Encountering a Bear
The Bear's Behaviour
A bear's reaction to you will be influenced by many factors, and is therefore never entirely predictable. Given the opportunity, bears usually avoid people. Some bears are more dangerous or aggressive than others. Old or wounded bears may be in pain or starving. They may aggressively seek food from people if they are unable to obtain enough on their own. Any bear that has become accustomed to people and shows no fear of them is dangerous.
Every bear defends a critical space. The size of the space varies with each bear and each situation: it may be a few metres or a hundred metres. Intrusion into this space is considered a threat and may provoke an attack. All female bears aggressively defend their cubs. If a female with cubs is surprised at close range, or separated from her cubs she is likely to charge.
| Bears also aggressively defend their food, and are often reluctant to leave it until it is all eaten. In some cases, a bear that is threatened may engage in displays intended to scare away an opponent. These may include huffing, panting, hissing or growling; looking directly at you, sometimes with lowered head or ears laid back; slapping one or both feet on the ground; jaw popping; or charging to within several metres, then stopping suddenly or veering to the side. Threat displays may be followed by an attack, but may end with the bear walking or running away. |
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A bear standing on its hind legs is probably trying to pick up your scent and figure out what you are. It may sniff the air or swing its head from side to side. Bears do not charge on their hind legs.
Most grizzlies avoid contact with humans if possible. However, there is good reason for their reputation for ferocity. If cornered, threatened, or surprised, the grizzly can be very aggressive, and will usually stand its ground or charge.
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Black bears are often less aggressive and flee from danger. However, because they are more curious and adaptable than grizzlies, they quickly become accustomed to human activity, and may develop aggressive food-seeking habits which make them dangerous. Therefore, treat all black bears with caution. In a very few cases, a bear has stalked a person that it apparently considered potential prey. Although such incidents are rare, you should know the difference between the behaviour of a hunting bear, and the behaviour of a threatened bear.
A hunting bear does not bother with displays and shows no signs of annoyance or fear. It may approach you directly at a fast walk or turn, follow you, or circle carefully, making cautious approaches. |
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