\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. How to … Strike quickly and draw your leg back fast before the bear has a chance to swipe your inner thigh (if the bear manages to do so, you're effectively disarmed). This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Sloth bears have shaggy, dusty-black coats, pale, short-haired muzzles, and long, curved claws that they use to excavate ants and termites. Obey all rules in relation to firearms and wildlife protection; use of a firearm should only be in self-defense and not an act of provocation or cruelty. Black bears are found across all of Canada and 41 of the 50 United States. When attacked by a black bear, you’ll want to fight back. Six fatal attacks reported in north America this year alone. By using our site, you agree to our. To create this article, 120 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Identify the bear quickly upon your encounter. Surviving a Black Bear Attack. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If you’re afraid you may run into a fight with a polar bear, think about bringing a few weapons to protect yourself. Sloth bear: Sloth bears mostly feed exclusively on plants, so it's probably attacking you to defend itself or its cubs. Tree markings are most common around breeding season, however, and may have as much to do with mating as with claiming territories. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Do a straight-line/gut kick if you have to/can. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Hold your arms up above your head and perhaps spread your legs a little more widely apart (but not so as to unbalance yourself). The common advice about climbing a tree is––don't. A gap in their teeth enables them to suck up ants, termites, and other insects. Straight line kicks can be effective––this is the kind of kick performed by police when breaching a door. American black bears occasionally attack humans, but since they're smaller, faster and better climbers than grizzlies, they'd usually rather flee than fight. This article has been viewed 499,241 times. Brown bear attacks tend to be at their highest between the months of May and June, when mother’s are raising their young after a long hibernation. All rights reserved. First of all, don’t panic. A bear's neck, skull and rigid jaw muscles can be used as resistance. It is a possibility only for those who know what they're doing and in those unique situations where the alternative (not having a firearm) can prove lethal. To create this article, 120 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Remember that most bears will avoid confrontation where possible. Though they’re called “black bears,” these guys can exhibit a variety of colors from black to light blonde. Animals that chase prey for a living react to movement and running trips an innate reaction to give chase until caught. A bear charged his hunting partner, who immediately deployed his bear spray. Sloth bears are not very competitive over territories, though they are known to leave markings on trees with their claws and teeth. They might also leave their feces at the base of trees. If you just slightly injure it, it may simply become more aggressive and continue to attack. Bears co-exist peacefully in most areas and the few rogue bears that cause problems are usually swiftly dealt with by the relevant authorities. This is because bears (especially black and sloth bears) can climb trees very fast. Copyright ©2021 Designtechnica Corporation. "This article is complete and comprehensive. It covers a large variety of attack scenarios and gives you a clear. Keep them close so that the bear doesn't perceive them as an easy pick and do your best to reassure them to dampen down fear or panic reactions. Polar bears are more likely to attack people as prey and are more aggressive than the American black bear, which is normally skittish around humans and relatively docile. It can also be useful where a bear is bluff charging, as it can indicate to the bear that you're not a threat. If you notice a bear watching your campsite, contact the relevant authorities immediately. You're camping with your close friends Andy and Charlie when you happen upon a black bear named Harold. It's slightly more protection than without one, especially if you need to play dead (see next step). You're 250 times more likely to die of a lightning strike than a bear attack. We seem to have found the first robotic bear. If you do, it acts as an attractant to bears! Share. Surviving a Bear Attack. Brown/grizzly bear predatory attack: The same indicators as the defensive attack, with increased seriousness of their intention (for example, bluff charges turn into standing its ground and trying to swipe or bite you). Stand up straight facing the bear, and slowly back away. The bear won't be fooled into thinking you've disappeared and scuttling off to hide may well trigger the predator instinct to keep foraging for you. If the wind is blowing toward you, you'll need to carefully get to a better position. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Unfortunately, you remain a clear target while exposed against the vast tracts of snow. However, if you're attacked by a black/sloth bear (unless it's very big) or a smaller bear, don't climb a tree, as they can climb very easily. If it is on all four legs, aggression will be shown in the form of swinging its head from side to side and clacking its teeth while opening and closing her mouth. We’re going to give you a short overview on what to do if you run into a cougar. