Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are large mammals found across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Males are generally larger, sometimes twice the size of females. Recognizable by a distinct shoulder hump, round ears, long snout, and large paws with long claws, their fur color varies from cream to dark brown. They inhabit diverse environments, from river valleys and mountain forests to open meadows and coastal areas.
Brown Bear Diet and Human Encounters
Brown bears are omnivores, consuming a wide variety of plant and animal matter. Their diet is highly adaptable, depending on what is available in their habitat and season; plant material can make up as much as 90% of their food intake. Common plant foods include berries, roots, fungi, grasses, flowers, and tree bark. They also forage for animal protein, such as insects, fish like salmon, small mammals like rodents and marmots, and carrion.
Humans are not a natural or preferred food source for brown bears. Brown bears avoid human contact and do not perceive people as prey. Their natural inclination is to move away when they detect human presence. Bears are opportunistic feeders, aiming to find abundant and easily obtainable food sources, which do not include humans.
Understanding Bear Attacks
Brown bear attacks on humans are rare, considering the large number of bears and human activity in their habitats. When attacks occur, they are categorized into two main types: defensive and predatory. Defensive attacks are more common and occur when a bear feels threatened. This can happen if a person surprises a bear at close range, particularly a sow with cubs, or approaches a bear guarding a food source like a carcass. In these situations, the bear’s intent is to neutralize a perceived threat, not to view the human as food.
Predatory attacks, where a bear actively hunts a human for food, are exceptionally rare. These incidents are more likely to involve a lone male bear and can be more dangerous due to the bear’s determination. Signs of a predatory bear include stalking, circling, intense focus on the person, and using cover to approach. Bears accustomed to human food sources, such as garbage or improperly stored provisions, are more likely to exhibit predatory behavior.
Staying Safe in Bear Country
Minimizing the risk of a brown bear encounter requires awareness and adherence to safety protocols. Making noise while hiking, such as talking or singing, helps alert bears to your presence, giving them time to move away. Carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is an effective deterrent, with studies showing it deters undesirable bear behavior over 90% of the time. The spray should be easily accessible and deployed to create a wall between you and an approaching bear.
Proper food storage is also important to prevent bears from associating humans with food. All food, garbage, and scented items like toiletries should be stored in bear-resistant containers, hung from a tree at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from the trunk, or secured inside a vehicle with windows closed. Never leave food unattended or attempt to feed bears.
If a bear encounter occurs, remaining calm is important. For a defensive attack, appear non-threatening, talk in a calm voice, and slowly back away. If contact is made, play dead by lying on your stomach, covering your neck, and remaining still until the bear leaves. In the exceptionally rare case of a predatory attack, fight back aggressively with any available means, targeting the bear’s face and using objects like rocks or sticks.