How to Survive a Grizzly or Black Bear Encounter

Playing dead will help you survive a grizzly encounter.

Bear attacks have increased as humans encroach more and more on their habitat and the bears' food supply shrinks. In Yellowstone National Park, six people were injured in a grizzly bear attack in both 2008 and 2010, double the average, according to the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team. While black bears are more docile than grizzlies, you have to be on your guard for an encounter with either.

Instructions

Grizzly Bears

1. Don't run away. Grizzlies can run up to 30 mph, which is much faster than even the fastest human, so you will be caught and attacked within seconds if you try this.

2. Carry bear spray in an area where you can grab it quickly, such as your front pocket. If the bear starts charging, begin spraying from about 40 to 50 feet away.

3. Be loud. If you're in bear country, talk, sing or otherwise make noise as you travel. Bears will think you're prey if you're quiet.

4. Hit the ground immediately and curl into the fetal position if a bear charges to close to you. Cover your neck with your hands and curl up in the fetal position to protect your stomach. Play dead for a while after the grizzly leaves -- they are known to wait around and see if their victim is really dead.

5. Punch the bear in the nose or eyes if fighting back is your only option.

Black Bears

1. Like when you're in grizzly country, arm yourself with spray and secure all food.

2. Stand your ground and make as much noise as you possibly can if you see a black bear. Wave your hands around above your head, or use other objects to make yourself look bigger. Black bears bluff charges much of the time. If you show them you are not afraid they will back down most times.

3. Fight back if the bear charges through your spray. Keep shouting and, like with a grizzly, aim for the nose or eyes with your fists or a stick. Don't curl up on the ground unless you are unable to fight back.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid returning to the area where the bear was roaming. Bears have territories and if you stay in the same area there is a chance you could encounter the bear again. Once the encounter is over and the bear has left, pack your belongings and leave the area.

References

• Mother Nature Network; "How to Survive a Bear Attack"; Russell McLendon; 2011
• Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center; Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Investigations; 2008