WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BEAR. Aim toward the bear’s face, or slightly below. 2020 was a dark year. The family stayed in their car, kept the windows closed, and eventually the bear got bored and wandered off. The human development and activity in Whistler deters grizzlies, but don’t rule them out when out hiking in the back country. Eventually, the bear will lose interest, leave you alone, and wander away. DO NOT climb trees to escape a bear. The reality is that majority of encounters with the black bears rarely result to aggressive behavior and the attacks are rarer. If you see a bear before it notices you: stand still, don’t approach and enjoy the moment. What to do if you encounter a bear. If your bear encounter turns into a stand-off, you'll want to hold your ground and begin talking to the animal in a clear, strong voice. In North America, the two most common types of bear that you'll come across in the backcountry are brown bears and black bears. In a campground. If you encounter a bear on a carcass, get as far away from the bear’s cache as possible; leaving the area quickly and quietly preferably in the same direction you came in. Give the bear a clear escape route (do not corner it). Here's what to do if you encounter a bear. When you encounter a bear other useful things to determine are: If you are in a developed area (e.g., campground, parking lot, lodging area) or if a bear approaches you, act immediately to scare it away: make as much noise as possible by yelling very loudly (don't worry about waking people up if it's nighttime). It is normal to be frightened once you encounter a black bear. Black bears don't tend to be aggressive, so when you fight back it is likely to drive it away. Each year, Park staff spend hundreds of hours dealing with problem bears. Get as … Some bears may try to intimidate you with snarls, growls, and even aggressive charging. Bears are magnificent creatures and it can be exciting to see one—from an appropriate distance. If you have a grizzly bear encounter, here’s what you need to know to stay safe. If you encounter a bear: Stay calm If the bear sees you, talk in a low, calm voice and then regardless if it has seen you or not. ... Don't let the color fool you — black bears can be brown in color and brown bears can be nearly black," said Goldes. Kraig Becker is a writer based out of Nashville, Tennessee who has covered adventure travel and product reviews for TripSavvy since 2013. Use your pepper spray. Do not run. Remove safety clip. Don’t spray it yet! Take note, majority of bears prefer avoiding contact with people and the bears you see is just as frightened like you do. DO NOT RUN: Absolutely do not run. In general, when you encounter a black bear you should: Remain calm. Remove the safety latch. Running could trigger an attack. Then move away quietly in the opposite direction. We do not want to contribute to an unhealthy fear of bears, but apparently this is not the problem. As visitors camping in bear country, you have a responsibility to follow the bear rules and to know what to do if you encounter a bear. If you encounter a bear, you should try to remain calm and avoid sudden movements. What to do if you encounter a bear. Get your bear spray out of the holster and into your hand. If you’ve avoided blind corners and loud streams where bears might not be able to hear you and you still run into one…here’s what to do next. If the bear approaches, follows or charges you, keep reading the sections below. Educate yourself, learn about bear behavior, ways to avoid bears, and what to do if you encounter a bear. Lay flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck. Tom Griffin, Wildlife Specialist for the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, offers safety tips on what to do if you encounter a bear. Don’t venture into the Alaska bush with no bear protection plan in mind. Keep your eyes on the bear at all times, while remaining well aware of your surroundings. Leave your backpack on to serve as protection for your back and shoulders, and try to remain as still as possible. There’s no better way to prevent an unpleasant encounter with a black bear than avoiding the animals altogether.. Bears usually avoid humans, too, often leaving the scene even before a person realizes a bear was around. This might cause it to think you are prey and go chasing you in pursuit. Keep your distance, alter your route of travel or wait until it leaves. Keep food out of sight and don't feed any to the creature, as it will only encourage it to follow you looking for more. The best way to deal with a bear encounter (or heaven forbid an attack) is to never have one. Never feed or approach bears. While it may not seem all that easy to tell them apart at first glance, there are some tell-tale signs that can let you know exactly what your'e dealing with. This may make sense if you encounter the bear in the campground or you can’t walk elsewhere. If you see a bear before it notices you: stand still, don’t approach and enjoy the moment. How to use bear spray. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave. If your off-leash dog charged a bear who decides to retaliate your only recourse is bear spray. The human development and activity in Whistler deters grizzlies, but don’t rule them out when out hiking in the back country. If you do happen upon a bear – or it happens upon you – just remember: Stay calm. But most importantly, do not under any circumstances, run. If it changes its behavior, you're too close, so back away. NEVER run from a bear. Black bears can be brown and vice versa. Then move away quietly in the opposite direction. It is also important to keep in mind that the National Park Service requires all visitors to America's national parks to stay at least 100 yards away from any bears they encounter at all times. There’s no better way to prevent an unpleasant encounter with a black bear than avoiding the animals altogether.. Bears usually avoid humans, too, often leaving the scene even before a person realizes a bear was around. 3 Bear Safety Rules. A family from Montana had a close encounter with a grizzly bear near Yellowstone Park in the US when it jumped on to the bonnet of their car. Tom Griffin, Wildlife Specialist for the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, offers safety tips on what to do if you encounter a bear. Bear Spray. If the bear is about to make contact, use your bear spray. Covid-19 bears are magnificent creatures and it can be remarkable, downright terrifying, or straight up.. Keeping the bear may still become spooked or startled and could potentially turn you. 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