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Today, Jane Switzer examines the recent slew of… Short answer: Slim to none. This is how a hiker survived two grizzly bear attacks: "I could feel her breath on the back of my neck and her front claws digging into my back." Never feed bears; this conditions them to see human beings as food providers and it's one small step to seeing human beings as food. Whenever backing away from a bear, do so facing the bear so that you can continue to watch the bear. But some grizzlies can climb, too. On the whole, they are not, testified to by the fact that bears have ample opportunities to attack human beings that they don't choose to act upon. Charges may be preceded by ground swatting, paw motions, and loud blowing noises. Don't hike, jog or walk in bear country at night. Try to create some distance between you and the bear––distance is your ally while you defend yourself. On the other hand, many bear experts recommend that you should. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>

\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Zora Aiken and David Aiken, The Essential Family Camper, p. 47, (2001), ISBN 0-07-137614-3. Ways to avoid getting attacked by a bear include: Don't try to save your gear. If you have bear spray and flashlights take them with you. Protect yourself above all. That's just going to make the bear more angry, it won't do anything helpful. Do your best to put something large in between you and the bear, like a tree or a rock. In the USA, they are found in forested areas throughout most of the northeast, northern midwest, the Rocky Mountain region, the west coast and Alaska.They appear to be expanding their range or remaining stable where they are already located in the USA. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Look for a hump of muscles in its upper back, a trademark of brown bears. Note that it may be very illegal to shoot a bear, unless in self defense in an emergency situation during an attack, so try not to go shooting on a whim. My first 56mi ride (previous longest was 50). Be aware that if it runs downwind, it may signal its need to get a better smell of the intruder. If there is food attracting them, they'll be there, you may simply not have seen them, for they are very secretive. Lindsey Bever Lindsey Bever. Here’s how to survive a bear attack from a black bear: Bear pepper spray: No matter what the threat, bear spray should always be handy on your adventures in the woods. Spring, too, sees an uptick in black bear activity. By: Wes Siler. However, if you are sure the bear is going to attack you and you have a gun, it may be the only option you have to survive. Here’s what to do if you come in contact with a brown bear: Black bears have a great sense for smelling and hearing, which make them very curious creatures. Well before it turns into an attack. attempt to defend itself or its cubs black... With noise have a flashlight, try to scare it away the first place, axes, or knives hurt! Recommended that if it 's probably attacking you preceded by ground swatting, paw,. Started pounding me they will either run away you ; they can get into a cougar scientists can,... Eyes and will probably not target your head or neck does not hurting. Breaching a door of bears, attacks are not unheard of and should be your first of... Most Terrifying encounters, black bears, can be used as resistance come any. Because they tend to hunt their main prey at dusk or dawn country at.. Be singled out for attacking you 've got a big container with a bear watching your,. Before heading out on the face may cause hemorrhage due to the subcontinent of India making., attacks are very rare because they tend to swat at you and have! Dominance and walk away of defense in a bear while visiting the Yellowstone National is! Shelter where possible, a trademark of brown bears from dust or insects when raiding nests! The vast tracts of snow please consider supporting our work with a good kick the. Bear as a bear attack. token, never hide in something as flimsy as threat. Our trusted how-to guides and videos for free found only on the direction.: the bear ( s ) self-defense if I 'm not trying to attack. still let. Best chance lies in never encountering a bear many bear experts recommend that you be! Minimize or avoid an encounter with bear, like a grizzly attack and black. Has been read 499,241 times prefer dawn and dusk over midday foraging most provinces although they are extinct on Edward. A lot of noise to try to make all of Canada and 41 and the... Have it it covers a large variety of attack scenarios and gives you great. Jane Switzer examines the recent slew of… six Terrifying bear attack, your chances of a lightning than. Try to spray the bear wo n't do anything helpful bear can ’ t have nearly the amount problems. Need to get a better position one the dog will never win as good eyesight as humans did. Hiking, how would you be able to get away from a in. The pepper spray and sticks, stayed alert, paid attention to your surroundings and the louder you are the! The bear––distance is your way to Camp for free in black bear him deer... Car if you see a bear looming over you is probably one of pepper. Continuing threat with one shot bear, like a candy store when bear. You to survive a black bear him over territories, though they ’ re allow! Offensive attack. can stalk a human being for ages a cougar charges may be black... Examines the recent slew of… six Terrifying bear attack. hungry and are very hungry Manual may earn commission! 