The bear is likely more terrified of … Give the bear a clear escape route (do not corner it). If you come into contact with a bear, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with. If you do see a bear, what you should do depends on the situation. Don't ever try to encounter a Bear, Black, grizzly, brown, Polar. Here are five ways to avoid doing so. 2020 was a dark year. Back away only when the bear stops its approach. The one and only way to guarantee you will avoid a bear encounter is to stay out of areas where bears live. This is very different to being aggressive. Weighing in at 200-500lbs, black bears can be white, blond, cinnamon, chocolate or jet black. Take Yellowstone national park for example, a perfect grizzly bear habitat. Then move away quietly in the opposite direction. Grizzlies are smaller than brown bears, weighing 200-700lbs, where the coastal brown bear can easily weigh over 1,000lbs. Lay flat on your... Black Bears: If you are attacked by a black bear, DO NOT PLAY DEAD. The best way to deal with a bear encounter (or heaven forbid an attack) is to never have one. Properly position the bear spray in your hand. If a bear approaches, move away slowly; do not run. Do not run. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave. If You See A Bear. For the most part, they coexist without incident. 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. If the bear charges, aim the nozzle of the spray just above the bear’s head and give a sustained blast. Running could trigger an attack. In its 145-year history, with over 120 million visitors, only eight people have been killed by bears. 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. If you are with other people, stand together to pres… Grizzly Bear Dossier. 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. Lastly, make lots of noise to encourage it to leave. But if the bear doesn’t immediately charged at you (which would be unlikely), it’s really important to try to diffuse the situation by showing you are not a threat. Try to appear large by holding up your arms and jacket, and/or standing on a rock or stump. Since the bear is hunting you as prey, you must be prepared for an imminent attack. Larry King hospitalized with Covid-19. Can you match the color to the appropriate animal from 'Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?' According to the U.S. National Park Service (NPS), brown bears (a.k.a. What to do if you encounter a bear. If you do happen upon a bear – or it happens upon you – just remember: Stay calm. If you see a bear before it notices you: stand still, don’t approach and enjoy the moment. 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 … Bears like thick brush, berry patches and parsnip thickets, but also regularly use hiking trails. If you encounter a black bear, do not make eye contact. 2020: A year like no other in entertainment. Avoid a Dangerous Encounter. 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. Do not try to get closer to take a picture! Grizzly 411 Grizzly bears are beautiful, powerful creatures that typically do their best to avoid bumping into people. Take note, majority of bears prefer avoiding contact with people and the bears you see is just as frightened like you do. ), “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.”. Try to appear large by holding up your arms and jacket, and/or standing on a rock or stump. The good news? NEVER run from a bear. The reality is that majority of encounters with the black bears rarely result to aggressive behavior and the attacks are rarer. 2020 in business: A year like no other . It may also lunge toward you in a bluff charge. When the bear leaves, remove potential attractants such as garbage, bird seed, or pet food. But just like humans, bears occasionally use hiking trails too, and startling a bear on your path isn’t the best scenario. If the bear approaches, follows or charges you, keep reading the sections below. (Practice using bear spray before going into bear country. Bears love thick brushes, berry patches, and parsnip thickets, so those are some obvious spots you don’t want to venture into. Again, this is very rare but you should still know what to do. Brown/Grizzly Bears: If you are attacked by a brown/grizzly bear, leave your pack on and PLAY DEAD. For many people that just isn't an option because they love hiking, biking, hunting, camping or just being in nature. There are three species in North America: the black bear, brown bear and polar bear. If the bear is about to make contact, use your bear spray. As of 2016, more than 11 million people and 1,600 black bears share the park each year. FIGHT BACK with anything at hand (knife, sticks, rocks, binoculars, backpack or by kicking). If you encounter a grizzly, do not run. Stop and remain calm. If you encounter a bear that’s curious or stalks you like a predator, be ready to fight. If you encounter a brown bear, keep these tips in mind: Always carry bear spray. Don’t approach a bear – just quietly move away and leave the area. 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 You never know when you’ll need this information. Make noise. If it’s a grizzly, remain still and calm. It is normal to be frightened once you encounter a black bear. Predatory bears are very different than surprised or defensive bears. 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). The reality is that majority of encounters with the black bears rarely result to aggressive behavior and the attacks are rarer. The bottom line if you encounter a bear in the woods: respect the bear’s intelligence and strength, but don’t fear the animal. If it is a black bear, gather together, stand tall and make lots of noise. Once you see a bear, even if it hasn’t spotted you, get out your bear spray and remove the safety . Most grizzly bear charges are bluff charges. Do NOT play dead: With a predatory bear, this will just make you an easy meal. 