what to do if a black bear attacks

Why do bears attack humans? Get Big and Loud, but Never Run. If you have pepper spray, use it. Bear attacks are certainly scary, but If you are confronted by a black or grizzly bear, don't panic. Black bears rarely become aggressive when encountered. If the attack escalates and a black bear (or any bear that appears to have been stalking you) physically contacts you, fight back with anything that is available to you. Every situation is different, but below are guidelines on how brown bear attacks can differ from black bear attacks. They are typically more scared of us than we are of them, and will run off if they see a human. If they do, fight back with a stick, a backpack, similar available items, or your bare hands. They do not attack humans to defend territory. “Punch it, kick it, do everything you can to get that animal off you." They can be fatal and often hikers, hunters, fishers, and others in bear country take precautions against bear attacks. Fatal bear attacks in North America have occurred in a variety of settings. Brown bear incidents have occurred in their native range spanning Alaska, Northern and Western Canada, and portions of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. Make yourself as big as possible by waving your arms and finding high ground. NEVER run from a bear. Attacks by black bears on people are very rare and most black bears can be easily scared away with the following approach: Stand and face the bear … Be loud, wave your arms, and stand your ground. Typically a bear is more afraid of humans. Bear attacks are rare; most bears are only interested in protecting food, cubs, or their space. “Know what to do when you see a bear. The answer is true, although there are some exceptions. Usually, if a black bear attacks you, it’s an offensive attack." Annapolis, Md (KM) Attacks by black bears on humans are very rare, but they do happen. The accommodating black bear. Here's how to react if you ever see a bear in the wild. Walk away slowly, if the bear is not approaching. Fearful, unnecessary advice about what to do, or not do, when a person sees a bear is often given by well meaning people. Ensure the bear has an easy escape route. If the bear doesn’t back off and — worst-case scenario — moves in for the attack, “do everything you can to get that animal off you,” Stiver said. But if you do run into a bear, here are some tips. Wild black bears do kill about two people a year in North America, nearly all of the fatalities involving male bears hunting us for food. If you end up inside that defensive perimeter, which may be anywhere from ten to fifty feet wide, you are likely to experience a combination of highly intimidating behaviors, including: the squared-off lip or long face; jaw popping; huffing; swatting; and false-charging. Black bears are shy and timid. Offensive black bear attacks are extremely rare and usually occur in remote areas where bears have very little exposure to people. Nor do mother black bears attack to defend cubs. Begin spraying when … If a bear approaches, make some noise. If you do encounter a bear, remain calm and remember that the bear is likely more scared of you than you are of him. Bears are magnificent creatures and it can be exciting to see one—from an appropriate distance. Get physical. If you run into a black bear on a mountain trail, be grateful for your good fortune. In general, if a black bear attacks, it's to eat you. Leave slowly: Cautiously back away from the bear and leave the area. If the bear charges, stand your ground (you cannot outrun it). When bears do attack they are usually defending cubs or a food source; these attacks are avoidable and typically involve only minor injuries. In the wake of two fatal black bear attacks in Alaska, a Minnesota DNR bear expert says Minnesotans have very little to worry about. Fatal black bear attacks are extremely rare. Black bears are black. Actual attacks by black bears are rare. Properly position the bear spray in your hand. We've hiked hundreds of miles in the North Carolina mountains and have only seen bears a few times - always running from us! If you ever see bear cubs, get out of the area immediately. Generally black and brown bears attack humans for different reasons. There are a couple of things you need to understand first. If it is a black bear, gather together, stand tall and make lots of noise. Attacks are extremely rare despite what people do. read more If a black bear is more than a few yards away, it hardly matters. Speak softly to it and back away slowly. The first thing to point out here is that bear attacks of any kind are incredibly rare – black bears try their best to avoid people. "If you’re attacked, your best defense is to fight back with everything you’ve got,” Stiver said. Remember that the bear is probably more scared of and startled by you than vice versa. Bears do have a strong sense of personal space – a distance that varies from bear to bear from which they won’t back down. Bear attacks rarely happen but if they do, what can you do to survive them? Fight back! If you are sure the bear attacking is a mother who is protecting its cubs, play dead. While it may seem odd, a bear on its hind legs may not be aggressive - it may simply be trying to identify what you are. Knowing how to behave when encountering bears and how rare bear attacks actually are can keep you safe and provide peace-of-mind. Black bear attacks on humans are rare but often begin as scuffles with dogs, experts say The dog may run to its owner for protection as the bear follows close behind. If you encounter a grizzly, do not run. Mama bears are very protective. Campers’ Tips On What To Do When A Bear Attacks. Black Bear Attacks Are Very Uncommon. Except for polar bears it is not considered “normal” behaviour to attack humans but there are two situations in which both brown bears and black bears are known to attack humans. Attacks by black bears are extremely rare. However, being mentally prepared can help you have the most effective reaction. what to do if bear attacks. What To Do When Encountering a Black Bear. It is also important to determine whether the animal is a black bear or a grizzly. Avoid direct eye contact. However, it’s best to avoid bear encounters, and to know what to do if an encounter happens (keep reading). Bear Attacks. Most of the time, a black bear has no interest in engaging with people; the bears that do, more often than not, are those habituated to human garbage or handouts. What to do if you encounter a black bear. There have been several in the bears' wilderness habitats involving hikers, hunters, and campers. A bear attack is an attack by any mammal of the family Ursidae, on another animal, although it usually refers to bears attacking humans or domestic pets. Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner buy $30M Florida property If you encounter a black bear, do not make eye contact. If a bear starts to follow you, you should drop something behind you as a distraction. If you see a black bear on the trail or at your campsite, you should stop whatever you’re doing and assess the situation. However, basic understanding of bear behavior will help keep people safe and bears out of trouble. Use noise to scare bears away: Yell, clap, or bang pots immediately upon sighting a bear near your campsite. In that case, fight. Such attacks mainly happen in Canada and Alaska, according to bear biologists , and solo hikers or people in pairs tend to be targeted rather than groups. ; Don't: Approach, surround, or corner a bear: Bears aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened. Black bears tend to be more timid than grizzlies and fighting back may scare the bear off. Speak in a low, confident voice, and avoid screaming or high-pitched sounds. Bear attacks are of particular concern for those who are in bear habitats. In that case, fight. Bear spray is the best option in case of a bear attack, according to experts. The department says most black bears shy away from people. We can’t be surprised when bears do what they do. Compared to polar bears and brown bears, black bears are much less likely to attack. Stay calm: Walk slowly and speak in a loud and calm voice. There is no single safety strategy applicable to every encounter, and bear behavior is not always predictable. Usually, if a black bear attacks you, it’s an offensive attack." That's according to Harry Spiker, the State Black Bear Biologist with the Maryland Department … Be aggressive and use any object you have. Read this post and learn tips on how you can counter bear attacks! "If you’re attacked, your best defense is to fight back with everything you’ve got,” Stiver said. If a black bear attacks, fight back by kicking it in the face and muzzle. Black bear attacks are rare, the Humane Society of the United States noted. If you run into a bear, stay calm and do not run away. Do not run from a black bear or play dead if one approaches.” In rare cases, black bears can attack. Although bears are large and powerful animals, a wild Minnesota black bear is normally shy and scared of people – even bears that are two to three times heavier than an average person. If it’s a grizzly, remain still and calm. Black Bear Safety Reminders Injurious black bear encounters and attacks are extremely rare in California, but they have occurred. Black Bear Attacks . Punch and kick. The attacks I’ve researched aren’t from sick bears, or bears on the edge, they are the result of bears being bears. They have black fur, which looks black, when you see it. 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