black bear may have had the best seat in the house but was totally preoccupied snacking on berries as the race passed directly below.

The triathletes were in the bike leg of the race on an out and back section taking place on Oliver Road in Coquitlam. The road runs next to Minnekhada Regional Park where there is an abundance of bird and wildlife.

RELATED: Mountain biker gets taken out by a bear in the woods

During the short video taken by B.C.’s Andy Weststeyn, it appears to have gone completely unnoticed by the focused athletes below. Later on, the race was actually briefly stopped when the bear decided to descent and cross the road.

https://youtu.be/tI3l__S0kKQ