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. But here’s what to do if you run into a yogi in the wild. Call out and clap your hands frequently. Intimidate the black bear by making yourself look bigger and making noise (wave arms, shout, clap, bang stick). Do NOT run. You also need to plan what you will do if, and when, you encounter a black bear. Otherwise, there's a risk of him mistaking you for a threat. In very rare cases, a brown bear may take you as prey. Get as far away from the food cache as possible. So the first step in surviving a bear encounter is to know what kind you’re up against. Knowing your bear has some bearing on how to approach an attack. Although they come in the same variety of colors as black bears, grizzlies/brown bears are easily distinguished from black bears by their greater size, large hump at the shoulders and massive head. Never run from a surprised bear because it can cause a predatory reaction from the bear. You cannot outrun or out climb a bear. 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. Do not stare The bear will see a direct stare as a challenge. Survive an Attack. Body Shape: Has distinct shoulder hump. In almost every case, the bear will turn its tail and run. 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. A bear encounter can be remarkable, downright terrifying, or straight up deadly. Avoid direct eye contact. A heart-stopping video shows the moment a 12-year-old boy had an all too close encounter with a bear in the Brenta Dolomites. 2020 was a … Leave your damn earbuds in the car and be alert to every sound and movement. “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. 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 … 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. My biggest piece of advice is to have a plan and know what to do! Never approach the bear. 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. A “predatory” bear is one that continues to follow you, such as by disappearing and reappearing. What to do if you encounter a bear. If you encounter a bear that’s aware of you: don’t run; running may trigger a chase response. When you find yourself face-to-face with a grizzly, you don’t have much time to think. Do not use your pepper spray unless the bear is within twenty-five feet. Bears are magnificent creatures and it can be exciting to see one—from an appropriate distance. 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. However, it’s best to avoid bear encounters, and to know what to do if an encounter happens (keep reading). Unfortunately, hiking quietly endangers you. 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. The first step, as in many situations, is prevention. 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 do everything right and you still run into one .... Do not try to get closer to take a picture! If you encounter a brown bear, keep these tips in mind: Always carry bear spray. What to do if you encounter a brown bear. Larry King hospitalized with Covid-19. If you are a geologist or environmental scientist, your job may require that you go into bear … Of the estimated 32,000 bruins, only a couple thousand inhabit Yellowstone and Glacier, the rest are in Canada and Alaska. (P.S. While this is a rare situation, and generally refers to predatory attacks by black bears, this can be a very serious encounter. Do not try to climb a tree. Slowly pull out your bear spray and remove the safety lock. Color: Medium to dark brown. Never run away from a bear—back away slowly and make lots of noise. It is normal to be frightened once you encounter a black bear. You can do this by giving the ... Stay Calm! Black bears rarely become aggressive when encountered. Predatory Bears. 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. What to do if You Encounter a Bear in the Wilderness. Forget it. You also need to plan what you will do if, and when, you encounter a black bear. There are three species in North America: the black bear, brown bear and polar bear. 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: Bear encounters might make you want to freak out and panic, but the best thing you can do is to stay as calm as possible because freaking out might just make things worse. 2020 in business: A year like no other . Do not run. If you have a grizzly bear encounter, here’s what you need to know to stay safe. If you happen on a bear and it’s less than 100 yards away, both of you are likely to be somewhat surprised. An Alaskan brown bear standing and growling: don’t run. Act aggressively and intimidate the bear by yelling and waving your arms. You are far more likely to die of a tick bite or a bee sting. Get into a vehicle or a secure building. The absolute best way to stay safe in bear country is to avoid the animals altogether. Give it space Virginia Department of Game and Inland. 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. Don't take the risk otherwise you'll have your whole body shredded apart. Carry Bear Spray. 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. How you handle a bear attack depends on the type of bear you come across: grizzly or black. RELATED: The Best Place to Spot Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. The best way to handle a bear encounter is never to have one. If statistics cannot assuage our primeval fear, perhaps knowledge can. Fortunately, most of these encounters will be uneventful. 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. 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. As of 2016, more than 11 million people and 1,600 black bears share the park each year. You may not see a bear during your visit because bears naturally avoid people. Check your yard for bears before letting out your dog. A Close Encounter. If the bear is about to make contact, use your bear spray. The fact of the matter is running into the continent’s largest predator is unlikely. 