The outdoors is full of majestic and impressive creatures, and few are as iconic — or as feared — as the bear. While they may appear cute and non-threatening, most people are familiar with how strong and powerful they are. So, when venturing into bear country, it’s important to know what to do to stay safe from harm. Follow these bear safety rules so that you—and the bears—can coexist and enjoy nature together.
Avoiding a Bear Encounter
The most effective best bear rule is to avoid an encounter. Here are steps you can take to minimize your odds of running into a bear.
Know When You’re in Bear Territory
Bears are found throughout most of North America. If you’re visiting a forested and mountainous area, such as Alaska, the west and east coasts, the Rocky Mountains, or the upper midwest, you’re likely in bear territory.
Hike in Groups
When in bear habitat, it’s safer to hike in a group of three or more. That way, you’ll lower the odds of startling any bears or a potential attack, since your presence is more easily known. Also, more hikers means a better chance to spot a bear before an incident.
Avoid Dusk and Dawn
Bears are most active during early morning and late afternoon. Avoid hiking during these times of day if you want to minimize your chances of a bear encounter.
Make Loud Noises
To avoid startling a bear while out in the wilderness, you’ll want to make loud noises every so often. Talking loudly to your group members, yelling “Hey bear!”, or clapping your hands are all great ways to make your presence known. Also, keep in mind your surroundings and be especially loud when close to noisy natural features, like waterfalls or rivers, or when approaching areas where a bear might not see you, like blind corners.
Whistles and screams are generally discouraged, as bears might interpret the sounds as an injured animal. Bear bells also are unfortunately not very effective, as they are too quiet to properly alert a bear.
Carry Bear Spray
In areas where bears are more aggressive, carrying bear spray is a smart way to protect yourself and deter a charging bear from attacking you. Make sure to keep the spray in an easily accessible place, such as your backpack strap pocket or on your hip belt.
Before purchasing bear spray, check the rules and regulations regarding where you want to visit. Certain areas, like Yosemite National Park, prohibit the carrying of bear spray.
A little later in the article, you’ll learn how to properly use bear spray.
Follow Proper Camp Practices
Practicing proper bear safety rules is especially important when camping or backpacking. When at camp, prepare and eat your meals away from your tent so that any lingering odors are away from where you’re sleeping.
Also, keep an eye on your food at all times. It’s easy for wildlife, including bears, to get into your meals when you aren’t paying attention.
Finally, properly store your things before heading to bed. If you’re car camping, place any food and scented items, including personal hygiene products like toothpaste, lotion, and deodorant in a provided metal bear locker. Should none be around, check with the campground to see if storing items in your car is recommended (bears have been known to break into cars in certain areas). You also can use a bear canister or bear bag to store anything that could attract wildlife.
When backpacking in bear country, storing any scented items in a bear canister or bear bag is the best way to avoid an encounter. Check regulations before you go, as certain jurisdictions require hikers to store scented items in hard-sided canisters, like the Bear Vault BV500. If canisters aren’t required, using a bear bag like the Ursack Major XL is less cumbersome and will help deter any unwanted visitors. Also consider placing any scented items inside an odor-proof bag, like an OPSAK Odorproof Dry Bag, for an added layer of protection. And make sure you store your smellables at least 100 feet away from camp.
While bear hangs are also an option, I generally don’t recommend them. They are complicated, rarely done correctly, and are less effective at deterring bears than the other methods.
If You See a Bear
Even when following bear safety rules, there’s always a chance that you might have an encounter. Below is what you should do if you see a bear in the wild.
Common North American Bear Species
The two most common bear species in North America are black bears and brown (or grizzly) bears. They inhabit different parts of the country and have several distinct features that separate them from each other. Polar bears are also found on this continent, but reside in Northern Alaska and Canada, away from most humans.
Black Bears
Black bears normally aren’t agressive and tend to utilize their agility to climb up trees and flee from a potential threat. They are common throughout the contiguous United States, so if you see a bear it’s likely this species. Contrary to their name, they can come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, blonde, or even white. Identifying features to look for are a straight face, lack of shoulder hump, long ears, and short, curved claws. They also are smaller than grizzly or brown bears.
Grizzly or Brown Bears
You can identify brown or grizzly bears by their round ears, shoulder hump, and “dished face”. Photo courtesy of the NPS.
