Beary Close Encounters

Alaskan Black Bear
Photo Courtsey USDA Forest Service

If you see a bear, avoid it if you can. Give the bear
every opportunity to avoid you. If you do encounter a bear at close
distance, remain calm. Attacks are rare. Chances are, you are not in
danger. Most bears are interested only in protecting food, cubs or their
"personal space." Once the threat is removed, they will move on.

Let the bear know you are human. Talk to the bear in a
normal voice. Wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you. If a bear
cannot tell what you are, it may come closer or stand on its hind legs to
get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not
threatening. You may try to back away slowly diagonally, but if the bear
follows, stop and hold your ground.

You can't outrun a bear. They have been clocked at speeds up
to 35 mph, and like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. Bears often
make bluff charges, sometimes to within 10 feet of their adversary,
without making contact. Continue waving your arms and talking to the bear.
If the bear gets too close, raise your voice and be more aggressive. Bang
pots and pans. Use noisemakers. Never imitate bear sounds or make a
high-pitched squeal.

If a bear actually makes contact, surrender! Fall to the
ground and play dead. Lie flat on your stomach, or curl up in a ball with
your hands behind your neck. Typically, a bear will break off it's attack
once it feels the threat has been eliminated. Remain motionless for as
long as possible. If you move, and the bear sees or hears you, it may
return and renew its attack. In rare instances, particularly with black
bears, an attacking bear may perceive a person as food. If the bear
continues biting you long after you assume a defensive posture, it likely
is a predatory attack. Fight back vigorously.

In most cases, bears are not a threat, but they do deserve
your respect and attention. When traveling in bear country, keep alert and
enjoy the opportunity to see these magnificent animals in their natural
habitat.

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