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Safety in
Grizzly and
Black Bear Country
Your Behaviour
The thought of facing a bear can be frightening. However, bears rarely
attack a person on sight, and only a very small percentage of charges
result in serious injury or death. You are more likely to be injured in
a car accident than by a bear.
There is always a possibility you may surprise a bear at close range, or
encounter a problem bear which is not afraid of people. There is no
guaranteed formula for reacting to a bear encounter because every
encounter is unique. There are, however, guidelines which may help.
Most are based on good judgment, common sense, and familiarity with
bear behaviour.
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Stop, stand still, and stay calm.
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If the bear is aware of you, help
it identify you as a person. It may leave. Staying upwind will
help it to smell you. Talk in low tones and slowly wave your arms.
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Do not run from a bear unless you
are sure you can reach a safe place before the bear catches up.
Running may cause the bear to chase you, and a bear is faster than
you are.
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Always leave a bear an open avenue
of escape.
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If you see a bear at a distance,
alert the bear to your presence. Quietly walk back the way you
came or make a wide detour around the bear. Do not come between a
bear and its cubs.
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If time, distance and
circumstances permit, try to scare the bear away by firing warning
shots, flare cartridges or noisemakers.
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In a close encounter, stand still
and assess the situation. Do not shout or make sudden movements
which might provoke the bear, and avoid direct eye contact. At 50
feet, even if the bear is displaying threat behaviour, there is
probably still time for you to avoid an encounter.
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Back away slowly. Only leave
behind an article of clothing or gear if the bear is still trying
to identify you. This will not work if the bear is following you.
Leave food or an article of clothing only as a last resort.
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Climb a tree if one is available.
You will have to climb higher than four metres - grizzlies can
reach that high. Remember that black bears can also climb trees.
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If the bear is very close (30
ft.), it is usually best to stand your ground. Be prepared to
shoot if you are carrying a firearm.
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