What to Do if You Run Into a Grizzly Bear

What to Do if You Run Into a Grizzly Bear

Written by Nick
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Published on May 31, 2015
Grizzly bear feature

While the likelihood of you running into a grizzly bear in the wild largely depends on your location, knowing what to do in the event of such an occurrence could very well save your life. Read on to learn more about what to do in this situation.

Know Your Host

Grizzly bear upright
Photo from anvesh baru/Unsplash

Also known as the North American brown bear, these guys are considered by some to be the most aggressive of the bear family. Found in the spectacular uplands of North America, they enjoy a life of solitude among the forests and mountain ranges. A male grizzly weighs in around two hundred kg and can reach a height of three meters when standing on his hind legs.

Be careful not to confuse him with his cousin the black bear. You can identify a grizzly by its humped shoulders, white-tipped back hair and extra long claws.

The Golden Rule

Bears don’t like surprises. When out in the woods consider a cheery camp song for your journey, or attach a small tinkling bell to yourself, and talk with your buddy in nice loud voices.  It’s also wise to curtail explorations of dark, unknown caves or hollow logs, as these are prime spots for den building. Pick up all garbage, cooking supplies and clean up thoroughly after meals. Secure food overnight by handily hanging it high in the air, from a near by tree branch.

You’ve Been Spotted

This hopefully means you’ve spotted him too. Stop, don’t move. Speak to the bear in a low, calm voice and slowly raise your arms in the air, making you appear bigger. If you see a bear with a cub, leave quickly. Mother bear’s number one priority will be cub protection, leaving little room for negotiation if she feels threatened. Best way to get away, is just rewind. Nice and slowly, retrace your footsteps, avoiding crossing the path of the bear. Do not run!

Find a tree and climb it. Grizzly bears aren’t as good climbers as their cousins the black bear, so a height of three to four meters should be sufficient. Less desirable options include playing dead. Adopt the fetal position, protecting your most vulnerable parts, and try putting your backpack on top for an extra layer of protection. This should make you appear less threatening, earning maybe a sniff and a growl but hopefully being left alone.

Bear spray, a kind of pepper spray for the big guys can be pretty efficient if dispersed in the bear’s face, giving you time to escape.

Grizzly bear closeup
Photo from mana5280/Unsplash

The Good News

If you’re a clever hiker you shouldn’t worry too much. There’s a far greater chance of being hit by lightning than being attacked by a bear. Grizzlies tend to be content with staying well clear of us humans. When home is a spectacular backdrop of snow-capped peaks, mountain forest, river valley floors and rugged coastland, I think you can understand their desire to enjoy it in peace.

Related articles: Getting Friendly with a Grizzly, How to Protect From Bears While Camping

Featured Image from zmachacek/Unsplash

Nick

Nick