These simple tips can help you to prevent or survive a bear attack.

When camping or hiking in bear country, you should always let a friend or family member know the area you plan to go to and when you expect to return, or file a report with the closest ranger’s station.

Speak to the local rangers about bear activity in the area you plan to visit. These people have the information you need, listen carefully and follow their directions.

Make lots of noise while you’re hiking or wear bells. Bears will usually move away when they hear you coming.

Avoid berry patches, salmon spawning grounds, and other areas where bears might be feeding. Bears are territorial and may defend their food source.

Give a wide berth to sows with cubs. Bears are very protective of their offspring.

Keep all food in “bear boxes” or “cans” (Now required in Yosemite.) or try the cables/poles available in the more popular sites. Prepare all food at least 100 feet away from your camping area. DO NOT FEED THE BEARS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

If you suddenly find yourself too close to a bear

• Do not make eye contact with the bear. The bear will interpret this as agressive behaviour and may attack.
• Squat down to make yourself look smaller and less threatening to the bear and remain motionless. Maybe the bear won’t see you if you are downwind. Bears have poor eye sight but an extremely good sense of smell.
• If there are 2 or more of you, stand close together to appear more imposing.
• If the bear comes toward you, yell at the bear, bang pots and pans together, or make as much noise as possible in any manner you have available.
• Throw rocks near the bear, but not at him.
• If the bear doesn’t go away, DO NOT RUN. Slowly back away and don’t turn your back or run. This is prey behaviour and you will look like prey to the bear. The bear is at the top of the food chain, and that includes humans. You cannot outrun a bear, which can maintain speeds of up to 40 m.p.h. for short distances, even uphill or on uneven ground.
• If the bear does charge you, try to remain calm. Yell for help, it may be closer than you think. Yelling may also scare the bear away.
• If you think an attack is immenent, stop, drop and cover your neck with your hands and tuck your chin into your chest to help protect your face.
• Remain motionless and “play dead.” Most of your vital organs are easier to get to from the front so stay on your stomach. Roll back to your stomach if the bear turns you over.
• If the bear persists with its attack, and only as a last resort, resist with all your might.Try to grab a stick or a rock, a knife or whatever you have, and fight for your life. Your survival could depend on your fierceness.

FURTHER READING:

Buy Bear Attacks Synopsis: Stephen Herrero is a leading authority on bears and bear attacks. I would recommend this book to anyone seriously interested in bear behavior.	Buy Bear Aware Synopsis: This handy pack sized book contains the essential tips. It’s written for beginners and experts as well.	Buy Bear Basics Synopsis: Offers detailed, comprehensive & practical information on how to travel and camp safely in bear country.