Lay flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck. So it's no surprise that a lot of people want to know what to do if you see a bear when out and about. If you have a griz­zly bear encounter, here’s what you need to know to stay safe. This is especially true if you find yourself between a female bear and her cubs, so keep a watchful eye out for little ones who might be in the area. If you find yourself hiking or camping in an area with ursine inhabitants, here are some tips to help you return home safe and sound. The absolute best way to stay safe in bear country is to avoid the animals altogether. You can do this by giving the creatures advance warning of your presence by making noise along the trail. If you're going to be hiking in an area where bears are active, it is a good idea to have a can of this powerful deterrent at your disposal. If instead the bear approaches or follows you, change direction. Back away only when the bear stops its approach. Get as far away from the food cache as possible. 3 Bear Safety Rules. Pepper spray works if you are upwind of the bear, but if the bear is upwind of you, spraying it can result in you spraying yourself! Black bears rarely become aggressive when encountered. Bears … 2020: A year like no other in entertainment. Many small credit unions shy away from competition because they are “too small.” Hogwash. We do not want to contribute to an unhealthy fear of bears, but apparently this is not the problem. If you are in a developed area (e.g., campground, parking lot, lodging area) or if a bear approaches you, act immediately to scare it away: make as much noise as possible by yelling very loudly (don't worry about waking people up if it's nighttime). Get your bear spray out of the holster and into your hand. Should I charge it? Larry King hospitalized with Covid-19. Never feed or approach a bear. If you see a bear in an urban environment in Whistler it’s most likely a black bear. One of the most exhilarating and wonderful creatures that you can encounter while hiking or backing in the wilderness of North America is a bear. Size: ... What to Do if You Encounter a Bear . There are a few things you can do to avoid a grizzly bear encounter. As visitors camping in bear country, you have a responsibility to follow the bear rules and to know what to do if you encounter a bear. NEVER run from a bear. Bertie from Effortless Outdoors recently sent me a link to his article titled, What To Do If You See A Bear (And Why) and asked me to mention it on my blog. Bears are reclusive creatures, and they generally prefer to steer clear of humans. It is normal to be frightened once you encounter a black bear. The first step, as in many situations, is prevention. If the bear gets close, strike it in the nose and face with your fists, a stick, rocks, or just about anything else you can get your hands on. What to do? If the bear charges you. What to do if you see either of these two main classes of bears is pretty similar - but with one key difference, which you'll need to know if the bear actually starts to attack. Remove safety clip. Certain safety measures can be taken to prevent a bear encounter.However, if you do find yourself face to face with a grizzly or black bear, these tips will help you escape with your life. If you come across Yogi and Boo Boo at your campground, the National Park Service recommends making a lot of noise right away. In North America, the two most common types of bear that you'll come across in the backcountry are brown bears and black bears. You should be able to use your spray on auto-pilot during a grizzly bear encounter. When the bear leaves, remove potential attractants such as garbage, bird seed, or pet food. However, it’s best to avoid bear encounters, and to know what to do if an encounter happens (keep reading). If it changes its behavior, you're too close, so back away. Back up slowly Never turn your back on a bear, or run. 2. What to do if you encounter a bear. Bears are magnificent creatures and it can be exciting to see one—from an appropriate distance. Fisheries, when hiking, walking with your dog, camping or fishing in bear country, To report website problems: webmaster@bearwise.org, helping people live responsibly with black bears, Copyright ©2018-2020 BEARWISE.ORG | All Rights Reserved |, Remove Bird Feeders When Bears are Active, Avoid bears while hiking, camping, fishing. Wind will reduce this effective range even farther (and may blow the spray back into your face). As of 2016, more than 11 million people and 1,600 black bears share the park each year. Brown bears tend to be peaceful and to keep to themselves, going along with their daily business, until someone comes up to them and starts playing the devil’s … Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave. Do not play dead and do not act aggressively. Pepper spray is only good at very close range (5 m or 15 ft). Educate yourself, learn about bear behavior, ways to avoid bears, and what to do if you encounter a bear. But most importantly, do not under any circumstances, run. Bears love thick brushes, berry patches, and parsnip thickets, so those are some obvious spots you don’t want to venture into. According to the U.S. National Park Service (NPS), brown bears (a.k.a. Look at the ground and keep the bear in your peripheral vision. Spray when a curious bear is 25-30 feet (8-10 meters) away. Then move away quietly in the opposite direction. Brown/Grizzly Bears: If you are attacked by a brown/grizzly bear, leave your pack on and PLAY DEAD. Bear in your peripheral vision, run may make sense if you encountered! Is taken as a challenge more active behaviour to make it go away test... Arms straight out behavior and the bears you see black bear should not do if you come across Yogi Boo... 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