How to Avoid a Bear Attack
Posted: Friday, January 15, 2010
by Carolyn Tytler
The best way to avoid a bear attack is to avoid bears. However, as humans continue to encroach more and more on territory that once belonged only to wild creatures, confrontations with these beautiful but dangerous animals will become more frequent.
If you walk or travel through bear country, make a lot of noise. You can sing, talk loudly or wear bear-bells. The animals rarely seek a confrontation and will usually move away to avoid human contact if they see or hear you coming.
If you come upon a bear suddenly, avoid direct eye contact. Talk aloud in a calm voice, raise your arms above your head, and back away slowly. It may perceive you as a large animal who is leaving the area and decide to let you go. It you run, it will chase you.
If the animal charges, climb a tree, if there is one close by. If not, drop into a fetal position and use your arms and hands to cover your neck and head. A pack, if you're wearing one, will provide some protection for your back.
Even if the bear bites you once, lay still; he may decide you are not a threat and leave. If he does not stop, begin to fight back fiercely and yell as loudly as possible.
Camping in bear country involves taking special precautions. Check with rangers to avoid areas where bears often visit, such as dumps or berry patches.
When you arrive at the camp, put your food, fuel and toiletries in a "bear bag". This can be any sack or laundry bag which ties securely at the top. Suspend the bag from a pole or tree limb at least 14 feet above the ground. Then make your camp a safe distance away.
Keep the tent an odor-free area. Cook and eat outside. Keep left-overs in zipped plastic sacks in the bear bag. Change your clothes before going to sleep in the tent and leave dirty apparel outside. There may be spills or tiny bits of food on your clothes that would attract a hungry bear.
If the animal comes into your tent area, and you cannot escape safely, stay inside and make as much noise as you can; whistles are helpful in this situation. You may be able to frighten the bear away.
Some people purchase spray cans of bear repellent and carry it in a chest or hip holster, for fast and easy access. It is most effective when you can hit the bear directly in the face. Other campers feel that the spray only makes the bear angry and more likely to attack.
The best defence against bears is to carry a gun, where it is permitted. However, caution is advised. The animals rarely fall down from a single shot and they can often run a great distance when wounded.
The best way to avoid a bear attack is to stay away from them. Occasionally tourists try to get close enough to take pictures, forgetting that bears are wild animals and as such, are very dangerous. A female with cubs will travel a distance to protect her den from intruders which could pose a threat.
If you want to see and enjoy bears, visit a zoo. It may be a little more expensive but at least you'll be sure of returning home safely and living to tell the tale. Encounters with wild bears do not always turn out as well.
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