What to Do if You Encounter a Bear

Hiking and camping time is here — at the same time starving bears are coming out of hibernation! Here’s how to protect your safety if you come face to face with a hungry beast.

First off, don’t run. That’s the worst thing you can do, say officials at the U.S. National Park Service. They will catch you.

In bear country, it’s wise to pay attention to your surroundings and make a special effort to be noticeable if you’re in a known bear area. Identify yourself as human and not prey with a hearty vocal greeting like “Hey, bear!”

Stay calm, and stand your ground. You can identify yourself as human by continuing to speak calmly in a low voice. Remember, most bears do not want to attack you — they usually just want to be left alone.

It’s best to hike in groups, which are detected and avoided by bears, and always carry bear spray.

Bears may also react defensively by woofing, yawning, salivating, growling, snapping their jaws and laying their ears back. Continue to talk to the bear in low tones. This will help you stay calmer, and it won’t be threatening to the bear.

Never feed bears and don’t drop your pack if it contains food.

Don’t climb a tree as bears are expert climbers. To leave, back away from a bruin while maintaining eye contact. Never drop your backpack, as it could become protection for your back.

If attacked, play dead for brown or grizzly bears. With black bears, leave or defend yourself with whatever weapon you can use and focus your attacks on the face and muzzle.

Many stores sell bear pepper spray. Buy some and keep it where you can get at it quickly.

Good luck!