How to Deal with Bear Encounters

Even for avid animal enthusiasts, those of us who are out there in nature hoping to catch a glimpse of the wildlife, a close encounter with a bear is probably not exactly what we are after. Even the smallest bear in North America, the American black bear, is the size of human adults (or much larger) and multiple times stronger. Grizzly and Kodiak bears are something altogether.

Nevertheless, bear encounters do happen to people, particularly those exploring national parks and seeking out animals, so it’s helpful to understand what to do in the throes of a face-to-face. While we are at it, it might be useful to recognize signs of a bear being nearby, to know some measures we can take to avoid close encounters, and to grasp what the bear might be thinking in this scenario.

In short, it would be exhilarating to see a bear at a safe distance, but it would be terrifying to see one close up. We wouldn’t want the possibility of the latter experience to stop us from the opportunity of the first. So, it’s time to prepare ourselves.

The Reality of Bear Attacks

Estimates for the black bear population in North America bounce between 600,000 to 900,000, with about 300,000 of those being in the US. There are a little over 50,000 brown bears (including grizzlies), and maybe 25,000 polar bears. Even so, only about 1.25 people a year are killed by a bear of any sort on the continent.

In other words, it’s important to remember that people are more likely to have a fatal encounter with a bee or a tick in the wild (or at home) than a bear. For that matter, bears aren’t nearly as dangerous as other humans in the wild or at home.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has one of the densest black bear populations in the United States, with an estimated two-plus bears every square mile. That’s 1900 bears in about 800 square miles of space. Far more people are injured tubing in the park than by bears.

Preventative Measures

Source: REI/Youtube

The best way to not die by a bear attack is, of course, to never be attacked by a bear, and even when out hiking in the wild, in bear country, there are things we can do to prevent close encounters.

1. Make some noise when hiking. Most bears will clear out long before you get near them. This can be as simple as chatting with a companion, humming, or attaching a bell to a backpack.
2. Notice what’s around. Bear scat or bear tracks are really strong signs to be careful, but approaching things like wild berry patches and water sources are potential spots where bears like to be. The other side of sharp curves on a trail also seems to be a spot that bears sometimes like.
3. Be careful with food storage. This is mostly on a camping trip or picnic, but food smells will attract hungry bears. They can smell stuff from far away, so store food and aromatic items in sealed containers and away from tent sites. Also, be sure to wash dishes and clean up any wrappers or debris that could have bits of food.
4. Some people carry bear spray for added protection. It’s basically like pepper. It will hurt the animal for a little while, disabling it long enough for a person to get away. Bear spray is far more effective than a gun. Plus, it only hurts them temporarily rather than injuring or killing them.

Handling a Bear Encounter

Source: CBC News/Youtube

For sure, the type of bear will dictate how a bear attack should be handled. Brown bears are much larger and more aggressive than black bears. The two encounters are not the same at all. Nevertheless, there are some rules that apply no matter what.

1. Don’t run or turn your back to the bear. It can catch you. Bears are as fast as horses. They are also hunters accustomed to chasing their prey from behind. Don’t feed that instinct.
2. Don’t offer it food or throw food in a different direction. It will not distract the bear.
3. Talk evenly to the bear. The sound of a human voice is something foreign and disarming for bears. Nothing they normally eat talks to them. That said, screaming and flailing is different and might cause the bear to panic.
4. Stay calm and stand tall. The bigger we are the less appealing it is to attack. Huddling together when with others helps, too. Standing your ground dissuades the bear from advancing even though it may posture and even bluff charge a little.
5. Move away slowly while facing the bear, and get out of the area when possible. If the bear follows, again talk to it, stand your ground, and stay calm. Never run and never advance on the bear where it may feel trapped.

Black Bear v Brown Bear Attacks

Source: Tyler Scott Johnson/Youtube

Brown bears are larger and more aggressive than black bears, which tend to be shy and nocturnal. Both are known to attack humans from time to time; however, survival strategies for these attacks are very different.

• Black bears are much more common in the United States, and they are the only species remaining in most of the United States. If a black bear attacks, victims are instructed to fight back, not play dead, and get to a safe place like a car or building if possible. The most sensitive part of the bear is its face, so…
• Brown bears are only found in the far Northwest of the Continental US and up to Alaska from there. Victims should play dead if attacked by one, lying on their stomach to use a backpack as a shield. Clasping your hands behind your neck is a good idea, too. Stay as still as possible until the bear leaves as fighting it will increase the intensity of the attack.

Bears Are Awesome!

Though they are powerful, fierce, and entirely capable of killing a person, bears aren’t really into that. They are actually omnivores with lots of berries and nuts in their diet, and they are much more inclined to not have close encounters with humans than to attack them. Remember that!

And, remember (or realize) humans have done and continue doing some horrendous stuff to bears. They have much more reason to fear us.

Related Content:

• This Amazing Close Encounter With a Brown Bear Will Blow Your Mind! (VIDEO)
• Petition: Urge Lawmakers in Connecticut to Invest in a Bear Sanctuary
• Climate Change Likely Played Role in Recent Polar Bear Attack on Woman and Child in Alaska
• Bear Wanders into California 7-Eleven to Grab Some Snacks and Candy Bars
• Bear Cubs Cool Off in Pool

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