Bear Encounters: Knowing How to Respond

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Bears (and any wildlife for that matter) are one of the top things that draw me to the nation’s state and national parks. There is nothing quite like watching bear cubs follow behind their mother, watching giant humpback whales diving in and out of the ocean, or watching a family of deer prance through a field.

While these encounters can be exciting experiences for outdoor explorers, it can also get very scary quickly! Bear encounters (not attacks) are a common occurrence when hiking and exploring the outdoors, and knowing how to respond to them is essential for protecting yourself and wildlife.

Your response to bear encounters is going to depend largely on the type of bear standing in front of you. For black bears, you want to stand tall and make noise, while for brown bears (often called grizzly bears) you want to lie down on your stomach and essentially play dead.

There is a lot to know, so keep reading, we will walk you through what you need to know when it comes to bear encounters.

How To Distinguish Between Brown and Black Bears

Because black bears and brown bears can be a variety of colors, it is important to be able to tell the difference between the two. The response will be different, depending on what type of bear you are encountering. Some discerning factors that will help you tell the difference between brown and black bears include:

Shape and Size

Brown bears are generally larger and more muscular, with a pronounced shoulder hump, which is made of muscle used for digging. Brown bears have a straight face profile and small, rounded ears.

Black bears are typically smaller without the shoulder hump. Black bears have taller ears and a concave face profile.

Location

Brown bears are found in more specific locations, while black bears may be found across the United States.

Brown bears are typically found in Alaska, Western Canada, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

Claws

Brown bears typically have claws that are 2-4 inches long and slightly curved. Black Bears typically have claws that are under 2 inches long and curved.

Rump

Another discerning feature is the bear’s rump. For brown bears, the rump is lower than the shoulder hump. For black bears, the bear’s rump is typically higher than the shoulders.

Bear Tracks

The bear’s tracks are also a clue as to what type of bear you are dealing with. A brown bear will have tracks that show the claws further away from the toes. The toes are also close together.

A black bear’s tracks will show toes that are further apart and claws that are close to the toes.

Signs That A Bear Is Getting Ready To Charge/Attack

Before a bear attacks, they will usually display some signs that they are getting stressed and about to charge. Watch for these signs and prepare yourself:

1. Yawning or clacking their teeth
2. Pounding their front paws on the ground while huffing
3. Head down and ears pointed back
4. The bear is making short bluff charges

What To Do During Black Bear Encounters

Rule of thumb: Fight Back. Do not play dead.

Black bears are usually seen as the less aggressive bears. Black bear attacks and fatalities are extremely rare, with the average black bear related fatality being under 1 per year. The chance of an attack and injury is very very low, but it is still important to be prepared.

A black bear attack is usually predatory in nature. Black bear attacks may occur when the bear is hungry, used to human food, if someone gets between the bear and its escape route, or if the bear feels threatened (especially when cubs are around).

Black bear attacks do not usually end unless the person fights back (which is why it is recommended to fight back instead of play dead).

If a black bear is charging at you/attacking, the following actions may help protect you:

1. You want to make yourself look as big as possible and make noise to chase the bear off. Do not play dead. Stand up on something if able (e.g. a rock) and wave your arms around.
2. If the bear continues to come towards you and you have bear spray, use it when the bear is within 50-60 ft. of you.
3. If you do not have bear spray, grab any objects within reach that you could use to defend yourself (rocks, sticks, etc.). Aim for the face/muzzle.
4. If possible, escape to a car or building.

***This information is provided for educational purposes only. Nature and wildlife can be unpredictable, and we cannot predict how a wild animal will respond. Taking these steps is a good starting point, but we cannot guarantee outcomes.***

What To Do During Brown Bear Encounters

Rule of Thumb: Play Dead. Do Not Fight Back (unless the attack persists).

Attacks by brown bears are also rare, with an average of only 12 attacks per year in North America. Brown Brown bear (grizzly) attacks are usually defensive in nature. A brown bear attacks usually occurs when the bear feels threatened, surprised, or are protecting cubs/food.

During brown bear attacks, the attack will usually end when the bear feels the threat is gone. That is why it is recommended to play dead during a brown bear attack.

