Let's say you wake up and there is a bear in your tent… having a huge predator looming over you is probably one of the worst experiences in life. Surviving a bear attack is a matter of life and death. It depends on the type of bear, its behavior towards you and what you are willing to do for a living. If you ever have the misfortune to meet a bear up close and it seems willing to attack, here are some tips to help you get away with it.
Steps
Step 1. Quickly identify the breed
Knowing him you will know how to act if he attacks you. Remember that color and size are not the only indicators of the species, even those who are experienced sometimes struggle to determine the differences between a black bear and a grizzly. Common features of some species include:
- Black bear (Ursus americanus): weighs between 56 and 300 kg. The color of the fur tends to range from black to blond. The muzzle is usually lighter; many black bears also have patches of white on their throats and chests. They are 60 to 100cm tall at the shoulder and 1.2-2.1m standing on their hind legs. Look for these distinctive features: defined facial features, straight back line, small head and short, dark claws.
- Brown bear (sub species "grizzly") (Ursus arctos and Ursus arctos horribilis): present in Eurasia and North America. It weighs between 300 and 680 kg, and the largest is the kodiak species (also rivaling the polar). There is still open debate about the number of brown bear subspecies, but usually you will be able to look for some distinguishing characteristics. Grizzlies weigh about 250-450 kg if they belong to inland areas, while those that live in coastal areas even reach 650 kg. The color goes from black to blond in this case, with the difference that the hair fades towards silver, sounding "grizzled" (ie "grizzled", hence the name). Standing, it reaches about 2.7-3.7 meters. In brown, grizzly and kodiak bears, look for evidence for a hump on the shoulders, a sloping backline, a flattened or concave muzzle, a broad, clear head, long, curved claws.
- Juggling bear ("Melursus ursinus"): Juggling bears are a nocturnal and insectivorous species found in the Indian area. They have a dark, shaggy coat, a light, short-haired snout, and long, curved claws that they use to dig up ants and termites. A cream colored "V" or "Y" usually distinguishes their chest. The nostrils can be closed to protect animals from dust and insects as they search a termite mound or beehive. Thanks to a space between their teeth they can suck ants, termites and other insects. Dancing bears reach 150-180cm standing, 60-90cm at the shoulder, and weigh from 65kg (the lightest females) to 135kg (the heaviest males).
- Polar bears (Ursus maritimis): they weigh about 350-680 kg, females about half. They are found in the Arctic and have adapted to snow, ice and cold water. The largest terrestrial carnivore; the polar bear at the shoulder ranges from 130 to 160 cm. It is usually white with an elongated body compared to the brown one, a longer head and nose.
- To locate the different species see the "Tips" at the end of the article.
Step 2. Try to assess whether the bear in front of you is attacking or defending to try to protect itself from other predators
This will help you figure out how much you can do to convince him that you are not a threat, so that he will leave you alone (e.g. trying to look as big as possible, making noise, pretending to be dead, etc.). On the other hand, if the bear sees you as a prey rather than a threat, it won't stop attacking you even if you pretend to be lifeless or scream, so you'll need to find something more effective that can help you escape. The classic reasons why a bear feels threatened include the protection of cubs, hidden food or a carcass; surprise or confusion, fear, the impression that his space has been invaded and his way out is blocked. Predatory behavior is usually caused by hunger and indifference to human status. The greatest incidence of attacks by black bears is predatory than brown bears, but juveniles of this species or grizzlies can still be predators themselves if abandoned by their mother, as they are learning how to get food and can be tempted to see yourself as such. Remember that whatever the reason behind the attack, the bear is dangerous. Here are some general indicators that show whether the bear is reacting defensively or predatory:
- Defensive Black Bear Attack: If he defends himself he will try to hit and bite you. Less common targets will be the head and body (bite killing).
- Predatory attack: The bear that is hungry will often "find" you and may have chased you. He will try to bite you on the back of the neck or on the head. It will grab you in a kind of "hug" as it bites you. He will never try to stop.
- Defensive Grizzly and Brown Bear Attack: He may flee or do a series of fake charges to figure out how threatening you are. The ferocity of the attack can be determined by looking for the position of the ears: the further forward they are, the more serious the danger will be. Other indicators it is about to attack are the arching of the back and neck and the grunts. Remember that running in the wind could mean that it is looking for a better olfactory signal than the intruder. When it attacks you, it will bite you on the head and in the back of your neck, breaking your spine with a powerful blow of the paw.
