Encountering a bear in the wild requires immediate, informed action to ensure the safety of both the human and the animal. Understanding the proper safety protocol is a matter of preparation. A straightforward mnemonic exists to help people remember the most crucial steps during a confrontation. The correct response often hinges on knowing how to react based on the specific species and their behavior.
The Bear Safety Mnemonic
The most widely recognized safety rhyme provides a concise guide for immediate action during a physical confrontation: “If it’s black, fight back; if it’s brown, lay down.” This phrase refers to the two main bear species found across North America. The “black” bear is the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus), which is generally less aggressive and more timid toward humans. The “brown” bear primarily refers to the Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), known for its greater size and more aggressive defense of its space.
When attacked by a Black Bear, the advice is to aggressively fight back, targeting the face and nose. Conversely, if a Grizzly Bear initiates an attack, the protocol is to immediately “lay down,” or play dead, by lying flat on your stomach and protecting the back of your neck with your hands. This response is rooted in the distinct behavioral patterns of each species. However, bear fur color can be misleading, as Black Bears can be brown, cinnamon, or blonde, and Brown Bears can appear quite dark.
The Science Behind Defensive Behavior
The difference in recommended response is tied to the bear’s motivation for the attack, which falls into two categories: defensive or predatory. Grizzly Bear attacks are overwhelmingly defensive, driven by a perceived threat to themselves, their cubs, or a food source. The bear’s goal in a defensive attack is to neutralize the threat, not to consume the human. Playing dead signals to the bear that the threat has been removed. Lying motionless, protecting the neck and vital organs, encourages the Grizzly to stop the attack once it feels the threat is no longer active.
American Black Bears are typically shy, but they are more likely to exhibit predatory behavior when an attack occurs, viewing the human as a potential food source. A predatory attack is characterized by the bear approaching quietly and intently, often with no warning signs. Playing dead is ineffective in this scenario and could encourage the bear. The only viable option is to fight back aggressively to convince the bear that the human is too difficult to subdue, changing the dynamic from a hunt to a fight.
The physical characteristics of each bear species inform these behaviors. Grizzly Bears possess a prominent shoulder hump made of muscle that aids in digging and powerful strikes. They also have longer claws suited for excavation. Black Bears lack the hump and have shorter, more curved claws that allow them to be proficient tree climbers, which is their primary method of escape. These biological differences explain why a defensive Grizzly attack is met with submission, while a predatory Black Bear attack requires a vigorous counter-assault.
Immediate Steps During a Close Encounter
Before a physical confrontation, universal steps designed for de-escalation apply to all bear species. The first priority upon seeing a bear is to stop, remain calm, and avoid running, as this can trigger a chase response. Identify yourself as human by speaking in a calm, firm voice and slowly waving your arms, which helps the bear distinguish you from a prey animal. Never approach the bear, especially if it is feeding or if cubs are present, as this is the most common trigger for a defensive charge.
The immediate goal is to slowly increase the distance by backing away sideways. This allows you to keep the animal in view without making direct, challenging eye contact. If the bear continues to approach or exhibits signs of agitation like huffing, jaw-clamping, or a ground swat, deploy bear spray. Bear spray is an aerosol containing capsaicin, a strong inflammatory agent, and is the most effective deterrent, with a success rate exceeding 90% when used correctly. The canister must be immediately accessible, typically in a holster, and deployed when the bear is within 30 to 60 feet.
When deploying the spray, the goal is to create a cloud of deterrent that the charging bear must pass through. Aim slightly downward to account for the spray’s trajectory. Continue to spray in short bursts until the bear changes direction or retreats. Practicing the quick-draw and safety clip removal is important, as an encounter can happen in seconds, and the spray is useless if stored inside a backpack. After the bear is deterred, leave the area immediately, continuing to back away slowly without turning your back or running.
Proactive Prevention and Camp Safety
The most effective way to ensure safety in bear country is to prevent an encounter by avoiding surprising the animal. Making noise while hiking, such as talking loudly or calling out “Hey bear,” is the best method to alert bears to your presence and give them time to move away from the trail. The effectiveness of small bear bells is limited, as the high-pitched ringing often does not carry far enough to provide sufficient warning, especially near rushing water or on windy days. Hiking in a group is also a strong deterrent, as the noise and size of multiple people encourage a bear to avoid the area.
Properly managing all scented items is paramount for camp and trail safety, as bears have a keen sense of smell. All food, trash, cooking utensils, and toiletries must be stored securely away from the sleeping area, ideally at least 100 yards away from the tent. Hard-sided bear canisters offer a secure, odor-resistant storage solution. These should be placed away from water sources and cliffs. Alternatively, a bear hang, suspending food at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 to 5 feet away from the tree trunk, is a traditional method to keep food inaccessible.