Bear attack

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Bear attack

by Steve Ross
(British Columbia)

Hiking in bear country

I want to add some general bear safety tips and also how to deal with a bear attack. These advices will help you to minimize risk if you are hiking in bear country.

1. Keep alert, avoid surprising bears at close range. Bears tend to be more active at dawn and dusk. If you see signs of bear make plenty of noise or if you want to be on the safe side make noise regularly to alert bears. They will likely move away and you’ll never know they were in the area.

2. Keep a clean camp and cook away from your tent. Store all food away from your campsite. Hang your food out of reach of bears and store your food in plastic. Bears have keen noses and are great diggers.

3. If you come face-to-face with a bear, never run. Bears can run several times faster than humans. Move away slowly. Do not panic or make jerky motions.

4. If the bear attacks - go to the ground, cover the back of your head and neck with your hands – play dead. Do not attempt at any time to take off your backpack it will protect your back.

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Bear attack

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Nov 24, 2009
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no
by: Anonymous

thanks for the information but i need to know about Grizzly Bears. :(

Jul 05, 2009
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setting up camp
by: Anonymous

When you set up camp make sure your that it is upwind form your bear bag, latrine, and cooking area so that the bears do not catch a scent and wander through your campsite

Dec 07, 2008
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clarification
by: Anonymous

My name is Lyall Insull.

I have a comment on the playing dead part. This should never be used as black bear defense. It can be used to some success with defensive aggressive grizzly;s But you must turn and slowly walk away as the bear gets to within 10 feet, let the bear knock you down then play dead covering your vitals and neck. But before this happens you should use your rifle or bear spray that is a must to carry in all bear country.

The only way to get a complete bears strategy is to read the bear encounter survival guide by James Shelton the different bears all have many different types of behavior that can not be summed up and grouped together

Sep 29, 2008
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bear spray
by: Anonymous

Always take a can of bear spray with you in the wilderness and don't try run from the bear or you will be playing tag with him and you will be dead.

Sep 22, 2008
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black bears
by: Anonymous

if its black fight back
if its brown lay down all so
black bears will stock you even browns grizzlys
ok guys

Apr 11, 2008
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BEAR REPELLANT
by: Nomad

Have you ever seen a black bear climb a tree?I have, they can climb up about as a tree about as fast as a house cat.They can come back down almost as fast.A person could never outclimb one and the average bear,black or grizzly is said to be able to run about 35MPH.
I think the best defense would be bear spray.I found a brand on another survival site,it is called GUARD ALASKA BEAR REPELLANT.

Apr 01, 2008
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bears
by: bert

very good to know.

Jan 01, 2008
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Avoid the bear
by: Ned

A bear will attack a man if they are surprised, feel they are in danger, wish protect territory or if they have cubs. The best way to avoid danger is to avoid the bear. But if you can not avoid them, make sure they see you first.

Jan 01, 2008
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Your responsibility
by: Leni

When in bear country talk to local authorities about bear conditions, get good advice, use common sense,and good judgement. The responsibility for your safety is your's alone.

Nov 30, 2007
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good
by: Mark

When you drop to the ground when a bear attacks won't it bite you?

Nov 03, 2007
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Number 4 is wrong for Black Bears
by: Anonymous

you don't play dead with a Black Bear you fight back like mad or climb high-up in a Jack Pine. Grizzly Bears you can play dead with, though.

Nov 02, 2007
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Black bear attack - fight back
by: Dave

Hi Steve,

your comments regarding bear attacks is not completely accurate. If the bear is a grizzly bear then your comments are right on.

But the bear is a black bear then the issue becomes more complex. If you startle the bear and they have cubs then you are correct as well. However, if the bear attacks you in your camp or follows you and attacks then you MUST fight back. Otherwise, you will be a tasty snack for the bear.

Dave
United States

Nov 02, 2007
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Climb trees
by: Erik

Hello Steve,
great advice!

Do you know bears could climb trees? Black bears and also young grizzlies climb trees. Adult grizzlies lose much of this ability as they become heavier.

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Bear attack

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Bear attack