Knowing what to do if you meet a bear is an important part of outdoor safety in many areas of North America where you love to hike, bike, run and camp. Sa bear in the wild while you are hiking can be truly memorable, but what kind of experience you have depends on the situation, of course. And it depends on the type of bear.
Black bears can be found in almost every US state, while the rather more frightening grizzly bear is limited to western Canada, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wyoming. Black bears are very unlikely to attack unless defending their cubs, while grizzlies are known to charge and attack humans.
Seeing a mother bear with her cubs from a distance can be the thrill of a lifetime, however, a bear encounter can also lead to a very dangerous situation, especially if you startle the animal, inadvertently intrude on its feeding grounds, or get too close to their offspring.
The good news is that – like most wild animals – bears tend to avoid people. Many hikers, trail runners, backpackers and campers have had a close encounter with a bear without ever knowing. And even most face-to-face meetings end with animal and human departing in opposite directions, without harm to either party. But, although your risk of being hurt if you meet a bear in the wild is statistically very low, they are large powerful animals, and can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Bear attacks
According to the National Park Service, most bears are only interested in protecting food, cubs, or their space. Bear attacks are rare (opens in new tab), but they do happen and can lead to serious injuries or even death.
There were 664 bear attacks on people around the world between 2000–2015, about an average of 40 per year, according to Petpedia (opens in new tab). There were 23 fatal black bear attacks in the US between 2000–2016 and there have been 180 fatal bear attacks in North America since 1784 (opens in new tab).
Each bear and each experience is unique; there is no single strategy that will work in all situations to guarantee safety. However, what type of bear you encounter can help you react properly in the event of an attack. The NPS suggests following these guidelines to understand how grizzly bear attacks can differ from black bear attacks.
Grizzly bears: If you are charged or approached by a brown bear or grizzly bear, it’s best to leave your backpack on and play dead. As scary as that might sound, it’s a defensive manoeuver to help keep you as safe as possible. Simply lay flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck. Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over. Remain as motionless as possible until the bear leaves the area. Fighting back usually increases the intensity of such attacks. However, if the attack persists, fight back vigorously with whatever you have at hand – a branch, rocks, one of your boots – to hit the bear in the face.
Black bears: If you are attacked by a black bear, try to escape to a secure place such as a car or building but avoid playing dead. If escape is not possible, try to fight back using any object available. Concentrate your kicks and blows on the bear's face and muzzle.
What to do if you meet a bear
Ashli Nudd, a former National Park Service ranger who works as a professional hiking guide and backpacking trip planner, says the best way to avoid bear encounters is to have a pre-determined hiking plan plotted out on maps based on known trails and likely camping locations.
When you arrive in a National Park or State Park, always remember to check with the nearest visitor center or backcountry office for the latest bear safety information and advice on where to hike and camp. Avoid going off trails, never try to approach a bear to take a photograph, and never try to feed a bear, Nudd says.
1. Don't run
If you see a bear, no matter if the bear has seen you or not, the most essential thing to remember is to fight the urge to run away. Most species of bears can run 30mph and cover 100 meters in about seven seconds – much faster that the world’s top Olympic sprinters.
If you run, you might trigger the bear’s predatory instincts – especially if it’s young – inspiring it to chase you down just to thwart off a potential threat.
“Do not run!” Nudd emphasises. “Trust me, you cannot outrun a bear and you do not want the bear to consider you as prey.”
If the bear has not seen you, stay out of sight and try to stay downwind to avoid allowing the bear to smell your scent or any food you are carrying. Leave the area as soon as possible, even if that means altering your route.
2. Make noise
If the bear is aware of you, talk to it in a calm, loud and consistent voice. While you’re doing this, slowly wave your arms over your head to make yourself look as large as possible without making any sudden movements.
3. Avoid eye contact
Avoid direct eye contact with the bear, which may provoke it, but do watch it to see what it does next. The bear may run away immediately, or it may look at you and then resume doing whatever it was doing. Or it may approach you.
4. Secure children and pets
Pick up any small children so you can eliminate any chance of them running, shouting or crying out loud. Make sure all dogs are kept on a leash.
5. Back away slowly
Back away slowly, keeping your eyes focused on the bear, but try not to make direct eye contact with it. Do not turn your back on the bear – this is so you don’t lose sight of what it’s doing, but also to avoid triggering a chase reflex.
If the bear runs away, walk away in a different direction to the one the bear took. Leave the area to avoid another encounter.
If the bear approaches you, stop, stand your ground. Remain calm and observe the bear for clues to its mood or intentions.
6. Fight back
If any bear attacks you in your tent, or stalks you on a trail and then attacks, fight back! This kind of attack is very rare, but can be serious because it often means the bear is looking for food and sees you as prey. Read our article on how to use bear spray.
If you are hiking and encounter a bear, make sure to report it to a park ranger or other land agency official as soon as possible to help protect other hikers from bear encounters.
You will also want to read our article on how to use a bear canister to ensure you secure your food when camping and avoid unwanted guests in your campsite.
