Bear-Human Interactions

• Most bears have previous experience around people and learn from each interaction.
• Humans usually don't even know they came close to a bear, BEARS USUALLY AVOID PEOPLE.
• Two major categories of Bear-Human interactions where bears don't avoid or even approach people: Defensive and Non-defensive

Defensive Interactions

• Bear thinks you are a threat to itself, its cubs or its food cache
• Usually you approached it, and entered into its personal space, surprising or crowding it
• Most likely will appear agitated and stressed
• Closer you are too it before it becomes aware of you, more likely it is to react defensively
• Almost always stop short of contact, fight/flight is triggered
• Defensive response that results in an attack (physical contact) almost always involve grizzly bears surprised at close range, on a carcass or protecting young. The few defensive attacks by black bears have been females protecting cubs (but these are very rare).
  

Non-defensive Interactions

A number of different non-defensive motivations that may appear similar to each other:

• Curious bear
• Human-habituated bear
• Food-conditioned bear
• Dominance-testing bear
• Predatory bear

Avoiding a close encounter

• LET BEAR KNOW YOU'RE HUMAN by talking or singing.
• AVOID BEARS THAT ARE AWARE OF YOU AND UNCONCERNED
• NEVER APPROACH A BEAR
• LEAVE AREA YOU ENCOUNTERED A BEAR
• IF YOU HEAR VOCALIZATIONS OR SEE UNATTENDED CUBS...
  be extremely cautious and leave the area silently the way you came.

Response during bear encounters

• Identify yourself as human to bears you cannot avoid by talking and slowly waving your arms. Try to give the bear your scent.
• Increase your distance from the bear, even if it appears unconcerned.
• Do not run, it could invite pursuit.

If a bear approaches you

• Stand your ground!
• Quickly assess the situation. Is the bear behaving defensively or in some other way?
• Remain calm, attacks are rare.
• Do not run unless you're absolutely sure of reaching safety.
• Group together. Prepare your deterrent.

If the bear is approaching in a defensive manner

• Stand your ground. Try to appear non-threatening.
• Don't shout at the bear. Talk to the bear in a calm voice.
• If the bear stops its approach, increase your distance.
• If the bear resumes its approach, stand your ground, keep talking calmly, and prepare to use your deterrent.
• If the bear cannot be deterred and is intent on attack, fall to the ground as close to contact as possible and play dead.
• When the attack stops, remain still and wait for the bear to leave. If an attack is prolonged or the bear starts eating, you it is no longer being defensive.

If the bear approaches in a non-defensive manner

• Talk to the bear in a firm voice.
• Try to move away from the bear's travel path, that may be all it wants you to do.
• If the bear follows you with it's attention directed at you. Stop! Stand your ground and prepare to use your deterrent.
• Act aggressively toward the bear. Let the bear know you will fight if attacked. Shout! Make yourself look as big as possible. Stamp your feet as you take a step or two toward the bear. Threaten the bear with whatever is at hand. A bear that is initially curious or testing you may become predatory if you do not stand up to it. The more the bear persists, the more aggressive your response should be.
• If the bear attacks, use your deterrent and fight for your life. Kick, punch or hit the bear with whatever weapon is available. Concentrate your attack on the face, eyes and nose. Fight any bear that attacks you in your building or tent.

Remember:

• If an attack (physical contact is made) is defensive... Play dead. (Don't play dead before you have used all possible means, such as deterrents to prevent an attack)
• If the attack is predatory... Fight back.

HELPING SOMEONE BEING ATTACKED
You may be able to drive away an attacking bear from someone else but if you do this you risk drawing the attack to yourself.