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Responses to Bear Encounters
Whenever they are in bear habitat, people should always be mentally prepared for the possibility of encountering a bear. Read and do some research on bear behaviour and become familiar with various possible responses to encounters.
Despite all precautions in bear country, there is always the chance of an encounter with a bear at close range. The following are strategies regarding encountering a bear:
  1. If the bear is not aware of your presence, do not attract its attention and leave the way you came.
  2. Retreat slowly while keeping your eye on the bear.

  3. If you must proceed to a destination, give the area where the bear was spotted a wide berth.

  4. Even if you think you are a safe distance away, do not purposefully alert the bear to your presence.

  5. Take a route where there is good visibility and scan ahead for any further sightings of the bear.

  6. If the bear is aware of your presence, stay calm and assess the situation. In most instances under these circumstances, the bear will leave the area.

  7. If the bear has spotted you, initially it may stand on its hind legs in order to pick up your scent or to get a look at you.

  8. A startled bear may suddenly run away or stand up quickly showing some signs of stress; this bear has been frightened but is not necessarily dangerous.

  9. Behave in the same manner as previously described; stay calm, appear non-threatening and allow the bear a chance to retreat.

  10. Size up the situation:
    1. Watch the bear's behaviour; try to determine if the bear is a grizzly or a black bear;
    2. Beware if cubs or a food source, such as a carcass, is present;
    3. Try to warn companions (without shouting) and take any children by hand;
    4. If the bear is close, avert your eyes since a direct stare may further stimulate an aggressive bear;
    5. Try to back away and leave the site by the way you came; and
    6. Assess you surroundings to determine an escape route or a tree to climb should the situation escalate. Remember, black bears climb trees very well.
  11. Speak softly to the bear to identify yourself as human and avoid rapid movements.
  12. Bears can easily outrun people, and the running movement may provoke a chase.

  13. Move away from the bear, particularly if it is a cub. The sow will be nearby. Move upwind if possible to give the bear your scent.
    1. Ensure the bear has an escape route and does not feel trapped or cornered.
    2. Prepare to defend yourself with bear spray.
    3. Climbing a tree is an option but does not guarantee safety. Black bears are excellent climbers, and grizzlies have also been known to climb trees. If you do decide to climb a tree, climb as fast and as high as you can.