Return to article: How to Survive an Encounter With a Bear
on 11/22/2005 It has been suggested that if you are attacked at night, especially while sleeping, that you fight back with any means possible. Bears that attack at night see you as a food source. They are not very likely to give up if you play dead.
on 11/22/2005 A person from Canada said that bears can't run downhill because of the difference in the sizes of their legs! Not true. A black bear can run down a steep mountainside in full control of itself; it is amazing.
on 11/22/2005 Please be aware that, while the tips on the preceding page state that black bears can climb trees, remember also that any bear has the ability to climb trees. Thus this is not a foolproof method of escaping from grizzlys either.
on 11/22/2005 Statistically, most bear attacks are early in the morning when bears are looking for food! Don't hike during these critical times.
on 11/22/2005 It's now the general consensus that pepper spray may be used as a last resort to discourage a bear that gets too close. Get the large "bear size" can, not the small "mugger" can. Don't try to take pepper spray into Canada.
on 11/22/2005 While you hike into bear country talk louder then you normally would. Sing, and clap your hands occasionally. I wear a little cow bell on my pack when I'm out hiking. They usually avoid humans. You never want to startle a bear!
on 11/22/2005 Bears can't run down hill. Their front legs are shorter than their hind ones, causing them to tumble if they try.
on 11/22/2005 While walking, talk and make noise. don't wear perfumes or after-shave lotions.
on 11/22/2005 A bear is more efficient at running uphill because of its weight distribution. If an escape attempt seems like your best option, run or roll down a steep hill to distance yourself from the bear.
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