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Any of the following situations can occur when in bear country. This
recommended behavior is generally advised, but is, of course, no
guarantee that you will avoid a mishap. The most important thing to
remember when encountering a bear calm, giving the bear the opportunity
to know that you are not hostile.
1. Never Run
Do not run. Bears can run faster than 30 miles (50K) per hour –
faster than Olympic sprinters. Running can elicit a chase response from
the otherwise non-aggressive bear.
2. An Unaware Bear
If the bear is unaware of you, detour quickly and quietly away from
it. Give the bear plenty of room, allowing it to continue to
undisturbed.
3. An Aware Bear
If the bear is aware of you but has not acted aggressively, back away
slowly, taking in a calm, firm voice while slowly waving your arms.
Bears that stand up on their hind legs are usually just trying to
identify you, and are not threatening.
4. An Approaching Bear
Do not run; do not drop your pack. A pack can help protect your body
in case of an attack. To drop a pack may encourage the bear to
approach people for food. Bears occasionally make ‘bluff charges’,
sometimes coming to within ten feet of a person and before stopping or
veering off. Stand still until the bear stops and has moved away, then
slowly back off. Climbing trees will not protect you from black bears,
and may not provide protection from grizzlies.
5. If a Bear Touches You
If a grizzly bear does actually make contact with you, curl up in a
ball, protecting your stomach and neck, and play dead. If the attack is
prolonged, however, change tactics and fight back vigorously. If it is
a black bear, do not play dead; fight back immediately.
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