With any bear encounter, if the bear is at a distance and not attacking you, begin by making noise and waving your arms to let the bear know you are in the area. You never want to startle a bear and make it feel threatened.

You will then want to start slowly backing away, and slightly to the side. This will make the bear feel less threatened. Never turn your back to the bear or run.

If the bear is coming towards you/getting ready to attack, the following actions may help protect you:

1. Stay calm. Your first reaction will likely be to panic, turn around, and run away as fast as possible. This is not a good response! Running may trigger the bear to attack you.
2. If you have a backpack on, leave it in place. Lay down on your stomach, lace your hands together and place them behind your neck. Spread your legs apart to make it harder for the bear to flip you over.
3. Continue to lie in this position until the bear leaves the area.
4. If the bear continues to attack you while you are lying still, fight back with whatever you can get your hands on. Aim for the face and muzzle.
5. If you do have bear spray and the bear is charging at you, you want to discharge the bear spray when the bear is within 50-60 ft. of you.

***This information is provided for educational purposes only. Nature and wildlife can be unpredictable, and we cannot predict how a wild animal will respond. Taking these steps is a good starting point, but we cannot guarantee outcomes.***

How To Use Bear Spray

When hiking in an area that is known to have frequent bear activity, you will want to make sure you have bear spray readily available in case of an attack and that you know how to use it. Bear spray should be carried on a hip or chest holster so that you can quickly grab it.

Bear spray should only be used when the bear is charging or attacking you. You will want to wait until the bear is within 60 feet of you. It should be used as a last resort and all other precautions should be maintained.

Steps for Using Bear Spray

1. Remove the canister from the holster.
2. Remove the safety feature on the trigger. Place your index finger through the handle loop and use your thumb to pull the safety clip straight back and off.
3. Point the canister at a slight downward angle and fire towards the charging bear when it is about 50-60 ft. from you. You want the bear spray to create a cloud that the bear has to run through. Do not spray over the bear’s head.
4. Continue to spray continuously, creating a barrier. Use the entire can if needed.
5. Be sure to watch the direction of the bear. If the bear changes direction, change where you are spraying to keep a barrier between you and the bear.
6. Once the bear has stopped charging, slowly back away and leave the area. Do not turn your back and do not run.
7. Always report the encounter to park rangers or local wildlife authorities.

Tips

• Always check guidelines for the destination you are visiting. Some destinations and parks do not allow bear spray.
• Avoid getting bear spray on your skin, clothing, camping gear, and any other personal items.
• When purchasing bear spray, be sure to purchase EPA-Approved spray. Other types will not be strong enough to chase off an aggressive bear. The bear spray should contain 1% to 2% Capsaicin and related Capsaicinoids.
• Make sure you check the expiration date on your bear spray. If it has expired, replace it.
• While backcountry camping, make sure bear spray is easily accessible in sleeping, cooking, and toilet areas.
• Do not store bear spray in a hot vehicle, it may explode.
• It is a good idea to practice using bear spray before your hiking trip (but do not actually discharge it). There are empty canisters available for training purposes. You will want to practice pulling the canister out of its holster and removing the safety feature on the trigger.

Tips For Avoiding Bear Encounters

STOP. STAY CALM. BACK AWAY.

1. Never, ever approach bear cubs. The mother is likely nearby, and will become aggressive if she feels threatened. If you encounter cubs, back away slowly and go in the opposite direction (but do not turn your back to the bear). 
2. Make noise while hiking. Clapping, singing, or talking loudly will alert the bears that you are in the area. You never want to startle a bear and most bears will avoid humans if they see you coming. 
3. When making noise, it is better to yell something in a normal tone of voice instead of a whistle or high pitched scream. These noises may actually attract bears, thinking its another animal/prey. 
4. Travel/hike in a group. Bears are less likely to approach a group of people. 
5. Never attempt to run from a bear. A bear will outrun you every time, and running will entice them to chase you. Instead, stay tall and attempt to make yourself appear as large as possible. Wave your arms around and make noise. 
6. Always carry bear spray and know how to use it. It is best used when the bear is within 50-60 ft. of you.
7. Keep all food secured, do not let the bear get access to it. 
8. If you want to increase your chances of not crossing paths with a bear, avoid hiking at dawn or dusk when they are most active. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****