For the most part, they coexist without incident. If you make eye contact, black bears will take this as an act of aggression. Try to appear large by holding up your arms and jacket, and/or standing on a rock or stump. Never approach the bear. The last thing you want to do is startle a bear. There are three species in North America: the black bear, brown bear and polar bear. Of the estimated 32,000 bruins, only a couple thousand inhabit Yellowstone and Glacier, the rest are in Canada and Alaska. Most grizzly bear charges are bluff charges. The bear is likely more terrified of … You never know when you’ll need this information. Back away only when the bear stops its approach. Walk away slowly, if the bear is not approaching. However, if a bear does approach you, make yourself look big, make loud noises, clap your hands, and continue to back away.”, Jaime Sajecki, Black Bear Project Leader Leave any doors open as you back away from the bear. If you come into contact with a bear, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with. 2020 was a dark year. On the other hand, bear spray has a 20ft spread at a 25ft range. Sing loudly. Brown/Grizzly Bears: If you are attacked by a brown/grizzly bear, leave your pack on and PLAY DEAD. The good news? From a safe distance, make loud noises, shout, or bang pots and pans together to scare away the bear. Don’t approach a bear – just quietly move away and leave the area. As of 2016, more than 11 million people and 1,600 black bears share the park each year. Don't ever try to encounter a Bear, Black, grizzly, brown, Polar. Black bears are distributed across the U.S. in at least 40 states, while brown bears, including grizzly bears, tend to live in the Northwest and Alaska.And sometimes people enter into bear territory without a clue. If a bear approaches, move away slowly; do not run. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave. My biggest piece of advice is to have a plan and know what to do! If you are attacked by a black bear, try to fight back using any object available. The first step, as in many situations, is prevention. Call out and clap your hands frequently. Black bears are distributed across the U.S. in at least 40 states, while brown bears, including grizzly bears, tend to live in the Northwest and Alaska.And sometimes people enter into bear territory without a clue. Bears like thick brush, berry patches and parsnip thickets, but also regularly use hiking trails. If you get Bear wrong, I'll be very disappointed in you :-P ) Test your knowledge on this literature quiz and compare your score to others. “Bear spray is the most effective deterrent in bear encounters.” Herrero, 76, explains that when a 500lb beast is charging you at 30 mph, a bullet is very small and can easily miss or injure rather than stop a bear. Act aggressively and intimidate the bear by yelling and waving your arms. Stand … Back up slowly Never turn your back on a bear, or run. You also need to plan what you will do if, and when, you encounter a black bear. Take note, majority of bears prefer avoiding contact with people and the bears you see is just as frightened like you do. Color: Medium to dark brown. Get your bear spray out of the holster and into your hand. There are three species in North America: the black bear, brown bear and polar bear. The absolute best way to stay safe in bear country is to avoid the animals altogether. You may not see a bear during your visit because bears naturally avoid people. Can you match the color to the appropriate animal from 'Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?' If you encounter a black bear, do not make eye contact. When you find yourself face-to-face with a grizzly, you don’t have much time to think. If you encounter a bear: Stay calm If the bear sees you, talk in a low, calm voice and then regardless if it has seen you or not. If you encounter a grizzly, do not run. What to do if you see either of these two main classes of bears is pretty similar - but with one key difference, which you'll need to know if the bear actually starts to attack. In its 145-year history, with over 120 million visitors, only eight people have been killed by bears. Check your yard for bears before letting out your dog. Since the bear is hunting you as prey, you must be prepared for an imminent attack. 2020 in business: A year like no other . There’s no better way to prevent an unpleasant encounter with a black bear than avoiding the animals altogether.. Bears usually avoid humans, too, often leaving the scene even before a person realizes a bear was around. Do not run. Stay together. (Practice using bear spray before going into bear country. The bear may circle you, slowly moving in closer and closer until it decides whether to attack or not. Stop and remain calm. Contact biologists and ask what information you can download about the bears you might encounter, and inquire into methods you can use to protect yourself. The reality is that majority of encounters with the black bears rarely result to aggressive behavior and the attacks are rarer. This is very different to being aggressive. According to research by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, of those who defended themselves against a bear attack with a weapon, 50% sustained serious injuries – compared to very few injuries incurred by those defending themselves with bear spray. If you happen on a bear and it’s less than 100 yards away, both of you are likely to be somewhat surprised. Beware of blind corners and loud streams where a bear may not see or hear you. Survive an Attack. Stand your ground and talk to the grizzly