Bear sightings in residential areas nationwide are increasing at a rate that alarms experts; and with those more frequent sightings have come more frequent attacks.

According to ABC News, Moninda Marube, a black man in Auburn, Maine, was out for a morning run this week, when he heard a noise coming from the woods.

Unfortunately for him, the noise wasn't made by a raccoon or a bird.

No, instead, Marube saw two black bears within a short distance of him.

20 yards away in fact.

"I had to think very fast," Marube said. "I knew I could not climb up a tree because bears can climb a tree," he said. "The only solution I had at that time was to be able to run."

Granted, to the average man or woman, outrunning two enormous and vicious predators would seem preposterous. But Marube, fortunately, is not like any average man.

Marube is a professional runner and a marathon champion.

Hoping that his talents might be enough to save his life, Marube dashed toward a vacant house that he passed on his trail.

Looking back, he couldn't help but scream. The bears had started to chase him

Luckily, he reached the house. Marube then hid behind a screened-in porch at the house.

But the runner still wasn't safe. "They started sniffing the door," he said.

After a while, however, the bears left Marube alone and strolled away.

Doug Seus, an animal trainer, told ABC News that people — especially people who are not gifted athletes — should not underestimate the speed of a bear. Sues claims that bears can run up to 30 miles per hour.

"You never run. You never run from a bear," said Seus.

And yet, if Marube may offer a contrarian opinion: running saved the athlete's life.

And while we do not suggest disregarding Seus' advice and aren't saying anyone should try to outrun a bear, we are happy that Marube ran, and that he lived to tell his outstanding tale of survival.

Professional Runner

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week