The idea of outrunning a bear is a common, yet dangerous, misconception. When faced with a large, fast animal, the instinct to flee can be powerful. However, running is often the least effective and safest response during a bear encounter. Understanding bear capabilities and behavior is important for ensuring safety in their habitats.
Bear Speeds and Human Limitations
Bears are surprisingly fast and agile, despite their size. Grizzly bears, also known as brown bears, can reach top speeds of 35 to 40 miles per hour (mph) over short distances. American black bears are slightly slower but can still sprint up to 30 mph. For comparison, the fastest human sprint recorded is approximately 27.8 mph, maintained only for a very brief period. An average person’s sprint speed is considerably lower.
Bears can maintain high speeds for longer durations than humans can sprint. Bears are also skilled climbers, with black bears capable of scaling a 100-foot tree in about 30 seconds. Both black bears and grizzly bears are also capable swimmers, making water an unreliable escape route.
Understanding Bear Behavior
Bears act in specific ways driven by their motivations. Most bear encounters occur because a bear feels threatened, often when defending cubs, food, or its personal space. Bears also charge if surprised by a human presence. Predatory behavior, where a bear views a human as potential prey, is less common but more dangerous.
Bears display warning signs before an attack, which can include huffing, jaw popping, growling, salivating, or laying their ears back. A “bluff charge” is a common intimidation tactic where a bear runs towards a person but stops abruptly before making contact. During a bluff charge, the bear may appear larger by raising its head and ears, and running away can inadvertently trigger a genuine chase response.
Encounter Strategies
Remaining calm is important during any bear encounter. Identifying yourself by speaking softly and waving your arms slowly can help the bear recognize you as a human and not a prey animal. Avoid direct eye contact, as some bears may perceive this as a challenge. Gradually back away without turning your back, especially moving sideways, to allow you to observe the bear and avoid tripping.
Specific responses vary depending on the bear species. If confronted by a black bear, making yourself appear large and making noise, such as yelling “Hey bear,” can deter it. If a black bear attacks, fighting back vigorously with any available objects, aiming for the face and muzzle, is recommended. Do not play dead with a black bear.
Grizzly or brown bear encounters require a different approach if an attack occurs. If a grizzly bear makes contact in a defensive attack, playing dead is advised. Lie on your stomach with hands clasped behind your neck and spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to flip you over, remaining still until it leaves. However, if a grizzly attack seems predatory, fighting back is the appropriate response.
Prevention and Awareness
Preventing bear encounters is the safest strategy. Making noise while hiking, such as talking or singing, can alert bears to your presence and give them time to move away. Hiking in groups also reduces the likelihood of surprising a bear. Being aware of your surroundings, especially in dense vegetation or around blind corners, is also important.
Carrying bear spray is a protective measure, and it should be readily accessible, not packed away. It is effective at deterring aggressive bears from a distance of 20 to 40 feet. Proper food storage is also important in bear country. Food, garbage, and scented items should be stored in bear-resistant containers, hung from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk, or secured in a locked vehicle. Never leave food or scented items unattended.