Safety in
Grizzly and
Black Bear Country
Encountering a Bear
The Bear's Behaviour
A bear's reaction to you will be influenced by many factors, and is
therefore never entirely predictable. Given the opportunity, bears
usually avoid people. Some bears are more dangerous or aggressive than
others. Old or wounded bears may be in pain or starving. They may
aggressively seek food from people if they are unable to obtain enough
on their own. Any bear that has become accustomed to people and shows no
fear of them is dangerous.
 Every bear defends a
critical space. The size of the space varies with each bear and
each situation: it may be a few metres or a hundred metres.
Intrusion into this space is considered a threat and may provoke
an attack. All female bears aggressively defend their cubs. If a
female with cubs is surprised at close range, or separated from
her cubs she is likely to charge.
Bears also aggressively defend their
food, and are often reluctant to leave it until it is all eaten. In some
cases, a bear that is threatened may engage in displays intended to
scare away an opponent. These may include huffing, panting, hissing or
growling; looking directly at you, sometimes with lowered head or ears
laid back; slapping one or both feet on the ground; jaw popping; or
charging to within several metres, then stopping suddenly or veering to
the side. Threat displays may be followed by an attack, but may end with
the bear walking or running away.
 A bear standing on its hind legs is probably trying to pick up your
scent and figure out what you are. It may sniff the air or swing its
head from side to side. Bears do not charge on their hind legs.
Most grizzlies avoid
contact with humans if possible. However, there is good reason
for their reputation for ferocity. If cornered, threatened, or
surprised, the grizzly can be very aggressive, and will usually
stand its ground or charge.
Black bears are often less aggressive and flee from danger.
However, because they are more curious and adaptable than
grizzlies, they quickly become accustomed to human activity, and
may develop aggressive food-seeking habits which make them
dangerous. Therefore, treat all black bears with caution. In a very few cases, a bear has stalked a person that it
apparently considered potential prey. Although such incidents
are rare, you should know the difference between the behaviour
of a hunting bear, and the behaviour of a threatened bear.
A
hunting bear does not bother with displays and shows no signs of
annoyance or fear. It may approach you directly at a fast walk
or turn, follow you, or circle carefully, making cautious
approaches. |