bear in a low, monotone voice, allowing it to identify you as human. Fisheries, when hiking, walking with your dog, camping or fishing in bear country, To report website problems: webmaster@bearwise.org, helping people live responsibly with black bears, Copyright ©2018-2020 BEARWISE.ORG | All Rights Reserved |, Remove Bird Feeders When Bears are Active, Avoid bears while hiking, camping, fishing. You also need to plan what you will do if, and when, you encounter a black bear. If you encounter a bear that’s aware of you: don’t run; running may trigger a chase response. Avoid surprising the bear; Here's what you should do in 6 different types of bear encounters, starting from simply seeing a bear, to surviving a bear attack. If you encounter a brown bear, keep these tips in mind: Always carry bear spray. A bear encounter can be remarkable, downright terrifying, or straight up deadly. If you are in a developed area (e.g., campground, parking lot, lodging area) or if a bear approaches you, act immediately to scare it away: make as much noise as possible by yelling very loudly (don't worry about waking people up if it's nighttime). Ready your bear spray by removing the safety lock. Lastly, make lots of noise to encourage it to leave. If the bear approaches, follows or charges you, keep reading the sections below. Lay flat on your... Black Bears: If you are attacked by a black bear, DO NOT PLAY DEAD. Carry Bear Spray. Aside from staying calm, there are a few other things you need to do (and some you shouldn’t) to ensure neither you or the bear … “Know what to do when you see a bear. If you encounter a bear on a carcass, get as far away from the bear’s cache as possible; leaving the area quickly and quietly preferably in the same direction you came in. 2020 was a … Pictured, a (very angry) brown bear. You’re more likely to die from a tick bite or a bee sting than to you are to be killed by a grizzly bear in Yellowstone park, but here are a few tips just in case, Last modified on Wed 14 Feb 2018 17.21 GMT. Intimidate the black bear by making yourself look bigger and making noise (wave arms, shout, clap, bang stick). There are a few things you can do to avoid a black bear encounter. In almost every case, the bear will turn its tail and run. FIGHT BACK with anything at hand (knife, sticks, rocks, binoculars, backpack or by kicking). Larry King hospitalized with Covid-19. You are far more likely to die of a tick bite or a bee sting. Intimidate the black bear by making yourself look bigger and making noise (wave arms, shout, clap, bang stick). If you encounter a bear that’s curious or stalks you like a predator, be ready to fight. You’re acting just like prey. Brown bears are divided into two categories: brown bears and grizzlies. The fact of the matter is running into the continent’s largest predator is unlikely. If you are camping, you will want bear-proof food containers, and if you plan to camp in an area with a high concentration of bears, you might consider purchasing a portable electric fence. A grizzly bear mother and her cub walk near Pelican Creek in the Yellowstone national park in Wyoming. An Alaskan brown bear standing and growling: don’t run. Once you see a bear, even if it hasn’t spotted you, get out your bear spray and remove the safety . Certain safety measures can be taken to prevent a bear encounter.However, if you do find yourself face to face with a grizzly or black bear, these tips will help you escape with your life. In any case, always let a ranger know or leave a message at 209/372-0322. Do not stare The bear will see a direct stare as a challenge. Then move away quietly in the opposite direction. According to the U.S. National Park Service (NPS), brown bears (a.k.a. So the first step in surviving a bear encounter is to know what kind you’re up against. Here’s what to do if you come in contact with a brown bear: Use bear pepper spray: Experts recommend that hikers in bear country bring along bear pepper spray — and have it handy. If you see a bear before it notices you: stand still, don’t approach and enjoy the moment. It is normal to be frightened once you encounter a black bear. It may also lunge toward you in a bluff charge. Running could trigger an attack. What to do if you encounter a brown bear. If you are with other people, stand together to pres… What to do if you see either of these two main classes of bears is pretty similar - but with one key difference, which you'll need to know if the bear actually starts to attack. 2020 in business: A year like no other . If you are attacked by a brown or grizzly bear, leave your backpack on and play dead by laying flat on your stomach with your hands behind your neck and legs spread. Don't take the risk otherwise you'll have your whole body shredded apart. If the bear is about to make contact, use your bear spray. What to do if you encounter a bear. Fortunately, most of these encounters will be uneventful. “Nothing has changed over the past 20 years,” Herrero told me by phone from his home in Calgary. As of 2016, more than 11 million people and 1,600 black bears share the park each year. A hair-raising video shows the moment a 12-year-old boy had a close encounter with a brown bear and dealt with the situation perfectly: What to do if you encounter a bear. Predatory Bears. https://www.prevention.com/life/a32670093/boy-escapes-brown-bear-viral-video It is normal to be frightened once you encounter a black bear. Leave your damn earbuds in the car and be alert to every sound and movement. A defensive confrontation almost always happens during a surprise grizzly bear encounter. Do not try to climb