How To Survive an Encounter With a Bear

One of the most frightening wildlife encounters is unexpectedly meeting up with a bear.  Bears will attack humans if they are protecting their cubs, feel they are in danger, need to protect their territory, or are surprised.  Bears will not provoke a confrontation unless they feel they have been threatened first. Never touch or play with a bear cub you encounter in the wild, because a belligerent mother will soon be chasing you away.

When hiking in wilderness areas, be observant of what's on the trail in front of you and make at least a moderate amount of noise by singing, chanting or talking which will alert any nearby bear to your presence; they will usually move in another direction.  If a bear is clearly in your path, avoid making eye contact, but speak to it calmly and firmly as you back away from it, slowly raising your arms over your head so you appear as big and as tall as possible. Do not make any sudden movements. Under no circumstances should you run - this will provoke the bear into chasing you. While you back away, drop, but don't throw, something on the ground to distract the bear while you make a slow but steady escape.

If the bear makes a move toward you as if ready to attack, keep your backpack on for added protection and drop to the ground in the fetal position, interlocking your hands and fingers behind your neck. Running will only prompt a chase response in the bear and climbing a tree is equally useless as bears are expert tree-climbers themselves.

If the bear is clawing or biting you, remain still, quiet and motionless as if playing dead, remaining curled up in the fetal position. Once the bear backs off, remain quiet and motionless for at least 20 minutes, as the bear may stay in the area for a few minutes to watch your activity level.

If the bear continues to bite or attack and you feel there is no other option, fight back by yelling, getting to your feet and striking the bear on the snout or in the eyes, as you continue to back away as quickly as possible without running.

To best avoid provoking a confrontation with a bear, do not interact with any cubs you encounter in the wild and do not leave food or containers containing food out in the open or in an unsecured area where a hungry bear might be foraging for his next meal.