Practice Bear Safety While In the Woods

Outdoorsmen need to practice bear safety while out in the woods. Hunting by nature is a sport of stealth; this makes hunters vulnerable for bear conflicts while chasing their quarry. There is no worse situation to find yourself in than to place yourself between a sow and her cubs.

As hunters it is important to understand a bears’ defense, and how to react to protect yourself from harm.

I do not know about you, but when I hunt, I try to make as little noise as possible. Being quiet in the woods is one of the keys to having a successful hunt. But this can also lead you into trouble, you need to be bear aware.

Consider this scenario: You find yourself sneaking along a game trail when a sudden movement to your right catches your attention... a black bear cub scrambles for a tree! A quick survey of the situation reveals the sow on the other side of the trail... you are between them!

Photo Courtesy of Kyla Marion Photography

Bear Safety Says - Do Not Panic!

Panic is not your friend...

More than likely a surprised black bear, even a sow in this case will run in the opposite direction, making a hasty retreat. She won’t go far though, she will be back looking for her cub, it is best and safest for you to back out.

What do you do in the case where the sow does not turn tale and run? Do you run? Absolutely Not! Never Run from any bear. Running will make you act like their prey, bears chase prey... the end is not pleasant.

Talk to the bear, do not yell or throw things at the bear you will only agitate the situation further. Let the bear know you are human. If possible back away from the situation, avoid eye contact.

If you carry bear spray (I recommend you do), now is the time to get it ready... use it if the bear gets too close. I do not know what the actual percentages are but there is a better chance of you being hit by a car than being attacked by a bear. If you keep your wits about you and you follow some simple bear safety rules you will live to share your experience with your family.

Bear Safety

• Do Not Run
• Avoid Eye Contact
• Let the bear(s) know you are human... talk to it
• Carry bear spray... For heaven’s sake use it!
• Try not to surprise or startle a bear
• Stand your ground and or back away slowly
• Make yourself look big! Stand on a stump or log, or hold your pack above your head
• Do not throw things... sticks, rocks etc.
• Do not yell or scream... this will only aggravate the situation

When a Bear Charges

Statistics show that a very high percentage of bear charges are bluffs. The bears will either veer away or stop short... it takes some guts to stand your ground in the face of an oncoming charge. But this is the best thing you can do for bear safety.

If an Attack is Imminent

If you are attacked by a black bear the first line of defense is to fight back. Most black bears will not continue an attack with a human that fights back. Try to hurt the bear in its most vulnerable areas: eyes, ears and nose. If the attack persists be sure to protect yourself cover your neck, roll onto your stomach. If the bear rolls you over, keep rolling over until you reach your stomach again.

If the attack is by a Grizzly bear DO NOT fight back. A grizzly will keep attacking if you struggle. Protect yourself... cover your neck with your hands, lay on your stomach. Do not shout or scream and do not move. The attack will end and the bear will move off. Wait until you are sure the bear has left the area before you move. Then seek medical help as soon as possible.

Report

Report all instances of bear charges or attacks to authorities as soon as possible; if a bear has a history it is better to alert the appropriate people so the animal can be dealt with.

It is possible to practice bear safety and go into the woods and not be afraid. As long as you know how to deal with situations you will have an enjoyable time in the woods.

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