- Predatory attack: Same indicators as defense with an increase in the danger of intentions (for example, fake charges become a standing up while trying to bite or grab you). If the bear is on all fours, the aggression will be preceded by a swing of the head from side to side, as the teeth clash with each other and the mouth opens and closes.
- Dancing Bear: They usually only eat plants so they are likely to attack you to defend themselves or the cubs. It will usually try to hit and bite you but will not aim for your neck or head.
- Polar bear: Polar bears are usually hungry and dangerous. Their attacks on people have been known for centuries and can chase you for a long time. They bite in the head. Always think about a predatory attack and that the bear will never stop being on you.
- Any bear species you come across while camping - or worse inside your tent - will likely be attacking you in a predatory way and you will need to act quickly to defend yourself. Don't be the prey: stay calm and defend yourself with everything you have. Should you notice a bear near the campsite, contact the forestry immediately.
Step 3. Whether you are attacked by hunger or by defense, you will still be in danger
However, the number one defense mechanism is staying clear, so don't panic. If you get agitated you will no longer be able to think and may react like a prey, out of fear, which will put you even more in danger. Some key points to help you:
- Try to look bigger than you really are. Raise your arms over your head, spread your legs apart a little bit (but not too much to unbalance you). You could also lift the jacket over your head to give the impression that you are taller, but in that case your body could be exposed and if the bear decides to attack you you will not be able to lower everything quickly. Do not use the jacket if it involves taking off your backpack (see below).
- If you wear a backpack, keep it on. You will be more protected, especially if you have to be "dead" (see below).
- Avoid looking the bear in the eye - it can be interpreted as a threat and would involve charging or repeated attacks. Likewise, never take your eyes off the bear in general, so you'll know what each moment is up to.
- Noise may or may not make things worse. Small bears, including black bears, can be frightened of it. Some believe that a metallic noise scares them because it is not "natural" - and there are documented examples of bears running away to the sound of slamming house keys. However any noise will work in this case. Bigger bears, including blacks and polar bears, are intrigued by noises, and in this case, they may approach to check.
- At night, use a lamp or a powerful flashlight to blind them, especially if a bear catches you in the tent. The camera's flash will also blind them temporarily.
- Avoid any sudden movements and don't rush. Preying animals love movement and the natural tendency to run away will trigger the reaction to the hunt. A bear can run at 60 km / h, so don't think you can beat it!
- Likewise, never hide in something as soft as the curtain. The bear will not be fooled by the fact that you are not visible and similarly hiding you could trigger its predatory instinct.
- The common advice of climbing a tree is wrong. Bears (especially blacks and dancers) are fast climbers. Trying to climb a tree could possibly increase your chances of survival if you are up against a large bear like a grizzly. But some grizzlies still have this ability as well. You might find this tactic useful if a bear is feigning a charge - in which case climbing up will indicate that you are not a threat. But if you go up, make sure the bear is not powerful enough to knock the tree down and remember that you will have to climb high enough to be out of reach once it is on its feet (which the bear can do quickly). If you are being attacked by a black bear / dancer (unless it is very large) or small bears, do not climb a tree as you will be quickly picked up. If you find yourself forced to this maneuver, climb as high as you can, to a point where even a 120 kg bear cannot reach without slipping off the branches and breaking them.
- Try to put distance between you and the bear - distance is your friend as you defend yourself. With your bare hands you would never be able to do something to him before he does it to you. Try your best to put something large between you and the bear, such as a tree or a rock.
Step 4. Handle the attack as quietly as possible
Some upload to test you and see what you do. Even if it's tough, try to stay still while the bear attacks you. Some will be caught off guard by stillness and will stop seeing you as a threat. However, be prepared for an attack yourself, with pepper spray, sticks, or whatever. Don't use your weapons if the bear doesn't attack you, though, some do it by way of bluffing before deciding if it's worth it or not, and reacting would unnecessarily trigger his anger, when maybe he would walk away bored.
- After a feint charge, speak softly, move your hands slowly over your head and slowly back off.
- Note that if the bear stands up on its hind legs, it is often because it wants to understand what is happening and not to rush into the attack. Stand still and let yourself study, it may find you boring.
