Your Behaviour
The thought of facing a bear can be frightening. However, bears rarely attack a person on sight, and only a very small percentage of charges result in serious injury or death. You are more likely to be injured in a car accident than by a bear.
There is always a possibility you may surprise a bear at close range, or encounter a problem bear which is not afraid of people. There is no guaranteed formula for reacting to a bear encounter because every encounter is unique. There are, however, guidelines which may help. Most are based on good judgment, common sense, and familiarity with bear behaviour.
1. Stop, stand still, and stay calm.
2. If the bear is aware of you, help it identify you as a person. It may leave. Staying upwind will help it to smell you. Talk in low tones and slowly wave your arms.
3. Do not run from a bear unless you are sure you can reach a safe place before the bear catches up. Running may cause the bear to chase you, and a bear is faster than you are.
4. Always leave a bear an open avenue of escape.
5. If you see a bear at a distance, alert the bear to your presence. Quietly walk back the way you came or make a wide detour around the bear. Do not come between a bear and its cubs.
6. If time, distance and circumstances permit, try to scare the bear away by firing warning shots, flare cartridges or noisemakers.
7. In a close encounter, stand still and assess the situation. Do not shout or make sudden movements which might provoke the bear, and avoid direct eye contact. At 50 feet, even if the bear is displaying threat behaviour, there is probably still time for you to avoid an encounter.
8. Back away slowly. Only leave behind an article of clothing or gear if the bear is still trying to identify you. This will not work if the bear is following you. Leave food or an article of clothing only as a last resort.
9. Climb a tree if one is available. You will have to climb higher than four metres - grizzlies can reach that high. Remember that black bears can also climb trees.
10. If the bear is very close (30 ft.), it is usually best to stand your ground. Be prepared to shoot if you are carrying a firearm.
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