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This article was co-authored by Hannah Young and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Hannah Young is an Outdoor Education Expert with more than three years of experience. She specializes in educating others on backpacking and hiking, land ethics and best practices, and wilderness Restoration. Hannah earned a BS in Earth Systems from Stanford University.
There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Wondering what you should do if you run into a bear in the wild? The good news is that bears typically want nothing to do with people. Even if you do happen to confuse or surprise a bear and they end up attacking, bear spray will quickly send them running away. The bad news is that your survival odds drop dramatically if you forgot your bear spray in the car. Regardless, we’ll break down everything you need to know about preventing bear attacks, scaring them off, and surviving in the event that the worst happens.
Things You Should Know
- Make lots of noise, make yourself appear as big as possible, and stand your ground if you encounter a bear.
- Bring bear spray when you go camping or hiking. Spray any bears that approach you to send them fleeing.
- If you don't have bear spray, play dead if you encounter a grizzly bear or brown bear. Fight back against attacking black bears.
- Rest assured, bear attacks are extremely rare. Most bears actively avoid human beings.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
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Many people believe that shooting a bear is just as effective (or better) than bear spray. It’s not. In fact, it’s not even remotely close. Bear spray is way more effective. A bullet may only injure a bear, which will only upset them further.[15]Thanks
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If you see a bear cub but no mother, move away quickly and start talking or singing so that the mother knows you’re leaving. Bears will always defend their cubs and the mother will always be nearby, so don’t linger.[16]Thanks
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Traveling in groups can minimize the odds a bear attacks you.[17]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSA-9087.pdf
- ↑ https://www.nps.gov/articles/bearattacks.htm
- ↑ https://bear.org/bear-facts/quick-black-bear-facts/
- ↑ https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/bears/faqs
- ↑ https://blog.nwf.org/2013/12/5-myths-about-bears/
- ↑ https://blog.nwf.org/2013/12/5-myths-about-bears/
- ↑ https://bearwise.org/bear-safety-tips/bear-encounters/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-red-light-district/202212/understanding-the-psychology-bear-attack
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-red-light-district/202212/understanding-the-psychology-bear-attack
- ↑ https://bear.org/bear-facts/how-dangerous-are-bluff-charges/
- ↑ https://bearwise.org/bear-safety-tips/bear-encounters/
- ↑ https://www.nps.gov/articles/bearattacks.htm
- ↑ https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm
- ↑ https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSA-9087.pdf
- ↑ https://above.nasa.gov/safety/documents/Bear/bearspray_vs_bullets.pdf
- ↑ https://www.whsv.com/content/news/Reminder-from-wildlife-experts-If-you-see-a-bear-cub-leave-it-alone-569739941.html
- ↑ https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm
- ↑ https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSA-9087.pdf
- ↑ https://blog.nwf.org/2013/12/5-myths-about-bears/
About This Article
If you’re in danger of a bear attack, try to appear as big as possible by raising your arms and spreading your legs. Avoid any sudden movements, and never run away, as a bear can easily outrun you. If you have a flashlight, try shining it in the bear's eyes to scare it away. In the case that the bear actually charges and attacks, use whatever you can to defend yourself, including pepper spray and sticks. Also, a good kick to the snout can be enough to stun the bear. For help knowing what to do when faced with different types of bears, scroll down.