- A grizzly will tend to charge directly, while the black bear will zigzag. Do not rush so as not to start the hunt. Of course, being surprised by a bear wanting to charge doesn't make it easy to sit still, so pay attention to any bear warnings where you go camping.
Step 5. Learn when it is useful to pretend to be dead and when not
If the bear is too interested in you or intends to attack you, playing dead may be an option, especially if you have a brown bear or a grizzly bear in front of you. If you are sure of the species, throw yourself down on your stomach to play dead. Spread your legs (to prevent the bear from rolling you easily) and cover the back of your neck with your hands, lacing your fingers together. Use your elbows to cover your face. Remain still and silent. Steve French, a doctor who has been attacked multiple times by bears, has noticed that victims attacked during a close encounter who protect themselves in this way and do not resist, tend to survive with only a few injuries. If the bear manages to roll you, get back on your stomach again each time. The hope is that the bear will eventually get bored and let it go. If it seems to go away, stay in place until you are absolutely certain that it is far away.
- As for the downside, many plantigrade experts recommend not doing never the dead in front of a black bear (not with the polar one). By doing so, you could become his dinner. Not all experts agree, however, and Bear Aware author Bill Schneider suggests that if you can't identify the bear, it's always best to implement this tactic.
- If the brown bear or grizzly shakes you a little, stay down and silent. If he starts licking your wounds, revive quickly: he is thinking of eating you and you will have to fight.
Step 6. Make the most of the bear's weaknesses
There are some things you can try to do. First, try to defend yourself on a steep or downhill stretch; doing so the bear will have a hard time standing upright so it will reduce its strength (standing can benefit more of its strength to hurt you). Note that the lateral attack can be harder because the bear would not see well (the neck muscles and jaw structure make it difficult for him to rotate his neck easily, limiting his view from the side), so you will have to use this to your advantage.. Remember that a bear will also attack horizontally, which could work against you.
As far as scientists know, bears have eyesight as good as humans. It can deteriorate with age (as it does for us), but don't base your defense on sight (well, don't play hide and seek with a bear)
Step 7. Struggle with everything you have
If you've tried everything else and the bear is still there, your life is in danger and so you need to do what you can. Try to grab any object to fight. Rocks, sticks, debris etc. and throw them at the bear's eyes, or use the weapon to hit it on the muzzle, a very sensitive part. When looking for these items you will be tempted to bend over or crouch and this will make you smaller and cause you to lose sight of the bear. When defending yourself, keep in mind that you need to be fast, increase your distance, be aggressive and try to avoid his strength (which is incredible), in order of importance.
- If you can, throw in a straight head or a kick in the belly. Direct kicks are also effective - they are what the police give to break down a door. Quickly strike and retract your leg before the bear can grab it (if it does, you are effectively unarmed). If you are on a cliff and the bear is lower than you, it will launch its head attack because it cannot stand, so you will have to kick accordingly.
- The neck, head and jaw muscles can be used as resistance. If done correctly, a kick in these areas can cause bleeding due to the bear's stamina, causing him to whiplash.
- If you punch him, remember that it might be useless. A punch only works when it hits the bear's nose. Where possible, avoid it because it exposes you dangerously.
- Where you can, hit and move up, hit and move up. By staying high above the animal you will be more likely to hit it and hurt it and then the bear will run away.
- Protect yourself. You can't afford to go wrong. Bear hits kill elk and deer with one movement, how would you end up? Use the backpack as a shield, throw things like your camera, bottles, shoes, glasses, etc. at him, targeting the most sensitive areas on the face.
- If you have to fight and hurt him, the bear will see you as a constant threat. It will flee or continue the assault until the threat is gone.
Step 8. Use the pepper spray
This step is treated separately only because it is not certain that you have it (not everyone agrees on the use and effectiveness of a chemical tool that implies correct and assiduous maintenance and a high cost), and also because you need to know how to use it correctly. The first thing to do is to understand that the spray is just a deterrent that can make the bear grow angry, so don't use it as your only weapon. Second, the spray must be within reach. If it's at the bottom of your pack, you won't have time to look for it - your reaction speed is vital in this case.
- Use the spray at the time of the attack.
- Know that the effective distance usually ranges from 6 to 9 meters. Hope to find something big to put between you and the bear first.
- Check the wind direction. It won't do any good to use the bear spray if it hits you. If the wind blows towards you you will have to find a better position by being careful. If it rains a lot the spray will not be effective as it will be washed off easily.
