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Although most bears are shy and will flee if they come across people, aggressive encounters occasionally occur, and there have been instances of serious mauling. Aggressive confrontations can occur when bears, especially females with cubs, are surprised at close range. As well, some bears may be provoked if they become used to eating human food.

There are no hard and fast rules about what to do in the event of an encounter with a bear. Bears react to people in different ways in different situations, depending upon the season, whether the bear is hungry, whether bear cubs are present, and whether there is an escape route available to the bear.

If You Encounter a Bear

• Never run; you cannot outrun a bear and running may excite the bear and cause an attack.
• Do not harass or chase the bear.
• If your vehicle is nearby, get in as quickly as possible.
• Stay calm and size up the situation; try to determine if the bear is a grizzly or a black bear.
• If bear cubs are in the area, move away from them.
• Slowly back away from the bear; if the bear continues to move toward you, drop your backpack or other belongings - this may distract the bear.
• Climbing a tree is an option but offers no guarantee of safety. Black bears are excellent climbers, and grizzlies have also been known to climb trees.
• In an encounter with a non-charging bear or a bear with cubs, you should appear passive; do not raise your voice.

If a Bear Charges You

In the event a grizzly bear charges you, your first strategy should be to act and appear non-threatening. The bear may simply be expressing its dominance. Once satisfied by a “bluff charge”, it may retreat; however, be aware that a bear may carry out several “bluff charges” during an encounter.

During a bear charge, experts recommend the following:

• Stand your ground and speak to the bear in a normal voice; this will ensure that the bear knows you are there, and that you are human.
• Avert your eyes, since a direct stare is perceived as a threat.
• If the bear continues to charge and gets closer, you could try to intimidate it by making direct eye contact, jumping up and down, shouting, or using pepper spray if you have it. Carrying animal repellent does not warrant careless or disrespectful behaviour and should only be used as a last resort. (NOTE: Pepper spray is not a repellant; it is a weapon that is only effective in the animal’s eyes and nose. It will not repel bears from a sprayed area; in fact, there is evidence to suggest that bears are attracted to objects covered with pepper spray.)

If you suspect that you are in a predatory situation with either a grizzly or a black bear, where the bear seems to be stalking you as potential prey, you should adopt a dominant stance - make direct eye contact, shout at the bear and act in a defiant manner. Keep in mind the following:

• Most serious black bear attacks are predatory; if an attack does appear predatory, act in a dominant manner and use any available weapon such as pepper spray, sticks, stones, or even your fists to fight off the bear.
• If no escape is possible and the bear knocks you to the ground, roll yourself into a “cannonball” position and play dead; cover your neck and head with your hands and arms until the bear leaves.
• If a black bear is attacking you, or you are attacked at night by either species, consider it a predatory attack and fight back, with your fists or any other item that will serve as a weapon.

It is the responsibility of those who work, live and recreate in bear country to learn as much as possible about bears, their behaviour, and how to prevent and react to attacks. You can do this by reading books or taking courses.