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6 Things You Should Never Do If You Encounter A Bear

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

bears

6 Things You Should Never Do If You Encounter A Bear

It’s possible to camp or RV in the wilderness many times over the years and never encounter a bear, but there may be that one time when you’re walking along a trail and a bear steps out in front of you.  Do you know what you should or shouldn’t do?

1. Do not run or climb a tree.

The worst thing you could do is start screaming and turn to run away. Don’t even think about climbing a tree. It’s important to stay calm, stand your ground, and slowly back away in a non-threatening manner. Speak softly to the bear, but don’t make any eye contact and don’t kneel down.

2. Do not get any closer.

Not everyone understands that bears are dangerous and can be unpredictable. It’s important to stay away from a bear as far as you can and do not attempt to get any closer.

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If it does come towards you, use bear spray or something that will threaten or distract it. They’re wild animals and you are the interloper in his territory, so be cautious.

3. Do not separate from your group.

If you’re in a group, follow the same rules as above and stay together.  Keep your kids close and pick up and carry small children.

4. Do not let pets near the bear.

The first thing a dog may do is start barking and go after the bear. This will just make the bear mad and go after the dog, who won’t stand a chance of winning the fight. Keep your pets safe on a leash at all times and never leave them unattended.

dogs
Keep your pets safe. Photo courtesy of Miry Fabi/Flickr

5. Do not block the bear’s route.

Bears don’t like you any more than you do them. If you startle one while following a trail or come across one sleeping, back away slowly.  Give him some space.

6. Do not feed them.

This is an important rule and for some reason, it’s sometimes not followed. These are not pets who need to be fed. They have an ample food supply in the woods and don’t need yours.

For that reason, don’t leave any food or garbage around your campsite that will attract them. Once they discover your trash or food, they will continue to come back and become a nuisance which may lead to the need of having them killed, all because someone left out something that attracted them.

Keep your campsite clean
Don’t leave food out that could attract wildlife.

Stay calm and remember what you shouldn’t do when faced with a bear.  Remember, they are probably just as surprised as you when they step onto a trail normally clear for their own use.

They are undoubtedly not expecting to see you and will be looking for a way out of the situation just as much as you are.

Read more about how to stay safe in bear country in our previous article here. You may also want to check out this post from RV LIFE on The Best Weapon To Survive A Bear Attack.




3 thoughts on “6 Things You Should Never Do If You Encounter A Bear”

  1. Ok, most people won’t know the difference between a brown bear, a grizzly or a black bear other than their color.

  2. If a Grizzly attacks, play dead. If a black bear attacks fight with all your might. “If a bear acts aggressive, he may charge several times, snapping his jaws. Stand your ground and try to scare the bear away by using pepper spray and/or by shouting at it. Most encounters end in bluff charges. If the bear attacks, use pepper spray, rocks, sticks or your fists. Most black bears will not continue the attack Do not play dead. An attacking black bear, unlike a territorial grizzly, wants to eat you.”
    http://www.sandiamountainbearwatch.org/living_with_bears.html

  3. Bears are hardwired to be afraid of dogs. I have seen two toy poodles run off a black bear. Let you dog do his job to protect you.

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