What to Do When You See a Bear While Hiking

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Rob Johnston

Editor & Article Writer for Outdoor Wilds

Hiking allows you to enjoy nature. There are many sights ranging from beautiful skies to gorgeous landscapes. You may also get to see some wildlife.

While I like to see squirrels, birds, and other small animals frolic or fly through the area, I always worry about the potential for a bear encounter.

For many years, I didn’t know what to do when you see a bear while hiking. I’ve always thought that the best approach is to hike areas that are less likely to contain bears.

However, there are many other tips for avoiding bears and some precautions in case you do encounter one of these massive creatures.

Travel Through Bear Country in Groups

The best way to avoid bears is to avoid bear habitats. Unfortunately, this isn’t always an option.

Most hiking trails throughout North America will take you through areas where there is at least a small chance of seeing a bear.

If you take a look at this website it displays on a map of the United States the areas in which bears populate.

If you’re traveling through the bear country, travel in large groups. When there are several people in a group, it’s easier to make a lot of noise. Bears tend to try to avoid humans when they hear them coming.

You can talk or sing. However, I do suggest that you don’t get carried away by the conversation or singing and forget to pay attention to the surrounding area.

If you’re planning on camping overnight make sure you store all your food in bear proof containers away from the main camp spot.

Remain Calm and Identify the Type of Bear

Hopefully, you won’t encounter a bear but if you do, you need to follow a few simple tips. First, you need to remain calm.

I know it’s hard to stay calm when a several-hundred-pound animal is nearby. However, try your best.

You should also try to identify the type of bear. Black bears and grizzly bears typically react differently to these encounters.

If the bear is nearby and notices you, stand tall and raise your arms slowly. Try to appear tall and firm while speaking in a calm, loud voice. These actions help the bear realize that you’re a human and not its typical prey.

Slowly Walk Away From Bears That Are Far Away

When you spot a bear in the distance, there is less of a chance that it may approach or become aggressive if you can remain calm.

If the bear does not move, start moving slowly away from it. You should move sideways as it’s a non-threatening movement.

Whatever you do, don’t run. Bears can easily outrun you so avoid giving them a reason to chase a fleeing animal. They can also climb trees.

As you move away, try to give the bear plenty of space. In fact, I suggest that you try to leave the area even if it means going back the way that you came.

What to Do When a Grizzly Bear Charges or Attacks

When a bear attacks, you should try to identify the type of bear.

This is where knowing the difference between a grizzly and a black bear is a matter of life or death.

If you’re attacked by a grizzly bear, follow these three steps:

Drop to your stomach and clasp your hands behind your head and neck.
Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to flip you over.
Remain stationary and hope that the bear gets bored and wanders off.

If you try to fight a grizzly bear, it will fight back harder. However, if the grizzly doesn’t let up, you should try to fight back. Use any tools available and target the face.

I also carry a can of bear pepper spray as an added precaution. Keep in mind that the spray should only be used as a defensive measure to stop an attack.

What to Do in a Black Beer Encounter

Don’t play dead when you’re attacked by a black bear. It won’t stop.

Your best option is to try to escape to a safe place and remember that black bears can climb trees and onto cars.

If you can’t escape, fight back. Target the face and nose or spray the bear in the face with your bear pepper spray.

There are also two situations where you always need to fight back, no matter the type of bear. If you’re attacked inside your tent or if you get stalked and then attacked, fight.

As a last tip, don’t let these suggestions keep you from going hiking. Bear attacks are incredibly rare.

Useful links

Stephen Herrero on Black Bear Attacks