The common backcountry advice, “If it’s brown, lay down,” is a dangerous oversimplification that has led to misconceptions about bear safety. Relying on color alone to determine a survival strategy can be fatal because many black bears are brown, cinnamon, or even blonde. Effective bear encounter safety depends not on fur color, but on correctly identifying the bear’s species and its motivation for attacking. The proper response—whether to play dead or fight back—is dictated by the bear’s behavior and the nature of the encounter.
Identifying Bear Species by Behavior, Not Just Color
Reliable identification focuses on distinct physical characteristics that differentiate the two main North American species: the Black bear (Ursus americanus) and the Grizzly/Brown bear (Ursus arctos horribilis).
A Grizzly bear possesses a prominent muscular hump above its shoulders, which is absent in the Black bear. This hump, used for digging, makes the Grizzly’s rump appear lower than its shoulder when standing on all fours. The Black bear’s highest point is typically the middle of its back or rump.
Grizzly bears also have a concave or “dished-in” face profile and smaller, more rounded ears. They have very long, gently curved claws measuring two to four inches. Conversely, Black bears have a straighter profile from the forehead to the nose tip, with larger, more pointed ears. Their shorter, sharply curved claws, less than two inches long, are better adapted for climbing trees.
Why Different Bears Require Different Responses
The correct survival strategy hinges on understanding the bear’s motivation, which falls into two main categories: defensive and predatory attacks.
A defensive attack occurs when a bear perceives a human as a threat to its cubs, a food cache, or its personal space. The bear’s goal is to neutralize the threat. This type of attack is often associated with the larger, more territorial Grizzly/Brown bear, which is less likely to climb a tree.
A predatory attack, though rare, happens when a bear views the human as potential prey or a food source. This behavior is more commonly observed in Black bears, especially lone males, and is characterized by stalking, circling, or approaching with intense focus. The bear’s intent is the key factor; a defensive attack requires a non-threatening response, whereas a predatory attack demands aggressive resistance.
Strategy 1: When to Play Dead (The Defensive Reaction)
The “play dead” strategy is reserved for defensive attacks, particularly those involving a Grizzly or Brown bear that has made physical contact. The goal is to show the bear you are not a threat, encouraging it to stop the attack and leave.
If a defensive attack is imminent, immediately drop to the ground in a prone position, lying flat on your stomach. Protect the back of your neck and head by covering them with your hands and arms. Leave your backpack on to provide additional protection for your spine. Spreading your legs slightly helps prevent the bear from rolling you over.
Remain still and silent until you are certain the bear has left the immediate area, which may take several minutes. Getting up too soon can trigger a renewed attack. If the attack persists for an extended period, transition to fighting back to convince the bear you are too difficult to kill.
Strategy 2: When to Fight Back (The Predatory Reaction)
Fighting back is the mandatory response for any predatory attack, regardless of the bear species, but it is most often associated with Black bears. Playing dead in this scenario is fatal, as it confirms to the bear that you are defenseless prey.
If a bear is stalking you or attacks with the intent to harm, you must aggressively resist using any available object, such as a rock, stick, or your fists. Focus your counterattack on the bear’s most sensitive areas, specifically the eyes and the nose.
Do not relent; the objective is to make the bear realize that you are not worth the effort and risk of injury. This forceful resistance convinces the predatory bear that you are a formidable opponent.