If You Encounter a Bear

A commonly asked question is "What do I do if I run into a bear?" There is no easy answer.

Plan Around If You Encounter a Bear

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If You Encounter a Bear Details

A commonly asked question is "What do I do if I run into a bear?" There is no easy answer. Like people, bears react differently to each situation. Bears may appear tolerant of people and then attack without warning. A bear's body language can help determine its mood. In general, bears show agitation by swaying their heads, huffing, and clacking their teeth. Lowered head and laid-back ears also indicate aggression. Bears may stand on their hind legs or approach to get a better view, but these actions are not necessarily signs of aggression. The bear may not have identified you as a person and is unable to smell or hear you from a distance. **Bear Attacks** The vast majority of bear attacks have occurred because people have surprised a bear. In this situation, the bear may attack as a defensive maneuver. In rare cases, bears have attacked at night or after stalking people. These types of attacks are very serious because it may mean the bear is looking at you as prey. If you are attacked, use bear spray, or shout and try to intimidate the bear with a branch or rock. Do whatever it takes to let the bear know you are not easy prey. If you surprise a bear: - Stop and assess the situation. Is it a black bear or grizzly bear? Does it have cubs? Is it aware of your presence? - If the bear appears unconcerned or unaware of your presence, take this opportunity to quietly leave the area. Do not run! Back away slowly, but stop if it seems to agitate the bear. - If the bear approaches or charges you, stop. Stand your ground. Speak in a calm voice. This may just be a feint by the bear and may not lead to an attack. - If a bear attacks and you have bear spray, use it. - If it's a grizzly bear and is about to make contact, play dead. Lie on the ground on your stomach and cover your neck with your hands. Most attacks end quickly. Do not move until the bear has left the area. - If it's a black bear, fight back. Defensive attacks by black bears are very rare. **Roadside Bear Encounters** If you see a bear along the road, do not stop and cause a traffic "bear jam" that could be hazardous for bears as well as motorists. Bears habituated to people and cars are more likely to become victims of traffic accidents, as well as more likely to visit campsites in search of food and engage in potentially deadly interactions with people.

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