Bear Encounters

Seeing a bear can be an exciting experience when it is a safe experience. Most bear “encounters” consist of a bear sighting and do not involve aggressive bear behaviors. Charging and physical contact with bears is even rarer. But when in bear country, it’s best to reduce the risk of a negative bear encounter as much as possible.

Avoid Bears

The best way to prevent a negative bear encounter is to avoid bears all together when possible. Bears usually avoid people, and though some encounters can’t be avoided, most encounters occur during conditions that could have been mitigated.

Avoid surprising a bear. Don’t move through bear habitat silently or alone. Travel with a group of three or more, making is easier for bears to see, smell, and hear you—and vice versa. Make noise by talking, singing, or clapping especially when there is noise around you (a windy day, or when you’re near a stream) or you are approaching a blind corner. Making noise with your friends, such as calling out “Hey bear!” periodically, is more effective than wearing bear bells as the sound carries farther and helps the bear know that you are human.

Always be aware of your surroundings. Be familiar with signs of bears—tracks, scat, torn up logs or claw marks on trees, carcasses, and areas that look like they have been dug up. Know when you are in areas that bears might frequent. Thick brush and heavy tree stands are good bear habitat, as are areas with lots of flowering or fruiting plants (especially during late summer and fall, while bears are foraging). If you see any signs of bears or any potential bear habitat, make noise and be extra vigilant. Be aware that it is easy for bears to be hidden behind trees, in brush, gulleys, or boulder fields. Never use headphones in bear country.

Be especially alert if you are mountain biking. Moving faster and often quieter than when hiking can increase your risk of surprising a bear. Trail running in bear country is not encouraged.

Bears are more active at dawn and dusk, so avoid recreating during these hours. Also try to avoid areas of seasonal bear food sources, such as berry patches and salmon runs.

It is a good idea to call ahead to your local park authorities, to see if any areas have been closed because of recent bear activity. Before recreating in bear country, let someone know where you are going and how long you will be there. And always leash your dogs.

Encountering or Seeing a Bear

If you see a bear, remain calm and remember that most bear encounters don’t result in a charge or physical contact. Gather together if you are in a group; you will appear larger and more intimidating if you stick close and coordinate your movements. Take a moment to assess the situation. A bear’s behavior is the most important piece of information that should inform your response to its presence, more so than the species of bear (which is often difficult to determine).

Bears at a Distance

If you see a bear in the distance, respect its need for space. Do not move toward it for any reason. Even though bears have excellent senses, it is possible that the bear has not noticed you. If you can move away quietly, consider turning around and leaving the way you came while keeping an eye on the bear in case its behavior changes. If you must continue, take a detour and give the bear a wide berth.

Bears up Close

Surprised Bears

If you are on a trail or in the woods in thick brush or move over a rise and have little visibility, you could surprise a bear. Surprising a bear is a dangerous situation, because they can immediately become aggressive. In these conditions, walk with your bear spray ready to be deployed.

If you encounter a bear on the trail or in your campsite and have time to evaluate the situation, stay calm, identify yourself by speaking in a calm, appeasing tone. Back away slowly. Walk, don’t run, and keep your eye on the bear so you can see how it will react. However, do not make eye contact—this could be understood as aggressive or a challenge. Be ready to use your bear spray, even though, in most cases, the bear will leave.

Be especially vigilant if you see cubs—even if you do not see an adult bear, leave the area and do not approach. Do not get in the middle of a sow and her cubs, as the sow can quickly become aggressive to protect her young.

Defensive Bears

Sometimes a bear that feels threatened will act aggressively to defend against a perceived threat. This is often the case with a mother bear with cubs, a bear defending a food source, or a surprise encounter. The closer you are to the bear when it becomes aware of you, the more likely it is to react defensively. If a bear shows agitated or defensive behavior (which can include huffing, jaw clacking, swaying its head back and forth, bellowing, swatting the ground, and excessively salivating at the mouth), stand your ground, prepare your bear spray, and speak in a calm manner, until the bear retreats.

If a bear starts to approach you, get your bear spray ready and increase your noise level. Avoid making any high-pitched noises that the bear may think are prey animal sounds. Pick up any small children and pets. If you are in a group, make sure you’re communicating about your actions—yelling all together, or stomping at the same time.

If the bear starts to charge, stand your ground. Do not run. You cannot outrun or outclimb a bear. Instead, use your bear spray. Make sure you are familiar with how to use bear spray and have practiced, so you know what to do. After it encounters the spray, hopefully the bear will leave. If it continues to advance, spray again.

If the bear comes close enough to make contact, fall to the ground and “play dead.” Roll over onto your stomach and cover your neck and the back of your head with your hands. If you have a pack, leave it on and pull it over your head if possible. Keep your legs and elbows wide so the bear can’t flip you over. When the attack stops, remain still and wait for the bear to leave.

If an attack is prolonged, it is no longer being defensive and it is time to fight back. Use whatever weapons you have available (bear spray, rocks, sticks), directing your attacks to the bear’s muzzle or face.

Curious or Predatory Bears

Occasionally, a bear will approach you in a non-defensive manner. Bears are curious animals, and this may be why a bear is approaching. The bear may be used to hanging around human areas to access food. If you see a bear that appears curious or is slowly and methodically following you (stalking you, like a predator), be ready to fight and do not run. Act aggressively, shouting and waving your arms. If the bear attacks, fight for your life. Kick, punch or hit the bear with whatever weapon is available, including your bear spray. Concentrate your attack on the face, eyes and nose. Fight any bear that attacks you in a building or tent.

If you are involved in a bear encounter, report it to wildlife authorities. Call 911 if there are serious injuries.