New to Climbing? Watch These Adorable Animal Novices Try It

All of the greatest rock climbers and mountaineers, from Lynn Hill to Edmund Hillary, have one thing in common: they all had a first climb. If you're heading out to conquer your first peak or scale your first vertical surface, we've got some inspiration for you in these three videos of our favorite (and furriest) new climbers.

By Catherine Schuknecht

November 2, 2015

Sometimes fear is the best motivator. This baby black bear climbs a tree for the first time in order to escape a skulking predator. Hopefully, it won't take a ravenous wolf to keep you moving upward; the fear of falling will probably do the trick.

 

If you're nervous about your first climb, ask a more experienced climber for help. This baby raccoon defers to his mom’s expertise and, with a little tough love, she shows him the ropes. Don't worry, your climbing guide probably won't bite you and throw you onto the cliff face—at least not to start with.

 

This baby porcupine shows that all it really takes to make your first ascent is a little patience and a lot of gumption. And it doesn't hurt to be insanely cute.