Bears are some of the most dangerous creatures in North America. If you live in an area or are visiting somewhere where bears are known to live, knowing how to survive a bear attack could save your life. In this guide, we’ll look at what to do if you see a bear and how to survive a bear encounter.
Bear Encounter Preparedness
Bear attacks aren’t that common, but they should still be taken seriously. All types of bears, from black bears to grizzlies, can do serious damage, causing cuts, lacerations, broken bones, and even death, in the worst cases.
That’s why it’s so crucial to be prepared, knowing what to do when you see a bear and what to do when a bear attacks. Through preparation and education, you can make the right choices and take the best possible action to keep yourself and your family safe.
Common Bears in the US
There are several different varieties of bears you may encounter in the US. And, depending on which type of bear you meet, the correct course of action may differ. It’s important to learn the differences between them and understand what to do.
Black Bears
Black bears, also known as American black bears, are some of the most widespread bears in the US. They’re found in at least 40 different states. They’re also the smallest type of bear to be found in North America, and also the least dangerous.
This doesn’t mean that they’re not dangerous at all, and black bear attack safety is still important if you encounter one. However, most of the time, black bears don’t show much aggression to people and rarely attack.
Brown Bears
Brown bears can be found in North America and other parts of the world like Eurasia. In the United States, you may encounter sub-species like grizzly bears and Kodiak bears in Alaska.
It’s important to know that brown bears can be very dangerous because of their large size and aggressive behavior compared to black bears. Just one swipe from a brown bear can be deadly, and they often bite their prey, which can cause serious injury or even death. Stay alert and take precautions when in bear country.
Grizzly Bears
The term “grizzly bear” is used to describe the majority of brown bears found in the US and Canada. They’re technically a subspecies of the standard brown bear. These bears are known to attack if they feel the need to defend themselves or their family, or if surprised.
Polar Bears
Polar bears are bears with white fur, found primarily in the Arctic and surrounding areas, including the northernmost areas of North America, like Canada and Alaska. These bears are the biggest on the planet, with the males being much larger and heavier than the females.
Polar bears are also good swimmers and generally hunt and eat seals. They rarely attack humans, unless provoked or starving, and their attacks nearly always result in death.
Video courtesy of Washington Post.
General Guidelines for Bear Encounters
Now we’ve seen the basic bear types you might encounter, let’s look at a few general tips and guidelines on what to do if you encounter a bear or how to avoid bear attacks entirely.
- Bear Spray – If you’re heading somewhere that has bears, pack some bear spray. This can be used to deter or repel aggressive bears. To use it for surviving a bear attack, point the canister at the bear and spray for a few seconds.
- Be Aware – In general, it’s much better to know how to avoid bears entirely, rather than what to do in a bear attack. By being aware of the signs, like footprints and bear scat, you can avoid all unwanted encounters.
- Keep Distance – Often, bears will only attack if they feel surprised or threatened. Avoid this by keeping your distance if you see them. Don’t try sneaking up or getting close to bears in the wild.
- Safe Storage – Bears may also approach if they can smell food. Keep all food items safely secured away in airtight coolers or other containers.
- Make Noise – Most bears will move away from an area if they hear lots of noise. Camping or hiking as a group is a good way to avoid bear attacks, and making noise as you hike can also be helpful.
Black Bear Encounter
Next, let’s focus specifically on black bears, examining how to identify them and how to survive a black bear encounter.
Characteristics and Habitat
As the name suggests, black bears have pitch-black fur. They’re smaller than brown bears, with little rounded ears and quite short claws. They don’t have the big shoulder hump as grizzlies do, and they’re 4-6 feet long, with males being larger.
Black bears live in forests and alpine areas and are commonly found in several states across North America. They have a wide distribution and can be encountered in the following states:
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
The Behavior of Black Bears
Black bears tend to be quite curious. They may show interest in people and will stand on their hind legs to see a wider area, as well as sniffing around a lot. They’re also good climbers. They may make “mock charges” or hit the ground with their paws prior to an attack.
What to Do if You Come Across a Black Bear
- Stay calm and avoid panicking.
- Assess the bear’s behavior from a safe distance.
- Do not approach the bear or try to feed it.
- Give the bear plenty of space and do not corner or block its escape route.
- Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms and standing tall.
- Speak calmly and firmly to the bear, letting it know you are human.
- Back away slowly while facing the bear, maintaining eye contact.
- If you’re with others, stay together and act as a group to appear larger.
- Avoid direct eye contact, as it may be seen as a threat.
- If the bear stands on its hind legs, it is usually trying to get a better view and not necessarily being aggressive.
How to Survive a Black Bear Attack
- Do not play dead.
- Stand your ground and do not run, as it may trigger a chase response.
- Make yourself look as large as possible by raising your arms and standing tall.
- Shout loudly, clap your hands, and make noise to intimidate the bear.
- Use bear spray as a deterrent if you have it and the bear is within range.
- Back away slowly while facing the bear, avoiding turning your back on it.
- If the bear makes contact, fight back aggressively using any available objects as weapons.
- Target sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, and throat.
- Continue to fight back until the bear stops its attack.
- After the attack, seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to local authorities.
Grizzly Bear (Brown Bear) Encounter
Grizzly bears can be particularly vicious and aggressive. Here’s all you need to know.
Characteristics and Habitat
Grizzly bears have brown fur and large bodies, although sizes can vary quite wildly between populations. They have long claws of between two and four inches, on average. Another distinguishing characteristic is the big hump on the back.
