Bears are incredibly strong and quick. Polar bears are probably the ultimate land predator and their body mass is approximately twice that of a Siberian tiger, the largest variety of big cat. Polar bears are relentless in their search for food and will pursue their prey for miles. More commonly though Grizzly or Black bears create a greater threat to humans if provoked or disturbed.
Avoiding Bear Attacks
Bears disdain nothing more than to be startled or awakened by an unwelcome guest. When hiking in areas notorious for possessing problem bears, making plenty of noise and keeping to paths or trails alerts them of a person’s presence and avoids unpredictable surprises.
Whilst camping it is prudent to keep food stored in a tree by using a rope around a tree, preferably twenty feet off the ground and at least two hundred metres from the camp site. Bears possess an excellent sense of smell, though have poor eyesight. In Yosemite National Park, bear boxes are provided to store any item that smells potent or may attract a bear’s attention.
Escaping Bear Encounters
Playing dead is one option, though it is extremely risky. Basically the victim is at the mercy of the bear’s mood in that particular instance. Even though bears do not wish to eat humans they may bite or attack if they are antagonised or if they have become over familiar with humans.
Alternatively running is another alternative. However bears can run at speeds of around thirty miles per hour which even the fastest humans on the planet cannot match. In a dense forest where agility is required that may prove successful.
Climbing a tree if one is available and suitable is sensible providing the tree is strong enough to stand up to serious shaking from a large predator. This can also buy one time to contact others for help and the bear may tire of chasing its prey which is difficult to access.
Fighting a bear is probably only wise if a weapon is possessed. Bears have sensitive noses if close up but generally they are so powerful and solid that it would be hard to deter them. An individual trying to make himself look big and making a loud noise is also unlikely to make a bear think twice.
Prevention Better than Cure
Finally, slowly walking away from bears is probably the wisest place to start. Running from bears presents a vulnerable prey trying to escape. On level open plains this is suicidal. At the end of the day most attacks can be avoided by alerting bears well in advance and by giving them a wide berth and keeping food stored away from them wherever possible.
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