Bears in human-occupied areas, whether backcountry or residential, pose a risk requiring informed response and deterrence. These large carnivores are primarily motivated by foraging and quickly associate human activity with accessible food sources. Implementing reliable deterrence techniques ensures human safety and prevents bears from becoming habituated to human presence, which often leads to poor outcomes for the animals.
Eliminating Attractants Near Camps and Homes
Preventative measures focused on scent and food management form the foundation of long-term bear deterrence. Bears possess a strong sense of smell, and any food item can draw them from significant distances. Securing or removing all potential attractants is the most effective way to keep bears away from camps, cabins, and homes.
In a backcountry setting, all food, cooking materials, and scented toiletries must be stored securely away from the sleeping area, ideally at least 100 yards distant. The best storage method is a bear-resistant food canister, which is required in many national parks. If a canister is unavailable, food can be hung from a tree branch at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from the tree trunk, a technique often referred to as bear bagging.
Non-food items with strong odors, such as toiletries and trash, require the same secure storage as food. Pet food and barbecue grills also pose a significant risk. Pet food bowls should be removed after feeding, and grills must be thoroughly cleaned and stored in a locked shed or secure building. Cooking must be done well away from the tent to prevent residual food odors from lingering.
Behavioral Strategies During an Encounter
When a bear is sighted at a distance, focus on de-escalation and avoidance. While hiking, making noise by talking or periodically calling out “Hey bear” prevents surprising a bear, which causes many defensive encounters. This alerts the bear to human proximity, allowing it to move away.
If an encounter happens, identify yourself calmly and avoid sudden movements. Speak to the bear in a calm, firm voice, and slowly wave your arms above your head to appear larger. This signals that you are human and not prey. Gather children or pets close, as a larger group size can be a deterrent.
Never run from a bear, as this triggers its natural chase response. Instead, slowly back away without turning your back completely, allowing the bear space to move off. Give the animal a clear escape route and observe its behavior for signs of agitation, such as huffing, jaw-popping, or pinned-back ears.
Crisis Response: Defensive Versus Predatory Attacks
A high-stakes encounter requires a response tailored to the bear’s motivation: defensive or predatory. A defensive charge is often a reaction to surprising the bear, getting too close to a food cache, or approaching a sow with cubs. Signs of a defensive bear include stress behaviors like huffing, woofing, ear-pinning, and a bluff charge, where the bear runs toward the person but stops short.
If a defensive attack occurs, particularly with a Grizzly or Brown bear, the strategy is to “play dead.” Immediately drop to the ground, lie flat on your stomach, and use your hands to protect the back of your neck. Spreading your legs slightly prevents the bear from rolling you over, and keeping a backpack on offers additional protection. The goal is to convince the bear that you are no longer a threat, as fighting back prolongs and intensifies this type of attack.
A predatory attack is rare but dangerous, involving a bear stalking or deliberately approaching a person without signs of stress. This behavior is more commonly associated with Black bears. If a bear is acting predatorily, you must fight back aggressively and never play dead. Target the bear’s face, eyes, and nose with any available weapon, such as a stick, rock, or bear spray, and yell loudly to communicate that you are not easy prey.
Utilizing Active Deterrent Devices
Active deterrent devices provide non-lethal defense during a direct confrontation. Bear spray, which contains oleoresin capsicum, is effective at stopping an aggressive bear at close range. It is often considered more effective than firearms in deterring an attack during close-range encounters.
Bear spray must be carried in an easily accessible location, such as a holster on the hip or chest, and not buried in a backpack. Before deploying it, the safety clip must be removed. Aim slightly downward to create a cloud of spray that the charging bear will run through. Check the expiration date, as the product’s efficacy decreases over time.
Noisemakers, such as air horns or bells, serve a different purpose. Bells are generally ineffective and may give a false sense of security. Air horns can be used to warn a distant bear of your presence or to deter a curious, non-threatening bear. However, a loud, sudden noise can sometimes startle a bear and provoke an aggressive response, meaning bear spray remains the superior tool for a direct crisis.