Expert Tips and Proper Responses to Bear Encounters

There are instances when outdoor pursuits like camping or exploring involve unexpected bear encounters.

Dr. Jamie Sherman, a wildlife veterinarian at the University of California, Davis, said that two of the most prevalent bears in the United States are black bears and grizzly bears.

The smaller of the two bear species, black bears, are said to be involved in the majority of well-known cases of human-bear encounters.

Sherman claimed that when bears perceive a threat, they may be startled or caught off guard.

Expert Tip 1: Not Too Close

Branndon Bargo, assistant director of outdoor adventure at Southwestern University in Texas, has encountered many bears, especially while traveling through Alaska's wilderness.

Bargo said that most tourists approach bears too close to take pictures.

This is one thing to avoid, according to Bargo.

Bargo advised giving bears their own space instead, because, for the most part, they are uninterested in people.

Expert Tip 2: Walk Away

Walking away from the bear is another piece of advice when confronted by one.

Bargo advised against turning around and fleeing because the bear might interpret this as a hostile act. As fast as horses can run, there is a chance that the bear will pursue the runner.

Bargo said to stop moving and let the bear move on. He also emphasized that each bear should be treated differently because they are all different.

Expert Tip 3: Travel in Groups

The best way to avoid encountering grizzly bears is to travel in groups of six or more people in places like Alaska, Montana, some areas of Wyoming, and Canada.

Expert Tip 4: Look Bigger

According to Bargo, it is wise to appear larger because bears occasionally mistake smaller animals for prey.

If the bear appears agitated or hostile, approach it and perhaps throw a rock at it. Screaming in time with the bear's actions can also be effective.

Expert Tip 5: Keep Calm

It's advised to back off and maintain your composure around black bears, but Bargo knows that's not always easy to do.

According to Bargo, since bears typically cannot talk, talking calmly to them would make them less interested.

Expert Tip 6: Prevention

Bear bells are one method of bear repulsion, according to Sherman.

Additionally, she advised people spending time outdoors to secure food containers because they might not be aware that commonplace items like dog food could attract bears.

According to her, black bear encounters are typically sparked by the bears' need for food, especially in the late summer and early fall, bears become ravenous.

Sherman further noted that the bears go through a stage where they try to put on weight to prepare for hibernation.

They may also be drawn to the scents in shampoos and lotions.

Southwestern University professor Bargo advised keeping the bear spray because it functions like a powerful mace. Some authorities advise bringing two bottles in case you end up spraying the bear when it is too far away.

Additionally, according to Sherman, it is preferable to keep the spray on a belt rather than in a backpack so that there is no digging or fumbling around in an emergency.