09-Bear Attacks Part Two: Surviving a Common Attack

Bears are smart. They tend to avoid humans and generally do not see us as prey. Therefore, it is vital to assess the encounter and the bear's motivation. Assuming the fetal position may save your life if you suddenly find yourself face-to-face with mama bear but may prove deadly in other situations.

There are two common scenarios:

1. Stumbling onto a mother and her cubs.

2. Surprising a solitary individual.

Here is what to do:

1. This is the most violent attack one might survive. She'll pummel you before you know what's happening. You've invaded her home. Assume the fetal position, cover your head with your arms, and pray mom stops before she kills you. Mama bear sees you as a threat to her cubs. Play dead. Wait for her to depart. Then leave in the opposite direction. At this point, if you feel you must run, run downhill. Their long arms and short legs complicate this vector of travel. But when it comes to moving uphill or across a plane, their acceleration is scary and the speeds they are capable of, mind-blowing. Just because they are big and fluffy doesn't mean they don't move like the wind. In this case, imagine that you've arrived as the predator and will only depart alive as the prey.

2. This is the most survivable encounter were the attack can be completely avoided. So, don't freak out! Face the bear. It may stand and growl, but remain calm. It's scared too. Make yourself look large by raising your arms above your head. If you have a walking stick, a bag, a canteen, or any sizable object handy, hold it between your hands when you do this. This is a visual thing, not a threat thing. Then talk calmly but assertively to the bear. Do not scream or panic. Reason with the bear. A cool, confident tone will calm both your nerves and the bear's nerves. Last, carefully walk backwards. Never turn and run. Slowly create distance and watch for the bear to leave. In this case, the last thing you want to do is appear as predator or prey.

These common scenarios can be avoided by; simply making noise while hiking, not venturing from the trail, staying away from areas of limited visibility, traveling with the wind to your back, and cautiously approaching places like rivers, narrow canyons, fragrant fields of fresh flowers, or smelly dumps where your scent can be diluted to the point the bear cannot detect it. Bears that can smell, see, or hear you will avoid you, especially mama bears.