- Follow the instructions. You they will be needed first to go camping. Do not you will have time to read them while a bear is evaluating you. Different brands work differently, new cans may require other maneuvers to use so you need to inquire first.
- Point the spray at the bear to spray it exactly where it will attack you. Spray as soon as it charges at you, 12 meters from you and scream at the same time.
- Expect a reaction: the bear will immediately experience intense pain, a stinging burning in the eyes and will have trouble breathing. An angry and disoriented bear will still try to pounce on you, so don't delay the next action if you have a chance to escape.
- If you've forgotten about the spray, use any repellent - even mosquito repellent can sting. Don't rely on any other sprays besides pepper as a weapon because they usually have no impact, use them as a last resort.
- Note that there is a big difference between pepper sprays for bears and self-defense sprays. The active ingredients are different and the "human" spray comes out in a direct stream, while the one for the bears comes out creating a fog. Many experts claim that the "human" spray would not work on a bear (and may be illegal), so do your research and perhaps invest in the slightly more expensive bottle of bear spray.
- Also pay attention to the direction of the wind. It would not be pleasant to accidentally spray yourself in an attempt to defend yourself from the bear.
Step 9. Consider the involvement of those accompanying you
The attack of a bear on a group must be discussed however. Being together in an area where there are bears is not necessarily a wise choice. This is why many parks in both Canada and the United States recommend walking certain trails in groups of at least 6 people. If a bear confronts you to attack you while you are in company, others could play a crucial role in frightening it. More people mean more noise and therefore the impression of being attacked from more fronts, which will make the bear give up. If you are only a couple, however, three at the most, the bear may not be intimidated and still try to beg. The advantage of being with someone is that you can defend each other. For example, if you throw yourself on the ground and pretend to be dead but the bear gives a paw to one of the two, the other can throw something in the animal's eyes and spray it to make it go away. If a bear attacks you and you are with people who can help, try the following tactics:
- Keep talking clearly to others. Tell them what you are going to do to reassure them and inform them of the actions. Stay calm and try not to shout - unless it's part of the noise strategy.
- Avoid leaving the person alone with the bear. You should stay together as much as possible to help solidify the idea of the group as a difficult whole to fight. Avoid leaving people alone.
- One can pick up ammo to shoot while the other distracts the bear.
- In particular, protect those who are young or vulnerable. Do your best to shield children or anyone who may panic. Keep them close so that the bear does not identify them as an easy prey and reassure them to avoid their panic reactions.
Step 10. Escape as soon as you are in a position to do so
As mentioned, never rush. If you've hurt a bear enough to keep it from following you for a while, walk away as fast as you can. Keep some defense weapons in your hand in case it comes after you. Try to move around quietly so you don't attract further attention. You will likely be in shock, but do whatever you can to find a safe place.
- When you step back, do it while facing the bear so you can see its intentions. Talk in a low tone as if you want to reassure him (and maybe reassure yourself).
- If you are at the Polo, try to get into a vehicle or enter a shelter where possible. Unfortunately you will remain an easy target due to the vast expanses of snow. Furthermore, polar bears have an extremely developed sense of smell (they find a baby seal buried 2 km away!).
Step 11. Be realistic
The tips in this article are nothing more: tips. There is no checklist for surviving a bear attack, and what you have read is general information taken from various sources and based on the experiences of those who have encountered bears. None of these approaches guarantee survival, because the bear's reaction largely depends on the context, on how you react (and who is with you) and on the bear's motives that will become clear to you as soon as you cross each other. Plus, bears are very strong. Knowing that there are still people who have survived should help you. Always be ready and stay calm: visiting places where there are bears involves responsibilities that you need to know.
Keep the fear of bears in perspective; after reading an article like this you may think that bears are waiting for nothing but you. In principle this is not the case: bears have ample opportunities to attack people, but they almost always choose not to. They coexist peacefully in most areas, and those few that can cause problems are usually handled effectively by the authorities. You can help this peaceful coexistence by not feeding bears (to avoid food conditioning), by not encouraging them in your living space, by not provoking them and by spreading the message about how to stay safe when in their territories. Prevention works better than cure: always follow the instructions that will avoid encounters or avert them. Remember that most bears themselves will avoid confrontation if possible
Advice
- Try to appear stronger. The louder and louder you seem, the more you may scare the bear.
