Bear attack

by Steve Ross
(British Columbia)

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.