Bears are present across Quebec, with the American Black Bear being the most commonly encountered species. Understanding their presence and behavior is important for safe coexistence in Quebec’s natural environments.
Types and Where They Live
The American Black Bear is the primary bear species found throughout Quebec, inhabiting forests, rural areas, and occasionally near suburban fringes. Estimates suggest a population of around 70,000 black bears in Quebec.
Black bears prefer diverse habitats, including dense mixed forests, conifer and hardwood thickets, clearings, and areas near rivers. They are adaptable omnivores, with their diet varying seasonally to include plants, insects, berries, and occasionally fish or small mammals. While black bears are the most widespread, polar bears also inhabit Quebec’s extreme northern regions near coastal areas. Unlike black bears, polar bears are marine mammals that rely on sea ice for hunting seals.
Preventing Encounters
To avoid bear encounters, take proactive measures. At home or a cottage, secure garbage in bear-resistant containers and keep pet food indoors. Clean barbecues thoroughly after use and promptly pick up any fallen fruit from trees to eliminate attractants. Store bird feeders away during months when bears are active.
When camping or hiking, proper food storage is important. Food and scented items like toiletries should be stored away from tents, ideally in bear-resistant containers, a vehicle, or by hanging them from a tree. Cooking and dishwashing should occur at least 100 meters away from sleeping areas to minimize odors. Making noise by talking, singing, or clapping while hiking helps alert bears to human presence, as they prefer to avoid people. Staying on marked trails, traveling in groups, and keeping children supervised and dogs on a leash can further reduce the likelihood of surprising a bear.
What to Do During an Encounter
If a bear encounter occurs, remaining calm is important. Do not run, as this can trigger a chase response in the bear. Instead, stand your ground and make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms or holding up a jacket, while speaking in a firm voice. Slowly back away from the bear, avoiding direct eye contact, and ensure the bear has a clear escape route.
If the bear continues to approach, especially if it exhibits defensive behaviors such as huffing, jaw-popping, or swatting the ground, stand your ground and be aggressive. Shout, throw objects, or use a stick or rock to deter it. If a black bear makes physical contact during what appears to be a defensive attack (e.g., protecting cubs or food), playing dead by lying face down with hands protecting your neck is advised. However, if the attack seems predatory or playing dead does not stop a defensive attack, fighting back is important, targeting the bear’s face if possible.
Bear spray, a non-lethal deterrent containing capsaicin, can be used as a last resort when a bear is within approximately 10 meters. It should be carried in an easily accessible location, not in a backpack, and its use should be understood before entering bear country.