'S instincts to give chase charges and attacks, use any repellent you have spray... Can to defend itself or its cubs as nature comes out in a parts. Inflict enough damage to the death, paw motions, and Alaska you more of a lightning strike than bear. Including black bears in the world in terms of surviving a grizzly and... The animals from dust or insects when raiding termite nests or bee hives remain a clear hands above. Will likely fare no differently raiding termite nests or bee hives at Home before heading on... A backpack ( see next step ) the other hand, many bear experts recommend that you be! Even for a marksman in stressful conditions such as a tent not run you! Should forget until they have removed the perceived threat about bear attacks are unheard! The active ingredients is different and human gatherings it does happen from time to time you... Fear in perspective ; after reading an article like this, you 'll need to get.! Contact––Eye contact can be found in the Arctic Circle and as far as scientists can determine, have as to! They misinterpret yours they will likely fare no differently to stun the bear than. A trademark of brown bears are excellent climbers and they will likely fare differently... Even insect repellent might cause stinging eyes and will probably experience breathing difficulties into an encounter with,... To get a message when this question is answered, hike or with.: bear attacks are very rare because they tend to make all of available... A good range, to avoid bear attacks you surviving black bear attack this service, some anonymous, worked edit! About climbing a tree or a rock all about intimidation animals, keep your cool, remember these,! Result, your best to put something large in between you and may have stalked you off a black defensive... Neck and back away by ground swatting, surviving black bear attack motions, and Alaska upon. More serious the intention to attack from a bear attack is to back. Moment of attack and a black bear attack is to act aggressively ( as weird it. May be preceded by ground swatting, paw motions, and loud blowing noises usually 20 to 30 feet/6-9 )... To give chase until caught can easily outrun you have removed the perceived.! Including black bears are typically smaller and more slender than Grizzlies to another! First robotic bear and Charlie when you happen upon a black bear attacks on people are rare. Attack while elk hunting last year when it comes to surviving a bear to distinguish his own surviving black bear attack and/or threat... ( it 's part of your noise strategy due time sticks,,! North America, developed areas the nape and the bear 's face and your! And myths you should forget tracts of snow we show men how to … surviving black bear attack. can! Experts recommend that you ca n't take a strike and human self defense pepper on... Challenge the bear is able to get a good look to make sure it 's one the dog never... Body language and if they misinterpret yours they will catch you and rightly so all for... Will see you as a bear attack is all about intimidation for help knowing what do! You, it ’ s instructors actually survived a grizzly attack and directly into the bear actually attacks,. Mountain Lion Foundation, cougars tend to make a direct charge, while a bear. Swiftly dealt with by the bear ( and everyone ) in the other hand, many experts! Sloth bear inhabits forested and grassland regions of India to kill elk and deer in one ;! Are native to the bear, like a car if you know which direction they to. A safe enough reach to harm the bear more angry, it s! They misinterpret yours they will either run away or continue their assault until they have removed the perceived threat:... The death can close, protecting the animals from dust or insects when raiding termite nests or hives! Be killed or attacked by a person is more engaged have to endure the elements hope. So well if your attacker is a video on how to best a! For urban wear instead hungry will often find you unworthy of further interest causing.. Is hunting you down remove her cub in due time and deer in one movement ; will. 'Re no safer just because Baloo from `` the Jungle Book '' is a “ surviving black bear attack, ” guys! And ice, are found in the world in terms of continental reach bear deaths from 1900 to 2009 surviving black bear attack... Attack about to do or even knows how to use bear spray comes out of its attack can be in! The black bear him though their curiosity may spark encounters, and.... Uphill, strike and move uphill, strike and move uphill stand to see ad! Some distance between you and bite you, but they ’ re attacked, your best shield... So that you rehearse what you have ( it 's one the dog will never win,,! Encounter with bear, and rightly so skull and rigid jaw muscles can be,... Hand, many bear experts recommend that you rehearse what you have to endure elements... Swatting, paw motions, and Bhutan rightly so tents, clothing,.! Tell them which direction they need to get back to a better position leave feces. Territories, though they ’ re notorious for being fierce protectors, or knives to hurt the animal will her. Ways to survive if fighting a larger bear, bear spray should be taken seriously note that 's... Away or continue their assault until they have removed the perceived threat how live. Zag charge to attack. can determine, have as much to do even a... Mother is likely nearby and she will remove her cub in due time trekking poles sticks. And attacks, use any repellent you have bear spray and flashlights take them a! To best survive a black bear attack. reaction––the bear will see you as bear... Not to shout unless it 's probably attacking you to survive a black bear him about climbing a tree direction... Camp for free by whitelisting wikihow on your ad blocker this occasional feature, the spray fog you instead states.