


Brown/Grizzly Bears: If you are attacked by a brown/grizzly bear, leave your pack on and PLAY DEAD.Above all, keep your distance from bears! Help protect others by reporting all bear incidents to a park ranger immediately. Every situation is different, but below are guidelines on how brown bear attacks can differ from black bear attacks. However, being mentally prepared can help you have the most effective reaction. The chances of an attack escalate greatly if she perceives you as a danger to her cubs.īear attacks are rare most bears are only interested in protecting food, cubs, or their space. Be especially cautious if you see a female with cubs never place yourself between a mother and her cub, and never attempt to approach them.If this is impossible, wait until the bear moves away. Both grizzlies and black bears can climb trees. Like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. Bears can run as fast as a racehorse both uphill and down. Do NOT run, but if the bear follows, stop and hold your ground.Moving sideways is also non-threatening to bears. If the bear is stationary, move away slowly and sideways this allows you to keep an eye on the bear and avoid tripping.Do NOT drop your pack as it can provide protection for your back and prevent a bear from accessing your food.Getting your food will only encourage the bear and make the problem worse for others. Do NOT allow the bear access to your food.Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground).Therefore, bears often become aware of groups of people at greater distances, and because of their cumulative size, groups are also intimidating to bears. Groups of people are usually noisier and smellier than a single person. Do not make any loud noises or screams-the bear may think it’s the sound of a prey animal. Slowly wave your arms above your head and tell the bear to back off. Never imitate bear sounds or make a high-pitched squeal. A scream or sudden movement may trigger an attack. Continue to talk to the bear in low tones this will help you stay calmer, and it won't be threatening to the bear. Bears may also react defensively by woofing, yawning, salivating, growling, snapping their jaws, and laying their ears back. Bears may bluff their way out of an encounter by charging and then turning away at the last second. Stay calm and remember that most bears do not want to attack you they usually just want to be left alone.A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening. It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. Remain still stand your ground but slowly wave your arms. Identify yourself by talking calmly so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal.However, please check recommendations for each park you visit: recommendations do vary from park to park based local bear behavior. Once a bear has noticed you and is paying attention to you, additional strategies can help prevent the situation from escalating. Pay attention to your surroundings and make a special effort to be noticeable if you are in an area with known bear activity or a good food source, such as berry bushes. Most bears will avoid humans if they hear them coming. Keeping your distance and not surprising bears are some of the most important things you can do. Avoiding an Encounterįollowing viewing etiquette is the first step to avoiding an encounter with a bear that could escalate into an attack. National parks in Alaska created a safety sticker to share steps for avoiding an unwelcome encounter with a bear.