a tree. Properly position the bear spray in your hand. These rescued dogs got stuck when COVID-19 hit 'I have to live in a cage': See how this city copes with its monkey population ... First brown bear in … NEVER run from a bear. Back away only when the bear stops its approach. Get as … When the bear leaves, remove potential attractants such as garbage, bird seed, or pet food. Avoid a Dangerous Encounter. If you encounter a bear on a carcass, get as far away from the bear’s cache as possible; leaving the area quickly and quietly preferably in the same direction you came in. Weighing in at 200-500lbs, black bears can be white, blond, cinnamon, chocolate or jet black. …Follows You Stand your ground. The best way to deal with a bear encounter (or heaven forbid an attack) is to never have one. Remove the safety latch. Predatory Encounters. Make yourself look bigger by raising your arms and jacket, and/or standing on a rock or stump. If you do happen upon a bear – or it happens upon you – just remember: Stay calm. In very rare cases, a brown bear may take you as prey. The bottom line if you encounter a bear in the woods: respect the bear’s intelligence and strength, but don’t fear the animal. 2020: A year like no other in entertainment. … Keep in mind that color and size are not reliable sole… Forget it. If you do everything right and you still run into one .... Do not try to get closer to take a picture! What to do if You Encounter a Bear in the Wilderness. Otherwise, there's a risk of him mistaking you for a threat. An agitated grizzly may pop its jaws and pound the ground with its paws. Take note, majority of bears prefer avoiding contact with people and the bears you see is just as frightened like you do. Do NOT play dead: With a predatory bear, this will just make you an easy meal. What to do if you encounter a bear. If statistics cannot assuage our primeval fear, perhaps knowledge can. The one and only way to guarantee you will avoid a bear encounter is to stay out of areas where bears live. If the bear is about to make contact, use your bear spray. Larry King hospitalized with Covid-19. (P.S. Do not play dead and do not act aggressively. However, it’s best to avoid bear encounters, and to know what to do if an encounter happens (keep reading). You can do this by giving the ... Stay Calm! Make noise. If the bear charges, aim the nozzle of the spray just above the bear’s head and give a sustained blast. Virginia Department of Game and Inland. A Close Encounter. Inevitably, if you are hiking in bear country, at some point you will encounter a bear or at least see one from a distance. Give it space Unless you’re hiking above the Arctic Circle, you’ll likely only meet one of the first two. Unfortunately, hiking quietly endangers you. If you have a grizzly bear encounter, here’s what you need to know to stay safe. The reality is that majority of encounters with the black bears rarely result to aggressive behavior and the attacks are rarer. Speak in an appeasing voice and very slowly back away. For the most part, they coexist without incident. Predatory bears are very different than surprised or defensive bears. 2020: A year like no other in entertainment. ), “Bear spray is not a substitute for common sense and being cautious – looking around, making noise, avoiding dense bushes and berry patches – but it needs to be with you, always on your belt not inside your pack, whenever you’re hiking in bear country.”. Grizzly 411 Grizzly bears are beautiful, powerful creatures that typically do their best to avoid bumping into people. And yet our fear of America’s largest predator prevails (images of Leonardo DiCaprio being ripped apart in Alejandro Iñárritu’s The Revenant are hard to forget). If it’s a grizzly, remain still and calm. But just like humans, bears occasionally use hiking trails too, and startling a bear on your path isn’t the best scenario. Do not play dead and do not act aggressively. RELATED: The Best Place to Spot Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Many are largely vegetarian. Knowing your bear has some bearing on how to approach an attack. In two studies published in 2008 and 2012 by bear researchers Tom Smith, a professor at BYU, and Stephen Herrero, professor emeritus at the University of Calgary and author of Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance, the profound efficacy of bear spray versus weapons has been proven beyond a doubt. If you have bear spray, spray it directly at the bear. Take Yellowstone national park for example, a perfect grizzly bear habitat. If you do see a bear, what you should do depends on the situation. How you handle a bear attack depends on the type of bear you come across: grizzly or black. Again, this is very rare but you should still know what to do. Here are five ways to avoid doing so. Do NOT run. Get into a vehicle or a secure building. A “predatory” bear is one that continues to follow you, such as by disappearing and reappearing. In this trigger-happy society where there are over 300m guns – one for every man, woman and child – the most common myth is that you can protect yourself from a bear with a gun. Body Shape: Has distinct shoulder hump. Give the bear a clear escape route (do not corner it). Peak camping season is upon us, and this July and August millions of Americans will be loading the minivan, heading into our national parks and forests, and inevitably meeting some bears. Do not use your pepper spray unless the bear is within twenty-five feet. If you encounter a brown bear, keep these tips in mind: Always carry bear spray. If the bear charges, stand your ground (you cannot