Bear encounters in Wilderness backpacking
Here are some simple tips to remember before heading into areas of known bear activity:
Research bears before departing on your journey. Learn about their behavior patterns and characteristics.
Know your bears: Grizzly bears are identified the hump behind their neck. This is the highest point on their body. The area above the hind legs is the highest point on a black bear. Grizzly attacks on humans are mostly defensive, while black bear attacks on humans are often predatory (though they are rarer).
Be aware of bear behavior. A bear standing on hind legs is usually doing so to get a better look. Swinging its head from side to side or turning its side to you usually implies it is seeking a way out. If a bear pops its jaws aggressively, it may charge. Bears often make several bluff charges, before actually trying to knock down the threat.
Carry bear pepper spray and keep it on hand.
To avoid encounters:
Do not cook near your camp.
Wrap all food in plastic and store away from the camp.
If you come across bear tracks, bear cubs or a partly eaten carcass, assume that an adult bear is not far away. Leave the area immediately.
Make noise on the trail. The worst possible way to encounter a bear is to take it by surprise.
If you encounter a bear:
Don't run. Bears are like dogs and will follow a running person.
Do not stare into a bears eyes as this is sign of aggression.
Talk to the creature in a calm voice so you can be identified as human, not prey. Do not imitate bear growls, shout or wave your arms around frantically.
Slowly back away from the bear.
If the bear follows, stand firm, but act in a calm non-threatening way.
If there are several people, group together to present a single unit.
If you're carrying bear spray, get it ready. Ensure that the the nozzle is pointed in the direction of the bear, and check that the wind direction will not carry the spray back onto you.
Finally, if a bear attacks and you are sure it is defensive, play dead. Lay face down and place arms tightly over the neck. Keep legs together. The bear may still charge, but with a diminished threat it less likely to persist. Stay perfectly still until you are sure that the bear has left the area.
If a bear makes a silent attack without first displaying signs of stress, assume it is a predatory attack. Immediately use a pepper spray, but if this fails, fight back aggressively using anything at hand, such as a stone, a sharp object, a pan or a stout piece of wood. For extra effect, target punches and strikes at the nose and eyes.
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The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Wilderness backpacking
