How to Avoid Being Attacked by a Bear
In North America, the Black bear and Grizzly bear are most common, with the black bear being the smallest. If you are involved in a confrontation, you can avoid being attacked by a bear with effective prevention; more on strategy later.
Black bears are scavengers, and usually hunt for food and forage in the woods. The grizzly bear is almost the size of an average man or larger, and can literally kill by his weight alone. Grizzly bears do not necessarily hunt humans, but they will attack as they need to or feel like it. The Polar bear of the colder climates is the most deadly; this bear is vicious, and does stalk and hunt humans on a daily basis. Humans are advised to carry firearms and other protective weapons when in the vicinity of a polar bear.
To make the most of your trip into the wilderness, or if you accidentally find yourself in bear territory, there are some key strategies and steps to keep your safety in mind, and to avoid being attacked by a bear. Of course, stay away from bears as much as possible; depending on their mood, hunger, aggression level, and general disposition, you may not be able to avoid being attacked without warning or signs. Pay attention to campsite signs, locals’ recommendations for safety, and of course, your common sense! Here are some key safety measures to prevent or avoid being attacked by a bear:
Distance: Keep a safe distance from even the friendliest-looking bear; they are much more friendly in pictures, so any admiring you may need to express should be saved for the magazines or books.
Bear spray: Bear spray is similar to mace, as it is made of capsaicin. Bear spray is a peppery substance that can distract an oncoming bear, but only for a short period of time.
Sing or make noise: If you are in a dense area where you cannot see beyond 50 feet, it’s important that you emphasize your presence in some way. This can range from yelling, singing, making a noise, or even wearing a ‘bear bell’ to make sure any bears nearby can see you ‘comfortably’ just walking through. Remember, you have to show them that you are not a threat, and they are less likely to confront you.
Bear cubs: If you come across a set of bear cubs, make sure you keep your distance. Protecting their cubs is a primary survival skill of all bears, and they will immediately attack you if they feel threatened in any way about the safety of their young.
Play dead: This is perhaps the most common strategy known by campes and outdoor adventurists, and it may help you. When a bear feels that they have nothing to feel threatened by or fear, they are more likely to leave you well alone. This is not the case for the Polar bear, as any confrontations with him were more likely planned; for his benefit.
Talk: As strange as it may seem, this is another no-fear strategy that may work. If you run, the bear will chase you, so your next best choice is to stand up, be as calm as possible, and talk to the bear directly. Show that you are not a threat, and slowly back away. No fast moves, no sudden movements, and no attempts to attack the bear at this point!
Supplies: Whether you are camping, hiking, or just walking through an unfamiliar area, be sure to keep your camping gear and supplies safely stored at a safe location. You don’t want to be carrying everything around with you, and you also don’t want to attract a group of bears simply because you bought your lunch at the wrong time. Remember, many are just foraging for food, and any large lunch packs or camping sites will lure them.
Fetal position: You’ll need to assume the fetal position if you are being attacked by a bear, as there is no way for you to fight back unless you have a firearm. Take the blows, but ‘play dead’ when the opportunity permits. The sooner the bear feels like they have nothing to worry about, the sooner you will be left alone. You will need to stay in this position for at least 20 minutes for safety.
Distractions: The most effective distraction for a bear would be to throw an object onto the ground; they may be distracted enough by the object alone to give you some time to back away and escape.
Bigger is better: Some bears will simply reduce their need for attack if they feel that you are bigger; you can raise your arms, step up onto a rock, and emphasize your size. Some bears will retreat if they feel they have nothing to gain by attacking you.
Being attacked by a bear is common in many natural state parks and wilderness areas; some bears even manage to find a way to escape into local towns and cities, and find plenty of confrontations with humans. However, there are some effective steps to take if you are being attacked by a bear! Always identify the type in your region, so you know what level you need to prepare for, and obey all rules and regulations of the area you may be in. Pepper spray may be successful, but it is no guarantee and some areas do not permit pepper spray at all. Do take the steps to find out what is acceptable in your area, and be as safe as possible.
