If you see a bear in the backcountry...

Encounters with bears rarely lead to aggressive behaviour and attacks are even rarer. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to bears, but the following tips may help:

• Remain calm and assess the situation.
• Try to determine whether it is a grizzly or black bear, and whether it is defending cubs or an animal kill, such as an elk or a deer. Bears may 'act' defensively (see below) if startled or if protecting cubs or a food cache.
• If the bear is in the distance, try to make a wide detour or leave the area. Respect the bear's need for space. Never approach a bear, not even for a photo.

If you encounter a bear at close range...

• Ready your deterrent (for example, bear pepper spray) and keep your group together.
• Keep your wits intact and trust them.
• Stand your ground. Identify yourself as human by talking in a calm, appeasing tone. You may back away slowly, preferably moving in the direction you came from. Do not run. In most cases, the bear will flee.
• A bear may 'pop' its jaws or swat the ground while blowing or snorting. It may lunge toward you or 'bluff' charge in an attempt to motivate you to leave - usually stopping well short of contact. These are defensive behaviours, signalling you are too close. Remain calm and increase your distance from the bear.
• Grizzly mothers may fiercely defend their young, whereas a black bear will usually tree her cubs and try to motivate you to leave by 'acting' aggressively while waiting for the threat to pass. Try to appear non-threatening by remaining still and calm. Back away and leave the area.

If a bear persistently follows you or stalks you...

• Stop! Stand your ground and prepare to use your deterrent or any available improvised weapons such as rocks and sticks.
• Face the bear. Look directly towards it. You might try taking a step or two in the bear's direction to motivate it to back off. If the bear continues to follow you, act aggressively toward the bear. Let the bear know you are not easy prey and will fight back if attacked.
• Shout! Make yourself look as big as possible. Stamp your feet, as you take another step or two toward the bear. Use your deterrent.
• If the bear attacks (physical contact is made), 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 a building or tent.

If a mother grizzly actually attacks (physical contact is made) in defence of cubs...

• Use your deterrent and try to back away. Do not act aggressively.
• As a last resort, lie face down and play dead with legs apart and your hands covering the back of your neck. This will let the bear know you are not a threat. It is the best strategy to minimize injury at this point.
• Do not move until the bear has left the area.

If a bear attacks while defending an animal kill...

• Use your deterrent.
• Do not play dead and try not to act aggressively. Back away quickly and get as far away from the food cache as possible.

MORE ON ENCOUNTERS AND ATTACKS