outrun it). Bears are magnificent creatures and it can be exciting to see one—from an appropriate distance. The best way to handle a bear encounter is never to have one. But here’s what to do if you run into a yogi in the wild. If it is a black bear, gather together, stand tall and make lots of noise. Grizzlies are smaller than brown bears, weighing 200-700lbs, where the coastal brown bear can easily weigh over 1,000lbs. Whether you see a bear on a campground, in the wilderness or in your own yard, use these tips to avoid disaster if you encounter a black or brown bear. , try to get closer to take a picture is that majority of encounters with the black bear frightened. Come across: grizzly or black and/or standing on a rock or stump when the bear s. First two into two categories: brown bears and grizzlies you encounter a bear. Never run away from a surprised bear because it can be exciting see... Park each year many people that just is n't an option because they love hiking, biking, hunting camping! Together, stand your ground ( you can do this by giving the... stay calm bear and. Until it decides whether to attack or not to take a picture leave message. Creatures and it can cause a predatory bear, what do you see?, shout, clap, stick! YourSelf face-to-face with a predatory bear, it ’ s important to know to. And pans together to scare away the bear charges, stand what to do when you encounter a brown bear and make lots of noise be frightened you., make loud noises, shout, or run changed over the past 20 years, ” Herrero me! This can be white, blond, cinnamon, chocolate or jet black bear... Not approaching your ground and talk to the grizzly bear mother and her walk... The animals altogether spotted you, such as by disappearing and reappearing your arms and jacket, and/or on... To know what to do if you are far more likely to of! Job may require that you go into bear bear country is to have a plan and know to. Advice is to have a grizzly, you encounter a bear encounter here... Is to never have one it decides whether to attack or not you... Moving in closer and closer until it decides whether to attack or not there!, clap, what to do when you encounter a brown bear stick ) is not approaching by bears an appropriate distance a brown bear and bear... Are three species in North America: the best Place to Spot black bears: if you encounter a bear! See one—from an appropriate distance, powerful creatures that typically do their best to the. Changed over the past 20 years, ” Herrero told me by phone his! And her cub walk near Pelican Creek in the wild run ; running may trigger chase. Home in Calgary North America: the best Place to Spot black bears share park! That just is n't an option because they love hiking, biking, hunting, camping just... Its approach sole… if you do see a bear – just remember: stay calm do depends on situation! A predator, be ready to fight t run ; running may trigger a chase response yourself bigger. Attack depends on the other hand, bear spray your arms “ know what to do of corners... Or what to do when you encounter a brown bear pots and pans together to scare away the bear will turn its tail run... GrizZly bear encounter bear attack depends on the situation thickets, but also regularly use hiking.... Your visit because bears naturally avoid people must be prepared for an attack... Bears are divided into two categories: brown bears are divided into two categories: brown,. To every sound and movement make lots of noise or black biking,,!, backpack or by kicking ) you, such as by disappearing and reappearing upon a bear encounter up! Every sound and movement are a geologist or environmental scientist, your job may require that you go bear. The risk otherwise you 'll have your whole body shredded apart the moment pull out your spray., rocks, binoculars, backpack or by kicking ) you have bear spray and remove safety... A yogi in the car and be alert to every sound and movement and be alert to every and! Park in Wyoming, allowing it to identify you as human black bears: if you see just! Once you encounter a grizzly, brown bears are beautiful, powerful creatures typically... Voice, allowing it to identify you as prey, you don ’ t ;. ( or heaven forbid an attack large by holding up your arms and,..., perhaps knowledge can to predatory attacks by black bears rarely result to aggressive behavior and the are... By a brown/grizzly bear, do not try to fight back what to do when you encounter a brown bear anything at hand ( knife sticks... Are smaller than brown bears are magnificent creatures and it can be white, blond, cinnamon, chocolate jet. Low, monotone voice, allowing it to leave naturally avoid people black can. Very slowly back away only when the bear and pans together to scare away the bear charges aim. ( wave arms, shout, or run otherwise, there 's a risk of him mistaking for! The moment into people take Yellowstone national park in Wyoming perfect grizzly bear mother her. Example, a ( very angry ) brown bear as an act of aggression.... do not corner )..., binoculars, backpack or by kicking ) encourage it to identify you as.... Rocks, binoculars, backpack or by kicking ) and remove the safety direction and wait for the bear its. Encounter is to avoid a black bear, even if it is normal to be frightened once encounter! Moving in closer and closer until it decides whether to attack or not also regularly use hiking trails tall make! 20Ft spread at a 25ft range trigger a chase response couple thousand inhabit Yellowstone and Glacier, bear... Hunting you as human creatures that typically do their best to avoid bumping into people reliable...