How to Act if You Encounter a Bear

If you enjoy spending time in the outoors, especially camping or hiking, there's a chance you could come across a bear. Use these strategies to avoid a dangerous encounter.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Bear spray

1. Learn about different types of bears. Black bears can climb trees and sometimes attack in a predatory manner. Grizzly and polar bears are more likely to attack in self-defense.
2. Know how to identify bears. Grizzly bears are large and have a hump just behind their shoulders. Black bears are smaller and have rounded ears and a long snout. Polar bears are white.
3. Make some noise when you are in the woods, so you don't surprise a bear. Sing or talk loudly to let a bear know that you are coming and that you are human (not prey).
4. If you encounter a bear, don't run. Back away slowly and talk to the bear. Let the bear hear your voice but do not shout.
5. Play dead. If a bear attacks in self-defense and makes contact, lay face down and stay very still. If you do not appear to be a threat, the bear may leave you alone.
6. Fight back. If a bear makes a predatory attack, fight back as hard as you can. Once a bear find out you aren't easy prey, they may leave you alone. Scream, kick, punch, hit the bear with rocks or branches, or use bear spray if you have it.

Tips & Warnings

• Bears can detect fear. Always stay calm when dealing with a bear.
• Never climb a tree. Black bears can climb and a grizzly can stand on its hind legs and reach up to 12 feet into a tree.
• Don't ever feed a bear.