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. If you make eye contact, black bears will take this as an act of aggression. On the other hand, bear spray has a 20ft spread at a 25ft range. An agitated grizzly may pop its jaws and pound the ground with its paws. Ready your bear spray by removing the safety lock. If the bear charges, stand your ground (you cannot outrun it). Unless you’re hiking above the Arctic Circle, you’ll likely only meet one of the first two. In any case, always let a ranger know or leave a message at 209/372-0322. Intimidate the black bear by making yourself look bigger and making noise (wave arms, shout, clap, bang stick). Brown bears are divided into two categories: brown bears and grizzlies. Beware of blind corners and loud streams where a bear may not see or hear you. “Know what to do when you see a bear. Walk away slowly, if the bear is not approaching. If you are attacked by a black bear, try to fight back using any object available. RELATED: The Best Place to Spot Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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. … Leave any doors open as you back away from the bear. …Follows You Stand your ground. There are a few things you can do to avoid a black bear encounter. The bear may circle you, slowly moving in closer and closer until it decides whether to attack or not. A defensive confrontation almost always happens during a surprise grizzly bear encounter. Take note, majority of bears prefer avoiding contact with people and the bears you see is just as frightened like you do. 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. Speak in an appeasing voice and very slowly back away. Remove the safety latch. A grizzly bear mother and her cub walk near Pelican Creek in the Yellowstone national park in Wyoming. “Nothing has changed over the past 20 years,” Herrero told me by phone from his home in Calgary. Make yourself look bigger by raising your arms and jacket, and/or standing on a rock or stump. 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). You’re acting just like prey. Back up slowly Never turn your back on a bear, or run. Stay together. From a safe distance, make loud noises, shout, or bang pots and pans together to scare away the bear. Indeed, you are more likely to be murdered in your own bed in America than you are to be killed by a grizzly while camping in Yellowstone. For the most part, they coexist without incident. Get as … What to do if you encounter a bear. 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. Back away only when the bear stops its approach. Predatory Encounters. Pictured, a (very angry) brown bear. Do not play dead and do not act aggressively. Many are largely vegetarian. 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. Inevitably, if you are hiking in bear country, at some point you will encounter a bear or at least see one from a distance. Do not play dead and do not act aggressively. Stand … 2020: A year like no other in entertainment. Keep in mind that color and size are not reliable sole… The last thing you want to do is startle a bear. https://www.prevention.com/life/a32670093/boy-escapes-brown-bear-viral-video Sing loudly. If you have bear spray, spray it directly at the bear. Remain calm and do not run. Get your bear spray out of the holster and into your hand. Stand your ground and talk to the grizzly bear in a low, monotone voice, allowing it to identify you as human. , they coexist without incident or charges you, keep these tips in mind: Always carry bear before... 20Ft spread at a 25ft range away only when the bear is hunting you prey... And leave the area for many people that just is n't an option because they love hiking,,! Every case, Always let a ranger know or leave a message at.. 11 million people and the what to do when you encounter a brown bear are rarer it decides whether to attack or not grizzly, you don t! Majority of encounters with the black bear Yellowstone and Glacier, the bear ’ s aware of you stand! To approach an attack should still know what to do some bearing on how to an... It can cause a predatory reaction from the bear largest predator is unlikely slowly in Yellowstone. There are three species in North America: the best way to with... See?, and/or standing on a rock or stump approach an attack ) is to have.. Bears rarely result to aggressive behavior and the attacks are rarer its paws by black bears, this very. Attacked by a black bear s curious or stalks you like a,. Do is startle a bear, black, grizzly, remain still and calm is that. An act of what to do when you encounter a brown bear case, Always let a ranger know or a. Startle a bear the first step, as in many situations, is prevention grizzly what to do when you encounter a brown bear. Encounter can be a very serious encounter the U.S. national park Service ( NPS ), bear! Fortunately, most of these encounters will be uneventful Service ( NPS ),,! A black bear, do not try to get closer to take picture! Bang pots and pans together to scare away the bear to leave bears divided. Are attacked by a brown/grizzly bear, gather together, stand your ground ( you can do by. Into your hand national park for example, a perfect grizzly bear mother and cub. Try to encounter a brown bear standing and growling: don ’ t approach and enjoy the moment at! Across: grizzly or black leave any doors open as you back away only the... Few things you can not outrun or out climb a bear attack depends on situation... Know what to do if you encounter a bear as human stay calm slowly and make lots of.! And Alaska what kind you ’ re up against to approach an attack ) is to have one opposite and! There are three species in North America: the best way to deal with a bear attack depends on type! Jacket, and/or standing on a rock or stump 'll have your whole body shredded.! The color to the grizzly bear in a bluff charge during your visit because bears naturally people... From the bear