- Like humans, bears prefer less stamina. That's why they are drawn to trails so be careful when hiking.
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To avoid being attacked by a bear:
- Walk, run or hike in a group.
- Never cook in the tent or leave food lying around, never leave aromatic things like toothpaste or deodorant.
- Avoid smelling like a pastry if there are bears around. Leave perfumes, aftershaves and creams in town.
- Never feed the bears, in this way they would see people as a source of food and from there to judge them as food itself is a short step.
- Always report sightings near campsites and in the presence of people.
- Do not go hiking, walking or running in areas where bears live at night.
- Make a lot of noise to avoid surprising a bear.
- Keep dogs on a leash, they may get into a fight - and the dog will always lose.
- Never spray pepper spray on curtains, clothing, etc. This way you would attract the bear! The residual smell is similar to that of food, so avoid inviting them to lunch, and use the spray on the bear only in case of defense.
- Many bears also roam in urbanized areas. If there is food that attracts them they will arrive even if you may not see them, because they are always very stealthy. If you visit a place known for bears, talk to the locals about safety regulations.
- Bears go out at any time of day or night, you won't be safe just because it's broad daylight. However, they prefer sunrise and sunset to eat over midday. Night hikes are not recommended where there are bears, it could be close to you and you would not notice it increasing the possibility of unwelcome encounters.
- If you intend to visit a place populated by bears, it is best to try safety procedures first. The tests allow the brain to recognize the things to repeat without thinking about it (e.g. stay calm, avoid eye contact, look bigger, retreat slowly without running, etc.) and if fear immobilizes you at least you will have a physical memory of what to do and you'll have some chance to get away with it. Rehearse with a friend before you leave.
- Some prefer to use a weapon. It is only possible if you know what you are doing and in those unique situations where there are no alternatives. Those who work in remote areas such as biologists, drillers, intrepid hikers, should bring one. If you had to choose this option, put the firearm in an accessible place but always use it only if you have no other choice. Obey gun laws in environmental protection areas; use them in case of defense and not to provoke or with cruelty. A weapon is also a danger, and handling one incorrectly could be worse than not meeting a bear.
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Places populated by bears:
- Black bears are native to North America. They prefer forests. In the United States, you'll find them in most forested areas in the Northeast, the Midwest, the Rocky Mountain region, the West Coast, and Alaska. They move slightly away from the areas in which they live. In Canada, black bears are in most provinces even though they are extinct on Prince Edward Island. There are also some in some areas of Mexico, even if they are in danger. There are about 50 black bears for every grizzly, but each species is responsible for about half of the fatal accidents related to bears, implying that grizzlies are more dangerous than black bears.
- Brown bears prefer semi-open places such as mountainous areas and are found in Eurasia and North America - about 95% in North America and Alaska, the rest in the Rocky Mountains, western plains, and coasts (grizzlies also are found inland and on the coast). In Europe, they are found in the (highly threatened) Pyrenees and in Sweden, Finland, Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia and Russia.
- Dancing bears are native to India. They inhabit forests and plains in the regions of India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. The Sri Lankan dancing bear is found only on the island, in the lowland forests. They are not very competitive bears for the territory, even if they leave marks on trees with their claws and teeth. They can also leave feces at the base of trees. The signs are common in the mating season and in this case can actually be related to the territory.
- Polar bears, adapted to snow and ice, are found in the Arctic Circle.
- If you see a bear wandering around a campsite, make a lot of noise and try to scare it. Call the authorities immediately in case.
Warnings
- Pepper spray loses its effectiveness over time, check the can by shaking it a couple of times (two or three sucks mean it works, one continued means it's gone) and check the expiration date before using it.
- Never provoke it. Never fight a bear to prove something. Bears hurt and kill with ease. However, most try to avoid confrontation with people so, if you manage to make your presence known in advance, you don't get in the way, you don't threaten the little ones and you don't provoke it, it won't attack you.
- Remember that the bear's prey attitude may prevent it from understanding whether or not you are a threat to it.
- Don't try to save your gear. You can always buy it new … you, on the other hand, cannot be replaced.
- Just because Baloo from "The Jungle Book" is a gentle dancer, DON'T be charmed. Bears are dangerous!
- Most bears are able to climb trees. The bigger ones throw them down.
