If you see a black bear, stay calm and act to keep both you and the bear safe. Here are the practical steps:
- Do not panic or run. Running can trigger a chase.
- Speak in a calm, firm voice and slowly back away to give the bear an escape route. Keep your eyes on the bear without staring it down aggressively.
- Make yourself look bigger: raise your arms, spread a jacket, and stand tall. If you have a group, stay together.
- Do not approach, feed, or try to touch the bear. Avoid direct eye contact, which can be perceived as a threat.
- If the bear is at a distance and not approaching, give it space and continue slowly retreating.
- If the bear approaches you:
- Stand your ground and shout or clap your hands to intimidate.
- If you have bear spray, prepare to use it if the bear continues its approach.
- Do not climb trees; black bears can climb well.
- If the bear makes contact:
- Fight back with any available objects (sticks, rocks, backpack) and aim for sensitive areas, rather than playing dead.
- Do not play dead with a black bear.
- If you’re with others, stay together and make noise to deter the bear from approaching.
Additional situational tips:
- At campsites: store food properly, remove attractants, and avoid cooking outside or leaving food scraps around.
- In neighborhoods or near cabins: give bears a clear escape route and avoid confrontations; contact local wildlife authorities if the bear does not leave or shows repeated bold behavior.
- If a bear is actively in your area and seems unusually bold or fearless, leave the area and report the sighting to local wildlife authorities.
If you’d like, I can tailor these steps to your location and current context (camping, hiking, urban area, etc.).
