Bear Safety When Hiking or Camping: Preventing Bear Attacks or Maulings

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Bear maulings and bear attacks in the United States are a fairly rare occurrence. However, anyone who is planning on spending time in the wilderness should plan on learning how to be prepared in case they are confronted by a bear. The primary bears that campers, hikers, and national park visitors need to be prepared to see are the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) and the Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis).

How to Tell a Black Bear from a Grizzly Bear

While color seems like an obvious difference between the two types of bears, it alone is not a reliable indicator of bear species. Some black bears have hair that is various shades of brown, and in some cases, blonde hair color can be present, as well. Grizzly bears tend to have a yellow-ish brown coat, or a brown hair that is so dark it may appear black.

When looking from the side, the American black bear has a straight profile of the face. But the same facial profile of a grizzly bear will appear slightly dished out. As well, the black bear will have a straighter line from the top of the shoulder line to its rump end, while the same line along the back of the grizzly bear will have a large hump above the shoulders. The grizzly bear is is responsible for most of the bear attacks that occur.

Resources for Identifying Different Bear Species

The University of Alaska Bear Safety Tip Sheet

Preventing Bear Attacks in Campground Areas

Those who spend considerable time in bear country will likely run into a bear at some point in time. Most encounters with bears are quickly over, with the bear being fearful and running away. But there are a few instances when a bear might not be inclined to leave well enough alone and move on to another area. One of those instances is when a bear is feeding on human food, or when human food is easily accessible to the bear.

To help prevent bear attacks in a campground, there are several guidelines that should be followed:

1. Keep the campground area clean – Garbage should always be removed as soon as possible, or stored in a wildlife-proof container.

2. Do not cook near sleeping quarters – The smell of food lures bears to the area. Cook away from sleeping tents, and never store clothing that was worn during cooking in the tent.

3. Properly store all food – Food should be kept at least 100 yeards away from the sleeping area. If possible, food should be suspended at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from the trunk of the tree. Food can also be stored in a locked car.

4. Store other non-food items – Other aromatic items that aren’t considered food, such as toothpaste, soap, or bug spray, should also be kept away from the tent or sleeping area.

Resources for Keeping Bears Away from Food

Washington State University Extension Guidelines for Bear Proofing a Campsite

Bear Safety While Hiking

Beyond the element of safety with food, hikers and back country campers need to also take precaution when spending time in the back woods. Hikers should attempt to always hike in groups. When it comes to preventing bear attacks, the extra noise from people can warn the bear that people are coming. Wearing “bear bells” on hiking boots can also help alert a bear that someone is in the area. These extra noises help prevent one of the most common causes of bear attacks, which is taking a bear by surprise.

In addition, bears tend to be most active during dawn and dusk. It is best to avoid hiking during these times and routes should be planned accordingly. Further, hikers should pay attention to their surroundings, which can offer clues as to whether or not a bear is in the area. Rub trees, diggings, and tracks can all alert hikers to the presence of bears. Carrying a deterrent, such as bear spray, is recommended for all who spend time in bear country.

What to Do if You Encounter a Bear

Most bears are fearful of humans and will leave the area if they meet one. However, bears are unpredictable and knowing what to do in case of a bear attack is important. Prevention tactics, such as the preceding suggestions, go a long way in preventing unwanted attention from bears.

If a bear is encountered on the trail or in a camping situation, eye contact should always be avoided. The bear may interpret this as a direct challenge, causing the bear to become defensive and attack. It is also important to stay calm and avoid sudden movements. The bear could interpret this as a threat, and as such, react aggressively.

If spotted by a bear, campers and hikers should attempt to alert the bear to their presence while the bear is still a good distance away. The bear can then recognize that you are human. A bear that stands on its hind legs is often just trying to get a better look or smell to aid in identifying what animal is present. It is generally not threatened.

If carrying a pepper spray that is designed for warding off bears, it is important to understand how to use it prior to spending time in bear country. Knowing how the product works, as well as how it is dispersed is crucial to the success of the deterrent in the unlikely case of a bear attack.

If physical contact with a bear should happen, playing dead is the best course of action. Lie face down with hands placed behind your neck. Avoid movement and keep completely silent. If wearing a pack, it should be left on to help prevent injury to the back. Keeping the legs slightly spread will also help prevent the bear from rolling a hiker or camper over, as well.

Attempting to run from a bear is a foolish course of action. It not only can instigate a chase, but bears typically run at speeds close to 30 miles per hour. They can easily out run a human. Even though most bears do not consider humans to be a food source, a starving or injured bear may be inclined to attack. In these sorts of attacks, people should act aggressively in return, trying to intimidate the bear by yelling and waving the arms. In some cases of these rare types of bear attacks, even defending oneself with a nearby object is a good course of action.

Above all, is important to remember that bears will typically back off once they feel the immediate threat has passed. Movement should be avoided until it is determined that the bear has completely left the area.

Resources About Preventing Bear Maulings or Bear Attacks

DeAnza College Outdoor Club Information on Bear Safety
National Park Service Guidelines for Minimizing Bear Attacks
Arizona Game and Fish Department Bear Attack Prevention Information

Resource by AnnaBelle

Annalise Kaylor is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant specializing in search engine optimized content for the web. As a writer, her work has appeared across the United States in print ads for Whirlpool, Maytag, Home Depot, and Lowe's, among others. As a consultant, she has worked primarily in the education sector, helping universities increase their web visibility and construct and implement social media strategy. Annalise is an avid reader, knitter, organic gardener and baker, as well as the author of the popular baking blog, Knead To Be Loaved. Annalise enjoys fly fishing, camping, and hiking.

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