10-Bear Attacks Part Three: Surviving an Uncommon Attack

1. Being stalked by a juvenile bear.

2. Being hunted by a polar bear.

Here's what to do:

1. This is scary. It requires war. If you follow the advice of the other scenarios, chances are you'll not survive. Young bears with no human experience can be intrigued by our presence and even see us as prey. You'll know if a bear is stalking you because he'll randomly appear in the distance despite you moving away from him. The bear may simple be curious or he may be hungry. Either way, when a bear is stalking you, it's time to make a stand.

If you do not have bear spray or any other weapon, you'll have to go caveman. Find high ground, a bolder or large tree atop a hill or small cliff. Collect weapons (I suggest stones). When he approaches, fight for your life, human-style (use your brain to focus your brawn). The only way that bear is going to leave you alone is once he sees you as a threat. Convince him. Connect. A few, well placed shots with a few good sized rocks in one or two choice spots should do the trick. Wild animals do not belong to an HMO or visit emergency clinics. A compound fracture is considered a manageable injury for a human who has access to x-rays, sutures, casts, and painkillers but will spell certain death for a bear. Once that bear realizes you are capable of causing injury, he'll move on because you're simply not worth it. In this case, it doesn't matter if you can become the predator; you must avoid being the prey.

2. This is life or death – you'll either walk away unscathed or be the bear's next meal. Note: all the previous advice and comments deal strictly with brown and black bears; polar bears are unique. Without a viable escape route or a weapon of defense, there is only one thing to do in this case: walk towards the bear while yelling and waving your arms. Get angry. Be threatening. Polar bears hunt everything, including people. Once they begin their approach, they will only turn away if they think you intend to hurt them. Pray you will be convincing. Otherwise, prepare yourself for death. If grizzly bears terrify, polar bears paralyze. Personally, I leave the tundra to others. In this case, if you do not become the predator, you will be the prey.

The fear of a bear attack should never keep one from experiencing nature; the benefits far outweigh the risks. Being ready with the right equipment, planning, preparation, and information goes a long way in avoiding an attack or surviving one. Wouldn't it be great if dealing with each other was as clear as dealing with an aggressive bear?