The North American black bear, Ursus americanus, is the most widespread bear species on the continent. Black bears are generally shy and non-aggressive, with a natural inclination to avoid human contact. Encounters usually occur when a bear is surprised or drawn by human food sources. Proper conduct in bear country is the most effective way to ensure safety for both people and the bears.
Preventing Unwanted Visits
Proactive measures are the most effective defense against human-bear conflict. Bears possess an incredibly keen sense of smell, which can draw them to food and scented items from a long distance. Therefore, proper storage of all attractants is the primary goal of prevention.
All food, garbage, cooking utensils, and scented toiletries must be secured away from sleeping areas. In the backcountry, utilize a bear-resistant canister or hang food bags at least 10 feet off the ground and 5 feet away from the tree trunk. When camping, cooking and eating should occur a minimum of 100 to 200 yards away from the tent to prevent residual food odors from attracting a bear.
While hiking, making noise is an effective way to prevent a surprise encounter, which is the most common cause of defensive reactions. Talking loudly, singing, or periodically calling out “Hey Bear!” alerts bears to a human presence, giving them time to move away unnoticed. Announcing your presence is often enough to keep the wary black bear out of sight.
Deterring a Curious Bear
If a black bear is encountered, communicate that you are human and not a threat. The majority of black bears, when aware of a person, will retreat, as avoidance is their first line of defense. If the bear remains curious or approaches, stand your ground and resist the instinct to run, as this can trigger a predatory chase response.
Begin by making yourself look as large as possible; wave your arms, hold a pack above your head, or stand on a log. Speak to the bear in a firm, loud voice, using short phrases like “Hey Bear!” or “Go Away!” to establish dominance. Slowly back away without turning your back completely, allowing the bear a clear escape route. The bear may display signs of anxiety, such as jaw popping or huffing, which indicate it is feeling threatened and attempting to encourage your retreat.
Deploying Bear Spray and Other Tools
Bear spray, a highly concentrated capsaicin-based deterrent, is the most effective tool for stopping an aggressive bear encounter. For it to be effective, the canister must be immediately accessible, typically carried in a holster on the hip or chest, not buried inside a backpack. Practice the rapid removal of the safety clip and aiming technique, as deployment must occur quickly in a tense situation.
The spray should be deployed only when a bear is within a close range of 20 to 30 feet and is actively approaching. Aim slightly downward at the bear’s face, releasing a short burst of one to two seconds to create a cloud of deterrent. Other tools like air horns or whistles can be used to haze a bear away, but their effectiveness is unreliable compared to bear spray.
Responding to a Physical Attack
Black bear attacks are rare, but the response depends entirely on classifying the bear’s motivation as either defensive or predatory. A defensive attack usually involves a mother protecting cubs or a bear protecting a food source, characterized by stress behaviors like vocalizations or bluff charges. If a defensive black bear makes physical contact, play dead immediately by lying flat on your stomach, spreading your legs, and using your hands to protect the back of your neck.
A predatory attack, which is extremely rare, involves a bear stalking silently, often at night, viewing the person as potential prey. If the attack is predatory, playing dead is inappropriate and dangerous; fight back with maximum aggression. Use any available weapon—sticks, rocks, or a backpack—and focus blows on the bear’s face and nose to convince it that you are not easy prey.