Bears have fascinated us for centuries. As one of the most adaptable and versatile mammals on earth, their behaviour stirs fear, awe, wonder and curiosity in us. Unfortunately, there are still many myths surrounding the lives and behavior of bears which impact negatively on people's imagination.

Stories of ferocious attacks by blood-thirsty bears on defenceless hikers make great lead stories in the media. The overwhelming sense conveyed in these stories is that bears are dangerous, mean creatures that are an extreme threat to people in any circumstance.

Of course this is inaccurate at best and unhelpful at worst.

Another commonly found myth is that bears are cuddly creatures that resemble the teddy bears we owned as kids. While there is no doubt that bears hold the fascination to trigger children's imaginations, it is important that the stories we share with our children be based on facts and not fiction.

It is important to dispel both myths - the myth based on fear, and the one based on a misplaced belief that bears are tame cuddly animals. Bears are intelligent and resourceful wild mammals that deserve our respect.

A greater knowledge of the behaviour, ecology and habitat needs of bears is crucial if we are to learn to co-exist peacefully with this magnificent megafauna.

Myth: Bears are unpredictable.

Fact: Bears use body language and vocalizations to show their intentions. Learning about bear behaviour can be beneficial to people who live or recreate in bear country.

Myth: Bears can't run down hill.

Fact: Bears can run more than 60 kilometers an hour, and they can do it up hills, down hills or sideways. To put that in perspective, that's 15 m/sec or 50 ft/sec - more than twice as fast as we can run. In fact, a bear can outrun a race horse over short distances, but has little endurance.

Myth: A bear standing on its hind legs is about to charge.

Fact: Actually, the bear is just trying to better identify what has caught its attention. It's easier to see, hear and smell thing from a standing position, than down on all fours.

Myth: Once a bear has tasted human food, it won't eat wild food any more.

Fact: Bears naturally prefer wild food unless it is difficult to find and human food is too easy to get. Even the worst food conditioned bears still eat natural foods whenever they're plentiful. Conflicts usually increase when natural foods run out - a good time to be more vigilant of bear attractants on your property. Learn more.

Myth: Bear bells are the best way to avoid a surprise encounter.

Fact: It's best to alert bears of your presence by talking loudly, singing songs or breaking sticks. Try to hike in a group, on established trails, during daylight hours. (see Recreating in Bear Country - Encounters for more detailed information.

Myth: If a bear charges you, play dead or climb a tree.

Fact: Black bears are excellent climbers. Their agility and sharp claws allow them to quickly climb trees to escape danger. Grizzlies, although they are physically capable of climbing trees, don't usually bother unless they are sufficiently aggravated. Playing dead may work, if you're attacked by a bear who has identified you as a threat i.e. a mother grizzly bear defending her young. (see Recreating in Bear Country - Encounters for more detailed information.

Myth: Bears are carnivores.

Fact: Although classified in the order of carnivora, grizzly and black bears are omnivores, meaning that they eat both plants and animals. Only 10 to 15% of their diets consist of meat, which includes fish, insects and other mammals.

Myth: Bears have poor eyesight.

Fact: Bears see in colour and have good vision similar to humans.

Myth: Bears that wander into inhabited areas such as campsites, rural towns, or cottage communities are dangerous.

Fact: It is nearly impossible for a bear to make its daily excursions without walking through someone's property. Bears may travel hundreds of kilometres in their search for food. If you have stored your food and garbage properly, the bear will likely move on. Remember, problem bears aren't born they're made. If bears are hanging around, something is attracting them. Removing the attraction will usually solve the problem.

Myth: Shooting or relocating a 'nuisance' bear will solve the problem.

Fact: Removing the bear and not the attractant will only create a newly available habitat niche so another bear can move right back in, creating a vicious cycle of conflict and killing.

Myth: Carrying a rifle is safer than bear pepper spray.

Fact: A person's chance of incurring serious injury from a charging grizzly doubles when bullets are fired versus when bear pepper spray is used (Dr. Stephen Herrero). Those injured defending themselves with bear pepper spray vs. firearms experienced shorter duration attacks and less severe injuries (US Fish and Wildlife Service). See report.

Myth: One of the most dangerous encounters is getting between a mother black bear and her cubs.

Fact: Because black bears can tree their cubs, it is rare for them to attack a person in defense of cubs. However, if you are anywhere near a mother grizzly's cubs, she might very well perceive you as a threat. Chances are, she may just bluff charge and stop short of an attack. You need to do whatever you can to show her that you are not a threat, otherwise the consequences could be tragic. Be quiet, make yourself smaller and retreat slowly.

Myth: It is dangerous to go into bear country when menstruating.

Fact: Current evidence suggests that menstruation does not increase the likelihood of an attack by a black or grizzly bear, but tampons are recommended over pads. They may be disposed of by burning and then packing out the remains.

Myth: People traveling in bear country are often attacked.

Fact: Bear attacks are extremely rare. Although there are hundreds of human-bear encounters every year, only a very few result in personal injury. Most bears will actually retreat before you are even aware of their presence. It is still important, however, to stay alert and know the Bear Safe facts.