Bear Proof Your Next Outing

Bears generally prefer to avoid humans, and many potential encounters go unnoticed by the person involved.

Other times an encounter can be threatening to all involved, for example when a female bear feels called on to protect a cub, or when food-conditioned bears grow bold.

To ensure an encounter with a bear is only an encounter—not a conflict—it helps to learn more about the behavior of these wild animals and to take steps to prepare yourself to see one.

"Bear behavior may seem unpredictable, but it is possible to get a sense of whether they are curious, threatened, or preparing to attack by observing the situation and taking the season, food sources and other factors into account," said Rich DeSimone, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife biologist in Helena.

Being able to recognize animal behavior helps too. For example, bears will eye a human intently and may demonstrate a natural curiosity until they identify what it is they are seeing. Once the bear realizes it is looking at a person, they most frequently will move off, unless the person’s behavior is threatening to them or their young. However, bears have very unique behavioral characteristics and it is useful to learn as much as possible about these commonly occurring creatures.

FWP's Animal Field Guide has useful species-specific information about bears. The Living With Wildlife web page also provides information about living with and encountering black bears, and grizzly bears.

Human behavior is the other half of the equation in a positive wildlife encounter. Here are some tips on human behavior that will help you prepare for safe outings this spring and summer.

Recreating In Bear Country

• Inquire about recent bear activity in the area.
• Carry and know how to use bear pepper spray for emergencies.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Travel in groups of three or more people whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours.
• Stay on trails or rural roads.
• Watch for signs of wildlife such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks.
• Keep children close.
• Make sure your presence is known by carrying a bell and talking when near streams or in thick forest where visibility is low.
• Avoid approaching a bear, respect their space and move off.

Encountering a Bear

• Do not run from a bear. Running may trigger a natural predator-prey attack response.
• Make certain you have bear pepper spray at the ready.
• Immediately pick up small children and stay in a group.
• Move away from the bear, if it is possible to do so.
• Throw a backpack or other object on the ground as you move away to distract the animal’s attention.
• If a black bear approaches, try to scare it away by shouting or making noise.
• If a black or grizzly bear attacks at night while you’re in a tent, fight back aggressively with sticks or stones.
• If a grizzly bear attacks during the day, most experts recommend playing dead by curling up in a ball face down. Use your hands and arms to protect the back of your neck and face, and keep your backpack on for added protection. Do not move or make noise until you are sure the bear has left the area.