The advice, “if it’s a brown bear lay down,” is a common starting point for understanding bear encounter responses. Knowing how to react to different bear behaviors is crucial for safety in bear country. While bears can be unpredictable, their actions often follow patterns. Understanding these patterns helps outdoor enthusiasts navigate potential encounters with confidence and increased safety.
Understanding Bear Behavior
Bear encounters often fall into two categories: defensive and predatory. Recognizing the distinction between these behaviors is crucial for determining the correct response. Defensive behaviors arise when a bear feels threatened, such as a sow protecting cubs, a bear guarding food, or one startled by human presence. Signs of a defensive bear include huffing, jaw-popping, moaning, salivating, or sudden charges that may stop short of contact, known as bluff charges. The bear often appears agitated, with ears pinned back or a stiff posture.
In contrast, predatory behavior is exceedingly rare but represents a more serious threat. A predatory bear views a human as potential prey and may exhibit signs like silent stalking, persistent following, or an intense, focused gaze with its head up and ears erect. These bears might approach without vocalizations or warning displays, making their intentions harder to discern until an attack is imminent.
Responding to Defensive Attacks
When faced with a defensive bear, including brown bears (grizzlies) or black bears, playing dead is often recommended. This response is appropriate if the bear perceives you as a threat to its cubs, a food cache, or if you have startled it at close range. The goal is to demonstrate you are no longer a threat, prompting the bear to cease its attack once it feels the danger has passed.
To execute this, immediately drop to the ground, lying flat on your stomach. Spread your legs slightly to make it harder for the bear to roll you over, and clasp your hands behind your neck to protect it. If wearing a backpack, keep it on for additional protection. Remain as still and silent as possible, resisting the urge to move or make noise until you are certain the bear has left. If the bear persists or attempts to roll you over, continue to roll with it to remain on your stomach.
Responding to Predatory Attacks
Predatory bear attacks are rare, but the response is fundamentally different from defensive encounters. This type of attack often involves black bears, though polar bears also exhibit predatory behavior. A predatory bear views a human as a food source, and playing dead in this scenario is ineffective and dangerous.
If a bear exhibits predatory behavior, such as stalking or attacking your tent, fight back vigorously. Make yourself appear as large and intimidating as possible, yelling loudly and using any available objects as weapons. Target sensitive areas like the bear’s face, eyes, and nose with kicks, punches, rocks, or sticks. The aim is to convince the bear you are not easy prey and that the effort to subdue you outweighs the potential reward.
Prevention and Preparedness
Avoiding bear encounters is the most effective safety measure in bear country. When hiking, make continuous noise by talking or calling out, especially when visibility is limited, such as around blind corners or near noisy streams. This alerts bears to your presence, giving them time to move away and preventing surprise encounters. Traveling in groups also increases noise and perceived size, making bears less likely to approach.
Carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is important for preparedness. Bear spray, an EPA-approved deterrent, can be highly effective in stopping aggressive bears when deployed correctly. It should be readily accessible, typically in a hip or chest holster, not buried inside a backpack. Proper food storage is also essential; use bear-resistant containers or hang food at least 10 feet off the ground and 10 feet from tree trunks to prevent bears from becoming habituated to human food sources. Before any outing, research local bear activity and regulations to stay informed about potential risks.