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While travelling in bear country, there are certain "Bear Facts" one should be familiar with.
It is important to always stay calm. Your senses must be keen, hearing, smelling, seeing what is around is so very important not only for your own safety, but for the safety of the bears.
I've made a point of reading any and all information on bear attacks and close encounters available and time and time again I find similarities in occurances.
Attacks are normally the result of a surprise encounter with a bear or when someone has come between a sow and her cubs. These are by far the most dangerous situations.
Normally, once a bear smells the presence of man, they head for the hills and get out of sight. This is not to say that they are not nearby watching and waiting for you to pass.
When one does encounter a bear in the wild, it is important that you DO NOT RUN! Stay calm and let the bear know you are human. Waive your hands over your head so the bear can see you and talk loudly to the bear, do not shout at the bear. Bears are likely to perceive high pitched shouts or shrieks as an injured animal, which could be potentially dangerous.
A bear standing on it's hind legs is not being aggressive, nor is he/she ready to attack. This action is the bear getting a better look and trying to smell you, similar to you or I standing on our tiptoes to see something better.
Bears have been known to make false charges. They may stomp the ground or kick up dirt and come within 10 feet of you. If this happens, stand your ground and often the bear will go away.
If the bear does not go away and comes within less than 10 feet of you, lay down on your stomach and cover the back of your neck with your hands PLAY DEAD!
A bear will typically break off an attack once it feels any threat has been eliminated. If the bear sees or hears you move, the attack may be renewed. In this case, PLAY DEAD AGAIN!
Do not try to fight a brown bear (they are the world's largest, most fierce omnivore) if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being attacked...SURRENDER!
In rare instances, particularly with black bears, an attacking bear may perceive a person as food. If the bear continues biting you long after you assume a defensive posture, it likely is a predatory attack. Fight back vigorously.
As crazy as this may sound, people have survived bear attacks by following these guidelines.
Educate yourself about the area you plan to travel through. Check with Park Rangers and/or the Wildlife Refuge before setting out in bear country. Obtain brochures on Bear Facts. Know what to expect, not only for your own safety, for the safety of the bears!
Shadow of The Bear