There is no single safety strategy applicable to every encounter, and bear behavior is not always predictable. We can’t be surprised when bears do what they do. There are a couple of things you need to understand first. Usually, if a black bear attacks you, it’s an offensive attack." Leave slowly: Cautiously back away from the bear and leave the area. If you are sure the bear attacking is a mother who is protecting its cubs, play dead. What To Do When Encountering a Black Bear. Black bear attacks are rare, the Humane Society of the United States noted. Black bears are shy and timid. NEVER run from a bear. Remember that the bear is probably more scared of and startled by you than vice versa. The department says most black bears shy away from people. They do not attack humans to defend territory. The first thing to point out here is that bear attacks of any kind are incredibly rare – black bears try their best to avoid people. It is also important to determine whether the animal is a black bear or a grizzly. If you encounter a grizzly, do not run. Bear attacks rarely happen but if they do, what can you do to survive them? Annapolis, Md (KM) Attacks by black bears on humans are very rare, but they do happen. Mama bears are very protective. “Know what to do when you see a bear. Read this post and learn tips on how you can counter bear attacks! Bear attacks are certainly scary, but If you are confronted by a black or grizzly bear, don't panic. If you end up inside that defensive perimeter, which may be anywhere from ten to fifty feet wide, you are likely to experience a combination of highly intimidating behaviors, including: the squared-off lip or long face; jaw popping; huffing; swatting; and false-charging. Fearful, unnecessary advice about what to do, or not do, when a person sees a bear is often given by well meaning people. Do not run from a black bear or play dead if one approaches.” In rare cases, black bears can attack. If you run into a black bear on a mountain trail, be grateful for your good fortune. Here's how to react if you ever see a bear in the wild. Typically a bear is more afraid of humans. If it’s a grizzly, remain still and calm. In that case, fight. Speak in a low, confident voice, and avoid screaming or high-pitched sounds. If the attack escalates and a black bear (or any bear that appears to have been stalking you) physically contacts you, fight back with anything that is available to you. However, being mentally prepared can help you have the most effective reaction. ; Don't: Approach, surround, or corner a bear: Bears aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened. We've hiked hundreds of miles in the North Carolina mountains and have only seen bears a few times - always running from us! If the bear charges, stand your ground (you cannot outrun it). Wild black bears do kill about two people a year in North America, nearly all of the fatalities involving male bears hunting us for food. Fight back! If you have pepper spray, use it. Compared to polar bears and brown bears, black bears are much less likely to attack. Punch and kick. In that case, fight. In the wake of two fatal black bear attacks in Alaska, a Minnesota DNR bear expert says Minnesotans have very little to worry about. Be aggressive and use any object you have. Black bear attacks on humans are rare but often begin as scuffles with dogs, experts say The dog may run to its owner for protection as the bear follows close behind. Generally black and brown bears attack humans for different reasons. Attacks by black bears on people are very rare and most black bears can be easily scared away with the following approach: Stand and face the bear … The answer is true, although there are some exceptions. Walk away slowly, if the bear is not approaching. Bear attacks are rare; most bears are only interested in protecting food, cubs, or their space. Bears are magnificent creatures and it can be exciting to see one—from an appropriate distance. If you run into a bear, stay calm and do not run away. In general, if a black bear attacks, it's to eat you. If a bear starts to follow you, you should drop something behind you as a distraction. Black Bear Attacks Are Very Uncommon. Black bears are black. The attacks I’ve researched aren’t from sick bears, or bears on the edge, they are the result of bears being bears. Get physical. Black Bear Attacks . Attacks are extremely rare despite what people do. If a black bear is more than a few yards away, it hardly matters. Brown bear incidents have occurred in their native range spanning Alaska, Northern and Western Canada, and portions of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. Actual attacks by black bears are rare. Except for polar bears it is not considered “normal” behaviour to attack humans but there are two situations in which both brown bears and black bears are known to attack humans. However, basic understanding of bear behavior will help keep people safe and bears out of trouble. Although bears are large and powerful animals, a wild Minnesota black bear is normally shy and scared of people – even bears that are two to three times heavier than an average person. They can be fatal and often hikers, hunters, fishers, and others in bear country take precautions against bear attacks. Make yourself as big as possible by waving your arms and finding high ground. However, it’s best to avoid bear encounters, and to know what to do if an encounter happens (keep reading). Bear spray is the best option in case of a bear attack, according to experts. "If you’re attacked, your best defense is to fight back with everything you’ve got,” Stiver said. That's according to Harry Spiker, the State Black Bear Biologist with the Maryland Department … Knowing how to behave when encountering bears and how rare bear attacks actually are can keep you safe and provide peace-of-mind. Fatal bear attacks in North America have occurred in a variety of settings. Black bears rarely become aggressive when encountered. If you do encounter a bear, remain calm and remember that the bear is likely more scared of you than you are of him. Fatal black bear attacks are extremely rare. Bears do have a strong sense of personal space – a distance that varies from bear to bear from which they won’t back down. Black Bear Safety Reminders Injurious black bear encounters and attacks are extremely rare in California, but they have occurred. Get Big and Loud, but Never Run. To avoid or survive an attack, first, never go into bear country without a deterrent—either bear spray or firearms. Ensure the bear has an easy escape route. If they do, fight back with a stick, a backpack, similar available items, or your bare hands. what to do if bear attacks. If a bear approaches, make some noise. If you see a black bear on the trail or at your campsite, you should stop whatever you’re doing and assess the situation. But if you do run into a bear, here are some tips. Black bears tend to be more timid than grizzlies and fighting back may scare the bear off. If the bear doesn’t back off and — worst-case scenario — moves in for the attack, “do everything you can to get that animal off you,” Stiver said. Attacks by black bears are extremely rare. Offensive black bear attacks are extremely rare and usually occur in remote areas where bears have very little exposure to people. read more “Punch it, kick it, do everything you can to get that animal off you." "If you’re attacked, your best defense is to fight back with everything you’ve got,” Stiver said. What to do if you encounter a black bear. If you encounter a black bear, do not make eye contact. They are typically more scared of us than we are of them, and will run off if they see a human. Such attacks mainly happen in Canada and Alaska, according to bear biologists , and solo hikers or people in pairs tend to be targeted rather than groups. Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner buy $30M Florida property If a black bear attacks, fight back by kicking it in the face and muzzle. There have been several in the bears' wilderness habitats involving hikers, hunters, and campers. Properly position the bear spray in your hand. Begin spraying when … Campers’ Tips On What To Do When A Bear Attacks. If you ever see bear cubs, get out of the area immediately. Stay calm: Walk slowly and speak in a loud and calm voice. Why do bears attack humans? Bear attacks are of particular concern for those who are in bear habitats. If it is a black bear, gather together, stand tall and make lots of noise. Be loud, wave your arms, and stand your ground. Most of the time, a black bear has no interest in engaging with people; the bears that do, more often than not, are those habituated to human garbage or handouts. When bears do attack they are usually defending cubs or a food source; these attacks are avoidable and typically involve only minor injuries. Nor do mother black bears attack to defend cubs. While it may seem odd, a bear on its hind legs may not be aggressive - it may simply be trying to identify what you are. Use noise to scare bears away: Yell, clap, or bang pots immediately upon sighting a bear near your campsite. A bear attack is an attack by any mammal of the family Ursidae, on another animal, although it usually refers to bears attacking humans or domestic pets. Avoid direct eye contact. Bear Attacks. Every situation is different, but below are guidelines on how brown bear attacks can differ from black bear attacks. Speak softly to it and back away slowly. 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