If a black bear becomes aggressive and…
…Approaches you
- Stand your ground.
- Back away only when the bear stops its approach.
- Make yourself look bigger by raising your arms and jacket, and/or standing on a rock or stump.
- Yell “Hey bear” loudly.
- Get your bear spray out of the holster and into your hand. Remove the safety latch.
…Follows You
- Stand your ground.
- Try to appear large by holding up your arms and jacket, and/or standing on a rock or stump.
- Back away only when the bear stops its approach.
- Intimidate the black bear by making yourself look bigger and making noise (wave arms, shout, clap, bang stick).
- Stay together.
…Continues to Follow You
- Stand your ground and stay together.
- Intimidate the black bear by making yourself look bigger and making noise (wave arms, shout, clap, bang stick).
- Prepare to fight or use bear spray.
… Charges you
- Stand your ground.
- Remain calm.
- If you have bear spray, spray it directly at the bear.
… Makes contact with you
- FIGHT BACK with anything at hand (knife, sticks, rocks, binoculars, backpack or by kicking).
- DO NOT play dead.
Video: Staying Safe in Bear Country
This video developed by the International Association for Bear Research and Management features important information and advice from leading black bear and grizzly bear experts. See how taking basic safety precautions will help you minimize the chances of having an encounter with a bear.
Learn how the circ*mstances and the bear’s behavior are the keys to choosing how to respond if you do have an encounter with a black bear or a grizzly bear.
Take Special Precautions to Avoid Bear Encounters
when hiking, walking with your dog, camping or fishing in bear country
Black bears come in many colors, from brown, cinnamon, tan or blonde to black.
The American black bear is a species that lives in most states and across Canada.
