- You know what they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So let’s see first how you can avoid an encounter with these beautiful, but often dangerous animals, without having to compromise your outdoor leisure time.
- But let’s say you do catch sight of a bear while walking through a forest or on a hike. Here’s what you need to know to optimize your safety, that of your group, and your pets.
Once you’re face-to-face with a bear, the most important thing is to stay calm. Speak in a soft, steady voice, so the bear understands you’re a person, not a threat. Stand still, gently wave your arms, and avoid sudden moves.
You can also try to look bigger. Raise your arms, hold up your backpack, or open your jacket wide. Stand tall and stay close to others if you’re in a group; don’t spread out.
If a bear shows signs like yawning, huffing, or pounding the ground, it’s feeling stressed and could charge. This is serious, and knowing what kind of bear you’re dealing with can save your life.
Climbing a tree to escape a bear is not a safe idea. Bears, especially black bears, are excellent climbers and can easily follow you up. And once you’re up a tree, you’ll have nowhere else to go.
