Backcountry Emergencies
Bear Attack
This page presents some basic information on what to do in case of a bear attack in the backcountry.
Caution: Medical and other health related information found on this page is intended as basic information and should be viewed as a starting point for further investigation by the visitor. Please do further research and speak to a licensed physician prior to using any of this medical advice.
In general, if you encounter a bear:
- Do not approach the bear. Give it plenty of room to pass by. Most black bears try to avoid confrontation when given a chance.
- Do not run from a bear. Running away from a black bear may stimulate its instinct to chase. You cannot outrun a bear. Instead:
- Talk quietly in a monotone, or not at all.
- If you have small children with you, pick them up so that they do not run or panic.
- If there is more than one person, stand together to present a more intimidating figure, but do not surround the bear.
- Give the bear room so that it can avoid you.
- Back away slowly. Stop if the bear seems to be getting agitated.
- If you cannot back away, bend at the knees and turn sideways. You will appear smaller and less threatening.
- Use peripheral vision. Bears may often interpret direct eye contact as threatening.
- Drop something (not food) to distract the bear. Keep your pack on for protection in case of an attack.
- Bears sometimes bluff their way out of threatening situations by charging and then veering off at the last second. If this happens, do your best not to scream or run. The bear will probably retreat as soon as she has made her point (this is her territory) and scared you senseless.
- If the bear does not stop, and you have pepper spray, use it.
- If the bear makes contact, protect your chest and abdomen by falling to the ground on your stomach, or assuming a fetal position to reduce the trauma of an attack. Cover the back of your neck with your hands. Do not move until you are certain the bear has left.
- If you encounter a bear cub, do not pick it up! You run the risk of being attacked by a protective mother bear. If you think the cub is abandoned, contact the Department of Fish and Game. Orphaned cubs can be captured, rehabilitated, and released, but only by organizations with specific authorization. People who pick up cubs without authorization may be cited.
- Report all bear sightings to a park ranger as soon as possible, especially if you are involved in a conflict with a bear, regardless of how minor. In addition, if you are in a national park or monument and observe a bear or bear sign, report it to a park ranger as soon as possible. Someone's safety may depend on it.
Black Bears
If a black bear approaches:
- Try to demonstrate to the bear that you may be a danger to it.
- Make yourself appear larger, stand up, raise your arms and open your jacket.
- Yell at the bear, bang pots and pans or whatever objects you may have with you, and create a commotion.
Black bear behavior is quite variable. Research indicates that bear attacks have been avoided or injuries reduced when the victims fought back using any means available. Throwing rocks and striking the bear with branches or camping equipment have been shown to be effective.
Grizzly Bears
Should a grizzly advance aggressively, head for the nearest tree tall enough to get you out of reach. Most adult grizzlies cannot climb trees. Grizzly cubs can often be discouraged from climbing. Drop some sizable item—a bedroll or pack—to divert the bear and give you more time to retreat.
If you are caught by a grizzly, try playing dead, lying on your stomach or side with your legs drawn up to your chest (in the fetal position). Clasp your hands over the back of your neck. Grizzlies have passed by people like this without harming them. Don't run blindly down the trail or into the brush—it will only excite the animal. Bears can easily outdistance humans.
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