Encountering Bears (and Bear Cubs) in the Backcountry
Know your bear species. Be aware and be smart. That said we wanted to put together a quick guide if you are going into bear country.
Encountering a bear in the backcountry can be a potentially dangerous situation. To stay bear safe, follow these tips:
- Know the bear species in the area: Before heading into the backcountry, familiarize yourself with the bear species in the area and their behavior. For example, Black and grizzly bears behave differently and may require different approaches.
- Store food properly: Bears have a keen sense of smell and are attracted to food odors. Store all food, trash, and scented items, such as toothpaste and sunscreen, in bear-resistant containers or suspended from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from the trunk.
- Make noise: Make noise while hiking to alert bears to your presence. This can prevent surprising a bear and give it time to avoid you.
- Travel in groups: Traveling in groups of three or more people is generally considered safer than traveling alone. The noise and activity of a group is less likely to attract bears and can help deter a bear that is encountered.
- Carry bear spray: Bear spray is a type of pepper spray that can deter a bear in the event of an attack. Make sure to carry it in an easily accessible location, such as on a hip holster, and know how to use it properly.
- Know what to do in a bear encounter: If you encounter a bear, stand your ground and raise your arms to make yourself look larger. Speak in a firm, loud voice to let the bear know you are human. If the bear charges, use your bear spray. If a black bear attacks, fight back with everything you have, as playing dead is ineffective. If a grizzly bear attacks, play dead by lying flat on your stomach with your legs spread apart and your hands clasped behind your neck.
By following these tips and being prepared for a bear encounter, you'll increase your safety and reduce the risk of conflict.
The Dangers of Encountering a Bear Cub in the Wild
Encountering a bear cub in the wild can be surprisingly dangerous. While the cub might appear harmless, its presence usually indicates that a protective mother bear is nearby.
Here’s how to handle such an encounter:
Protective Mother Bears: particularly grizzlies, are extremely protective of their cubs and can become highly aggressive if they perceive a threat. They're more likely to charge or attack if they believe their cubs are in danger.
Unpredictability: a mother bear's reaction to humans near her cubs can be unpredictable. Even if you don't see the mother bear immediately, she is very likely nearby and watching.
Cub Behavior: bear cubs are naturally curious and might approach you out of curiosity, which can inadvertently trigger a defensive response from the mother.
Calls for Help: if a cub feels threatened, it might vocalize or cry, which will likely bring the mother bear rushing to its aid.
How to Recognize and Respond
Stay Calm: avoid sudden movements. Move slowly and calmly away from the area. Do not run, as this can trigger a chase response from the bear.
Keep your distance. If you see a bear cub, immediately look for the mother and try to back away slowly. Maintain as much distance as possible.
Avoid direct eye contact: bears can be perceived as a threat.
Make Your Presence Known:
Speak Softly: talk calmly and firmly to make your presence known without startling the bears.
Group Together: if you're with others, group together to appear larger and more intimidating.
Use Bear Deterrents:
Bear Spray: always carry bear spray in bear country and know how to use it! This can be an effective deterrent if a bear approaches too closely.
Find Higher Ground: if a bear charges, climbing to higher ground or up a tree can offer temporary safety, but this is not always reliable, especially with black bears that can climb.
Encountering a bear cub is a signal to be cautious and aware of the potential for a protective mother bear nearby. Staying calm, backing away slowly, and making your presence known, can minimize the risk of a dangerous encounter. Always be prepared and take preventive measures to ensure your safety in bear country.
For more detailed information and tips on bear encounters: visit the National Park Service’s bear safety page https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm or the https://sendy.io/admin-panel/content-management/blog/posts/33/BearSmart website.
