How To Handle A Bear Encounter

Start by identifying the type of bear it is (eg: is it a black bear, or a grizzly bear?), because different types need to be handled differently. Black bears are curious trouble makers. They tend to scare pretty easy unless stalking prey, or protecting young. Most of the time they are more afraid of you than you are of them. They're skiddish. Grizzly bears are the opposite; they are aggressive, don't scare, and you are prey. If you meet one, and it takes an interest in you, you're pretty much screwed. Bear attacks are rare in Canada (as well as the rest of North America), especially by black bears, and deaths are rarer still. However, I doubt these stats are of much comfort to the few people who are attacked. Never forget how dangerous bears are. Always pack appropriate protection when in bear country. Throughout your encounter with a bear always profile it's behaviour towards you, because this will dictate how you need to react towards it.

When removing yourself from a bear encounter, if the bear seems intent to follow, consider leaving a hat, jacket, or camera bag. This may distract the bear. Don't drop anything that has food in it, because this encourages the bear to follow you for more, and furthers the association of you and food. Don't drop a backpack or large bag. If you're attacked, you can use this to help protect your vital organs.

When in bear country it is advisable to carry a bear bell (saves you having to talk loudly all the time), bear spray, a gun (not everyone can do this), and a knife.

Making noise is a key preventative measure, but the type of noise made matters. The noise should identify you as human. Speaking is good (a common phrase is to say "Hey bear"), but can become tiring. A bear bell is best, because it makes consistent noise. Never whistle, you may be mistaken for a bird.

Black Bears:

If the bear huffs repeatedly then you're too close, and should slowly back off a bit until the bear seems more comfortable. If the bear stands up, or takes a step or so forward, don't panic. It just wants a closer look. It's trying to figure out what you are. A bear may bluff charge, usually because it feels threatened. If you believe this is a bluff, and that this is a bear you can scare, stand your ground. If the bear snaps, or growls these are threats. If attacked by a black bear fight back as hard as you can.

Distant:

If the bear hasn't seen you, walk away. Once you've put some distance between you and it, speak (eg: say "Hey bear") at a slightly above normal to moderate volume, or use a bear bell to make noise. This will help alert it, and any other bears that a human is in the area so, they will hopefully steer clear of you.

If the bear has seen you then, then stand your ground for a minute. Speak (eg: say "Hey bear") at a slightly above normal volume. This will help the bear identify you as human, not prey. Do not make eye contact as this is a challenge. Then walk away. Be sure to pause, and turn around several times to make sure the bear doesn't follow you. If the bear does initiate curious, stalking, or otherwise threatening behaviour, stand your ground, and re-evaluate (eg: Is this a bear you can scare?).

Close:

If the bear hasn't seen you, you need to start by letting it know you're present. Speak (eg: say "hey bear") at a normal volume, and then increase moderately until you've been heard. A startled bear will react in fight, or flight. Usually flight, but if you're close it may feel threatened enough to attack. The goal here is avoid startling the bear by accident so it's more inclined to react with flight than fight. Stand your ground until the bear has had a chance to get used to you. Make yourself look big by raising your arms above your head, or pulling your jacket wide open. Continue to speak. Slowly back away, and do not turn your back to the bear until you've put a good span of distance between you and it. Remain calm throughout this process.

Grizzy Bears:

Distant:

Leave quietly, and speedily.

Close:

Leave if you feel you can do so, otherwise climb a tree. You'll need to get high enough that it can't grab you, but don't go too high. Grizzlies can knock down trees, and the further you fall the more serious your injuries will be which could affect your ability to flee. If attacked, curl into a ball, place your hands behind your neck. This helps protect your vital areas. Alternatively, lay on your stomach, and spread your legs. This will make it harder for the bear to get you on your back. Play dead unless the attack is very bad. Grizzlies will often not kill you. They'll maul you horribly, drag you off to be buried, and then come back later to finish you off. By playing dead you may be able to reduce how injured you are. Once the bear buries you and leaves, you have an opportunity to escape. Just make sure the bear has actually left, before you try to escape or you may be re-attacked.

License:Comprehensible Open License 2.0

Comprehensible Open License 2.0:

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