If You Encounter a Bear....
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Black bears are not normally aggressive, but like all wild animals, they will
attack if provoked. Unprovoked attacks on humans are extremely rare throughout
the species’ range. Those rare attacks have occurred when humans surprised, cornered
or otherwise threatened the animals.
A female with cubs is defensive and can be
dangerously aggressive if she perceives that her young are threatened. Bear cubs
should never be approached, even if the adult female is not observed - - she will
probably not be far from her young.
In a confrontational situation, humans should appear as large as possible by
holding their arms out, identify themselves by making noise, and move upwind of
the bear. It is important to remain calm and retreat as soon as possible,
especially if cubs are present.
Bears that confront humans will often rear on
their hind legs to get a better view or smell. This is not aggressive behavior.
Humans should not climb trees to escape from black bears, as bears are agile
climbers. Natural barriers that block bear movement and allow quick escapes
should be used instead.
Do not run. Bears can reach 35 mph and can easily outrun
a person. Running can also trigger the bear’s chase instinct.
If attacked, fight back aggressively. Bears will be less likely to continue an
attack if they experience enough resistance.
In threatening situations, bears
can be sprayed in the face with capsaicin-based “pepper spray,” available in
small pressurized canisters that can be easily carried in a pocket, pack or belt
holster. Pepper spray is a strong irritant that reportedly debilitates
aggressive bears by burning the mucous membranes of their eyes, nose, and
throat. The effects of the spray are temporary and provide an opportunity for a
person to move away from a bear to a safer location. Individuals who work or
recreate in bear habitat should consider carrying this product if the likelihood
of a bear encounter is high.
NOTE: It is important to understand how to use
pepper spray properly and not to incapacitate yourself accidentally (e.g. high winds in
opposite direction).
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