Grizzlies may be found in forests, woods, open plains, and prairies. They often live near rivers or other bodies of water. Grizzly bears are primarily found in specific regions of North America, mainly in the following states:
- Alaska
- Montana
- Wyoming
- Idaho
- Washington (in the North Cascades ecosystem)
The Behavior of Grizzly Bears
Grizzly bears are very clever creatures and good at foraging and hunting, with terrific senses of smell and sight. They tend to avoid humans, so are less likely to be spotted near towns or cities. Before attacking, a grizzly will usually stand its ground, growl, and then charge.
What Do You Do if You See a Grizzly Bear
- Stay calm and try not to panic.
- Assess the bear’s behavior from a safe distance.
- Slowly back away without turning your back on the bear.
- Speak calmly and firmly to the bear, letting it know you are human.
- Make yourself look larger by raising your arms and standing tall.
- Avoid direct eye contact, as it may be perceived as a threat.
- If possible, move to higher ground or a secure location, like a vehicle or building.
- Keep track of the bear’s location and movements while you retreat.
- Do not approach the bear or try to feed it.
- If the bear follows you, continue speaking calmly and backing away slowly.
What to Do if a Grizzly Bear Approaches or Attacks
- Use bear spray as a deterrent if you have it and the bear is within range.
- Play dead by lying flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck to protect it.
- Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to flip you over.
- Remain still and silent, avoiding any sudden movements.
- Protect your vital organs, especially your neck and head.
- Stay in the playing dead position until you are sure the bear has left the area.
- If the bear continues to attack, fight back with everything you have, targeting sensitive areas like the eyes and nose.
- Use any available objects as weapons, such as rocks or sticks.
- Once the bear leaves or the attack stops, seek medical attention immediately.
Polar Bear Encounter
Finally, we have polar bears, which can also attack humans.
Characteristics and Habitat
Polar bears have white fur and are even bigger than brown bears and grizzlies. They can measure up to almost 10 feet in length and can weigh up to 1,500 lb. They have elongated bodies and longer skulls than brown bears.
These bears live in the coldest parts of the world, around the Arctic Circle. They can be found near water, where they like to hunt.
The Behavior of Polar Bears
Polar bears typically live and hunt on their own, but can be sociable with others. They spend a lot of time swimming to hunt for seals and have very strong senses of smell. They rarely attack humans without serious provocation.
What Do You Do if You See a Polar Bear
- Stay calm and avoid panicking.
- Keep a safe distance from the polar bear, as they are powerful and can be dangerous.
- Do not approach the bear or try to feed it.
- If the bear notices you, back away slowly without turning your back on it.
- Maintain constant visual contact with the bear to assess its behavior and movements.
- Do not run away from the bear, as it may trigger a chase response.
- Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may startle the bear.
- If possible, move to a secure location, like a vehicle or sturdy shelter.
How to Survive a Polar Bear Attack
- Do not run. Not only will it trigger a predatory instinct and make the bear see you as prey but polar bears are incredibly fast and agile. A polar bear will outrun you.
- Do not play dead.
- If the polar bear approaches, stand your ground.
- Make yourself look as large as possible by raising your arms and standing tall.
- Shout and yell loudly to try to intimidate the bear.
- Use bear deterrents if available, such as bear spray or noise-making devices.
- If the bear makes contact, fight back with everything you have, targeting sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, and throat.
- Use any available objects as weapons to defend yourself.
- Continue to fight back aggressively until the bear stops its attack.
- After the attack, seek immediate medical attention.
Video courtesy of CBC.
Conclusion
Knowing what to do if a bear attacks is crucial and could save your life if you plan on camping in national parks or hiking and exploring wherever bears may be found. And it’s particularly important to understand what to do with different bears.
Overall, anyone who could be at risk of bear attacks or encounters is strongly encouraged to learn as much as they can and understand the appropriate techniques and steps to follow to maximize their chances of survival.
Bear Encounter FAQ
What is the most common bear in the US?
The black bear is the most common bear in the US and can be found in over 40 different states.
In which state do most bear attacks happen?
Statistics indicate that Alaska has the highest frequency of bear attacks and the highest rate of fatal attacks.
Which bear species has caused the most human fatalities?
According to the latest data, black bears have caused the most human fatalities. This is primarily due to their larger population in the US, increasing the likelihood of being involved in attacks and fatalities.
How many bear attacks occur in the US each year?
On average, there is approximately one fatal bear attack per year in the US, with only around 40 attacks reported worldwide annually.
Are bear attacks common in America?
Bear attacks are relatively uncommon, and fatal attacks are even rarer. Statistically, the chances of being attacked by a bear in the US are over 1 in 2 million.
Does bear spray work?
Yes. Bear spray can be an effective deterrent against charging bears if used properly and if the spray is of good quality.
During which time of year are bears most aggressive?
Spring is generally considered a higher-risk time for bear encounters as bears are emerging from hibernation, hungry, and may be searching for extra food for their cubs.
Which bear species is known to be the most aggressive?
Grizzly bears are considered the most aggressive bear species in the US.
Can air horns scare away bears?
Yes, air horns and other loud noise-making devices can help scare bears away.
Which national park has the largest bear population?
Katmai National Park in Alaska is known for having the highest population of grizzly bears. Yellowstone and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks also have significant populations of black bears, while the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska is home to a large population of polar bears.
