Safety Tips for Bear Country

Bear attacks are a rare occurrence, however, it is always important to practice bear safety when traveling in bear country.

The Bear Facts Types of Bears Bear Research Black Bear Brown Bear Giant Panda Polar Bear Sloth Bear Spectacled Bear Sun Bear

Whatever thrill one might get from seeing a wild bear should be tempered by the thought that often the most rewarding excursions to bear country are those that end with no bear sightings. They are strong animals, capable of inflicting great bodily harm on any person.

Practicing bear safety boils down to understanding bear psychology and acting appropriately in their territory. Three bear species, black bears, brown bears (grizzly) and polar bears, live in the United States. Unless you are in Alaska, home to all three species, or the northern and western most parts of the United States, home to a small brown bear population, meeting up with a wild bear means meeting up with an American Black Bear.

Depending on the climate conditions, black bears spend the coldest part of the year, winter and the surrounding months, sleeping in their dens and conserving energy. Eating, breeding, and for females, taking care of young cubs, occupies their time out of the den.

Not only are black bears strong, but also they are athletic animals, whose tree climbing and running abilities far outpace humans. They rely on an extraordinary sense of smell to lead them to their next meal. Fortunately, they are not natural human predators, they are omnivores, content with a fruit, nut and vegetable based diet.

Knowing those few facts about the black bear tells you that the possibility of a bear attack increases if you encroach on its food, personal space or young. The worst case bear encounter scenario involves an accidental face to face meeting. In those instances, most experts recommend speaking softly and carrying a big stick or bear repellant spray.

When you see a bear, and you think the bear sees you, lower your glance, speak to it in a low voice and slowly wave your arms to identify yourself as a person. Attempt to back away slowly.

In many cases, removing yourself from the bear's territory is a sufficient deterrent. Remain calm if the bear stands up while you are backing away. Standing is an indication the bear is scoping out the area.

If the bear charges, it may seem counterintuitive to hear, but hold your ground. Often they are bluffing, and they run so fast you'll never outrun them anyway. Most experts recommend fighting back if the charge turns into an attack. Use sticks, stones, feet and any other materials within reach.

Many experts offer bear safety tips. Bear Safety in the North Cascades provides a well written review of black and grizzly bear safety tips for campers and hikers.

© 2007 Patricia A. Michaels