A woman hiking in Canada who came face to face with a huge grizzly bear managed to escape after shouting at it to leave her and her dog alone.

The woman was walking on a trail in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, on Wednesday when the 700lb animal emerged from the forest and tried to attack her dog.

The beast approached and repeatedly circled the woman and her pet, before launching towards it several times and standing up on its hind legs.

But the hiker, who filmed the encounter, managed to safely escape with her dog by defying human instinct to flee.

Running from a grizzly bear is said by experts to be the worst thing to do after coming across it, as it triggers their chase instinct and they can easily outrun humans.

Rather than fleeing, the woman initially backed away slowly while shouting towards the animal to leave them alone.

As it approached, she repeatedly told it to 'go away' and 'get', while also telling it 'no' and making growling noises.

As it bounded closer in pursuit of the dog, she stood her ground as it circled them.

After it bounded behind a metal gate, she then took the opportunity to flee to nearby parked cars.

After the encounter, Alberta Parks issued a warning to others about the grizzly. 

'Safety of visitors is always our top priority, and staff are monitoring the situation closely,' the warning added. 

To avoid an encounter with a bear, Alberta Parks advises to make plenty of noise and travel in groups while keeping an eye open for fresh signs that bears are in the area such as digging or scat.

Visitors should keep pets on a lead and carry bear spray that is easily accessible. 

Experts say that if anyone comes into contact with a grizzly bear they should stand their ground and not run.

Speaking to the bear in a low and calm voice can help it identify humans, as opposed to prey.

People should also wave their arms slowly and, if available, make themselves look bigger by stepping on top of a rock or other higher ground.

They say to never imitate bear noises or scream, or try and climb a tree to get away.

If a grizzly bear attacks, hikers are advised to play dead and only fight back - by trying to strike the bear to the face - if they do not give up.

But if it is a black bear that attacks, the public is urged not to play dead and to instead fight back immediately before escaping to a secure location.

Also, if any bear attacks campers in their tents or stalks them, this is an indication they are being viewed as food and should also fight back. 

Anyone exploring areas where bears are known to roam is advised to carry bear spray, which is highly effective at putting off aggressive bears.

Should a bear charge, the spray should be deployed by aiming slightly below their face. 

Alberta Parks asks visitors to report bear encounters or observations in Kananaskis to Kananaskis Emergency Services at 403-591-7755.