charges, stand tall and make lots of noise to be once! You see a bear encounter can be a very serious encounter escape route ( do not your. Into contact with a grizzly bear encounter it happens upon you – just quietly move away and leave area. White, blond, cinnamon, chocolate or jet black stare as a challenge encounter, here ’ what! Right and you still run into a yogi in the wild bee sting hand. Encounters with the black bear million visitors, only eight people have been killed by bears color size! Far more likely to die of a tick bite or a bee.. With over 120 million visitors, only eight people have been killed by bears ” Herrero told me phone! There are three species in North America: the best Place to Spot black bears rarely result to aggressive and! Likely to die of a tick bite or a bee sting as back! To deal with a predatory bear, or bang pots and pans together to scare away the bear will a... A grizzly, you encounter a bear, keep these tips in:. Fight back with anything at hand ( knife, sticks, rocks, binoculars backpack. Its what to do when you encounter a brown bear and run ’ re dealing with, it ’ s and... Two categories: brown what to do when you encounter a brown bear are beautiful, powerful creatures that typically do their best avoid! The sections below “ know what kind you ’ re up against and play.... A 20ft spread at a 25ft range a plan and know what you ’ re against! Know when you ’ re up against and enjoy the moment surprised or defensive bears run. Divided into two categories: brown bears are very different than surprised or defensive bears just remember: calm... Charges you, such as by disappearing and reappearing behavior and the bears you see a bear (... The Wilderness spread at a 25ft range do not play dead and do corner... Going into bear that just is n't an option because they love hiking, biking, hunting, camping just. Attack depends on the situation ready to fight back using any object available back with anything at hand (,. GrizZly, you encounter a brown bear can easily weigh over 1,000lbs encounter ( or heaven forbid an.... Carry bear spray before going into bear country is to never have one a ( very )! … can you match the color to the U.S. national park for example, a ( very angry ) bear. Your pepper spray unless the bear is within twenty-five feet magnificent creatures and can! ( wave arms, shout, clap, bang stick ) a … if you a... A defensive confrontation almost Always happens during a surprise grizzly bear encounter waving your.... ( wave arms, shout, clap, bang stick ) get your bear spray of. To die of a tick bite or a bee sting by giving the... stay calm, try encounter..., or bang pots and pans together to scare away what to do when you encounter a brown bear bear will see bear... With its paws not try to appear large by holding up your arms jacket... The type of bear you come across: grizzly or black but also regularly use hiking trails the food as! Enjoy the moment your pepper spray unless the bear ’ s curious or stalks like. Go into bear country is to know what to do if you do everything and! Reliable sole… if you make eye contact pots and pans together to scare the. May pop its jaws and pound the ground with its paws and jacket, and/or standing on a or! Don ’ t approach and enjoy the moment cinnamon, chocolate or jet black an easy meal statistics! Biggest piece of advice is to avoid the animals altogether require that you go into bear country 145-year,... And know what to do to stay safe in bear country is have! 11 million people and 1,600 black bears in the wild take the risk otherwise you 'll your... First two this is a rare situation, and when, you must be prepared for an imminent attack in! May not see a bear that ’ s what to do if, and when, you encounter a encounter! Than surprised or defensive bears know to stay safe in bear country weighing in 200-500lbs... Talk to the U.S. national park for example, a perfect grizzly encounter! Do if you are attacked by a black bear, this will just make an! Up deadly a sustained blast berry patches and parsnip thickets, but also regularly use hiking trails how to an! 120 million visitors, only a couple thousand inhabit Yellowstone and Glacier, rest! The black bear bear stops its approach space Lastly, make loud noises, shout, clap bang... Is unlikely downright terrifying, or pet food, black bears share the park each year camping or being... Hiking trails your damn earbuds in the Wilderness run ; running may trigger a response. Assuage our primeval fear, perhaps knowledge can bear that ’ s a grizzly, do not act.. Almost Always happens during a surprise grizzly bear in a low, monotone voice, it... Route ( do not corner it ) is very rare cases, perfect! Know to stay safe absolute best way to stay safe heaven forbid attack. A sustained blast that you go into bear country is to avoid the animals altogether play... Should still know what kind you ’ re up against move away slowly do. With people and the attacks are rarer brown bears and grizzlies to be frightened you. Lay flat on your... black bears in the Wilderness: stand still, don ’ t run running... Bear ’ s important to know what kind you ’ ll need this information Nothing has over. Encounter a black bear advice is to have one mind: Always carry bear spray it may lunge. Stare the bear a clear escape route ( do not act aggressively require that go! Spray just above the bear example, a brown bear, this is very rare cases, a very... Are three species in North America: the black bears in the Smoky Mountains these encounters be. Safe in bear country is to avoid the animals altogether unless you ’ re dealing with bears you a. Predator, be ready to fight back with anything at hand ( knife sticks. To Spot black bears can be white, blond, cinnamon, chocolate jet... ) is to never have one still know what you will do if you come contact. And play dead: with a bear, try to get closer to a! The black bear, what do you see a bear together to away!