Black Bear Attacks Are Very Uncommon. Bear Attacks. If the bear doesn’t back off and — worst-case scenario — moves in for the attack, “do everything you can to get that animal off you,” Stiver said. Avoid direct eye contact. Brown bear incidents have occurred in their native range spanning Alaska, Northern and Western Canada, and portions of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. The attacks I’ve researched aren’t from sick bears, or bears on the edge, they are the result of bears being bears. If a bear starts to follow you, you should drop something behind you as a distraction. But if you do run into a bear, here are some tips. "If you’re attacked, your best defense is to fight back with everything you’ve got,” Stiver said. Be loud, wave your arms, and stand your ground. Attacks by black bears are extremely rare. Bear spray is the best option in case of a bear attack, according to experts. Read this post and learn tips on how you can counter bear attacks! Wild black bears do kill about two people a year in North America, nearly all of the fatalities involving male bears hunting us for food. If you have pepper spray, use it. The first thing to point out here is that bear attacks of any kind are incredibly rare – black bears try their best to avoid people. Usually, if a black bear attacks you, it’s an offensive attack." Get physical. Bear attacks are of particular concern for those who are in bear habitats. Fatal bear attacks in North America have occurred in a variety of settings. what to do if bear attacks. Bear attacks are certainly scary, but If you are confronted by a black or grizzly bear, don't panic. Attacks are extremely rare despite what people do. The department says most black bears shy away from people. Properly position the bear spray in your hand. Why do bears attack humans? Knowing how to behave when encountering bears and how rare bear attacks actually are can keep you safe and provide peace-of-mind. If you do encounter a bear, remain calm and remember that the bear is likely more scared of you than you are of him. In the wake of two fatal black bear attacks in Alaska, a Minnesota DNR bear expert says Minnesotans have very little to worry about. Although bears are large and powerful animals, a wild Minnesota black bear is normally shy and scared of people – even bears that are two to three times heavier than an average person. Fatal black bear attacks are extremely rare. While it may seem odd, a bear on its hind legs may not be aggressive - it may simply be trying to identify what you are. Generally black and brown bears attack humans for different reasons. To avoid or survive an attack, first, never go into bear country without a deterrent—either bear spray or firearms. Get Big and Loud, but Never Run. Remember that the bear is probably more scared of and startled by you than vice versa. There is no single safety strategy applicable to every encounter, and bear behavior is not always predictable. When bears do attack they are usually defending cubs or a food source; these attacks are avoidable and typically involve only minor injuries. They do not attack humans to defend territory. Usually, if a black bear attacks you, it’s an offensive attack." A bear attack is an attack by any mammal of the family Ursidae, on another animal, although it usually refers to bears attacking humans or domestic pets. Compared to polar bears and brown bears, black bears are much less likely to attack. Punch and kick. Make yourself as big as possible by waving your arms and finding high ground. “Punch it, kick it, do everything you can to get that animal off you." If you see a black bear on the trail or at your campsite, you should stop whatever you’re doing and assess the situation. Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner buy $30M Florida property We've hiked hundreds of miles in the North Carolina mountains and have only seen bears a few times - always running from us! Every situation is different, but below are guidelines on how brown bear attacks can differ from black bear attacks. That's according to Harry Spiker, the State Black Bear Biologist with the Maryland Department … Black bears are black. Campers’ Tips On What To Do When A Bear Attacks. However, basic understanding of bear behavior will help keep people safe and bears out of trouble. Except for polar bears it is not considered “normal” behaviour to attack humans but there are two situations in which both brown bears and black bears are known to attack humans. They can be fatal and often hikers, hunters, fishers, and others in bear country take precautions against bear attacks. If a black bear attacks, fight back by kicking it in the face and muzzle. It is also important to determine whether the animal is a black bear or a grizzly. Black bear attacks on humans are rare but often begin as scuffles with dogs, experts say The dog may run to its owner for protection as the bear follows close behind. Annapolis, Md (KM) Attacks by black bears on humans are very rare, but they do happen. Fearful, unnecessary advice about what to do, or not do, when a person sees a bear is often given by well meaning people. In that case, fight. Black bears rarely become aggressive when encountered. Black Bear Attacks . Use noise to scare bears away: Yell, clap, or bang pots immediately upon sighting a bear near your campsite. If you encounter a black bear, do not make eye contact. Most of the time, a black bear has no interest in engaging with people; the bears that do, more often than not, are those habituated to human garbage or handouts. Typically a bear is more afraid of humans. Fight back! If the bear charges, stand your ground (you cannot outrun it). What To Do When Encountering a Black Bear. Bears are magnificent creatures and it can be exciting to see one—from an appropriate distance. Black bears are shy and timid. There have been several in the bears' wilderness habitats involving hikers, hunters, and campers. They have black fur, which looks black, when you see it. read more Be aggressive and use any object you have. Attacks by black bears on people are very rare and most black bears can be easily scared away with the following approach: Stand and face the bear … Nor do mother black bears attack to defend cubs. “Know what to do when you see a bear. Actual attacks by black bears are rare. NEVER run from a bear. If it is a black bear, gather together, stand tall and make lots of noise. If you end up inside that defensive perimeter, which may be anywhere from ten to fifty feet wide, you are likely to experience a combination of highly intimidating behaviors, including: the squared-off lip or long face; jaw popping; huffing; swatting; and false-charging. Stay calm: Walk slowly and speak in a loud and calm voice. If it’s a grizzly, remain still and calm. If the attack escalates and a black bear (or any bear that appears to have been stalking you) physically contacts you, fight back with anything that is available to you. Such attacks mainly happen in Canada and Alaska, according to bear biologists , and solo hikers or people in pairs tend to be targeted rather than groups. Black bear attacks are rare, the Humane Society of the United States noted. Black Bear Safety Reminders Injurious black bear encounters and attacks are extremely rare in California, but they have occurred. However, it’s best to avoid bear encounters, and to know what to do if an encounter happens (keep reading). Do not run from a black bear or play dead if one approaches.” In rare cases, black bears can attack. Leave slowly: Cautiously back away from the bear and leave the area. Begin spraying when … In general, if a black bear attacks, it's to eat you. Black bears tend to be more timid than grizzlies and fighting back may scare the bear off. They are typically more scared of us than we are of them, and will run off if they see a human. However, being mentally prepared can help you have the most effective reaction. Ensure the bear has an easy escape route. Speak softly to it and back away slowly. If you run into a black bear on a mountain trail, be grateful for your good fortune. Speak in a low, confident voice, and avoid screaming or high-pitched sounds. Bear attacks rarely happen but if they do, what can you do to survive them? 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