Grizzly and brown bears are both the same species, Ursus arctos. What distinguishes these two is where they reside. Grizzly bears live inland and away from any marine food sources, while brown bears reside along the coasts.
They tend to be much more aggressive than black bears and rely on their size and ferocity to intimidate and scare predators. They are only found in a few places throughout the United States – Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho – as well as much of western Canada. You can identify a grizzly or brown bear based on its distinct shoulder hump, small and round ears, “dished face” (concave face profile), and long, less curved claws.
Stay Calm and Make Yourself Known
Should you stumble upon a bear, stay calm and make your presence known. Most bears aren’t looking to attack and would rather keep to themselves. Proper bear rules include remaining still and talking in a loud, low pitch to identify yourself as a human and not prey.
DO NOT make sudden movements, scream in a high-pitched voice, or mimic bear noises. These actions might trigger an attack as you could be mistaken as prey. If you calmly make the bear aware of you, it will likely leave you alone.
Look Out for Bear Cubs
A mother bear is especially aggressive if she feels that her cubs are in danger. Avoid approaching or getting between her and her cubs, as this may result in a sudden and unprovoked attack.
Make Yourself as Large as Possible
Once a bear sees you, common bear safety rules advise that make yourself appear as large as possible. Stand on a rock or stump, hold your arms high, and open up your jacket. If you’re with small children, calmly pick them up. And when hiking in a group, stand next to each other to make yourselves look larger.
Back Away Slowly
If the bear isn’t moving, slowly back away sideways. This technique lets you keep track of the bear and the ground while minimizing your perceived threat level. If a bear approaches you, stand your ground. Bears will chase fleeing animals and running might trigger this instinct.
If a Bear Approaches You
While bear attacks are extremely rare, it’s important to know what to do should a bear start to behave aggressively toward you.
Bear Spray
Bear spray is one of the most reliable tools for deterring an approaching bear. Proper usage is essential to helping you escape a potentially deadly situation.
- Position yourself downwind to avoid the bear spray from getting into your face and eyes.
- Put your index finger through the finger loop and remove the safety clip by putting your thumb over the clip and pulling it back.
- When the bear is about 20 yards away from you, start spraying. Aim for its face in short 2-second bursts. It’s helpful to spray with a small lateral motion to create a cloud in front of the bear.
- Keep spraying until the bear leaves. Once the threat is gone, calmly and slowly head to a different location. Avoid sudden movements and keep tabs on the bear to make sure you’re not followed.
Below is a helpful video from Yellowstone National Park on how to properly use bear spray.
Bluff vs Aggressive Charge
There are two common types of charges that a bear will engage in, so it’s smart to know how to identify which is which and what to do in each situation.
Bluff Charge
Bears will more often bluff charge than actually attack. This behavior is meant to scare and intimate a potential threat. It will have its ears forward and head up, and will likely try to look bigger. It will also bound forward but change direction or stop before getting too close. Often, the bear will retreat after.
The best way to approach a bluff charge is to hold your ground, wave your arms in the air, and speak to the bear in a calm voice. Do not run, as this may cause the bear to attack. After the charge, retreat slowly while keeping your eye on the bear. Continue to talk, as this helps let the bear know that you’re human and not a threat.
Aggressive Charge
If you notice that the bear has its head down and ears back, then it’s getting ready to attack. Other signs include pounding its front paws into the ground, huffing, and snapping its jaws. Prepare to defend yourself!
Black Bear Attacks
If a black bear starts to attack, head to a secure place, like a building or vehicle. If that’s not an option, then fight back. Grab any objects around you, like a rock or stick, and aim your blows at its eyes and nose.
Brown or Grizzly Bear Attacks
Play dead if a brown or grizzly bear is attacking you, as fighting usually will escalate the situation. Lay flat on your stomach with your fingers interlaced on the back of your neck and spread your legs wide so it’s harder for the bear to flip you over. Don’t move until the threat has left. However, If the bear continues to attack, then fight back aggressively. Focus your blows on the face and use any object at hand to help increase their effectiveness.
Follow these bear safety rules to stay prepared when exploring the outdoors. If you’re hoping to take this knowledge into one of our great national parks, then you’ll want to learn how to maximize your experience! And if you’re looking for help getting outside, please reach out! We offer a variety of services for you to choose from and can’t wait for you to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Click the button below to learn more about what we offer, and contact us if you’re ready to take your first step toward a life outdoors.
