Experts share 12 steps to follow to avoid attack if you see a bear in the wild
All the advice on bear encounters states that you are highly unlikely to come to any harm. In its 145-year history and 120 million visitors Yellowstone National Parks has only seen eight deaths due to bear attacks.
To even come across a bear is rare, but it does happen and according to the National Park Service, all bear encounters are different and the wild beasts should be treated with the respect they deserve. No techniques can guarantee your safety but there are some that may well keep you protected while out and about in bear country.
The key ideas include: avoiding any encounters to start with; remaining level headed and calm and planning ahead to ensure that your are fully prepared for any outcome.
Leave your headphones in the car and stay alert to your surroundings (Getty Images)Avoid meeting one at all
Bears are often shy around humans, they will run away if they hear a person coming and the worst case scenario would be startling a bear. Leave your headphones in the car and stay alert to your surroundings, and make noise as you move around, keep up the talking, and frequently clap your hands. Stay wary of blind corners and loud bodies of water which could prevent you and a bear from hearing each other.
Bear spray is a must - and should be easy to access (Newcastle Chronicle)Travel in groups
Moving around in groups of more than three people will help a bear hear and smell you from a distance and stop your paths from crossing.
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Keep your food locked away
If you're traveling with food, make sure it's in a sealed container, and never leave any waste behind.
Or hang food bags well off the ground with a rope from a tree, away from the trunk — and make sure your food bag is at least 100 yards away from your tent.
If you do meet a bear there are also things you can do.
Stay calm and do not run
Running may trigger a bear to chase you, instead, calmly and loudly announce your presence, speak with a low tone, and do not scream but never imitate the noises a bear is making.
Make yourself bigger
First make sure to pick any small children up, then while standing still, slowly wave your arms to get the bear to realise you are a human and not prey. If you're using walking sticks, put them up over your head to appear larger.
If a bear approaches, you should slowly back away
But don't turn your back on it and avoid looking it in the eye, some bears may bluff charge, but try to hold your ground.
Keep an eye out for cubs
Be very careful if you see a bear with her cubs. Do not come in between a mother bear and her cubs, keep your distance, and if you encounter them, back away slowly.
Running may trigger a bear's predator instinct causing them to chase you (Newcastle Chronicle)Do not climb trees
Bears can climb trees, and you will likely not be safer up there. If the bear attacks you there are a few things you can do.
Carry bear spray
This will work for all bears, make sure its accessible and not packed away in your bag, it has a long range and is more effective than a gun. The bears you're likely to run into are either brown, grizzly or black bears, each is dangerous but different.
For a brown or grizzly bear - play dead
Make sure you keep your backpack on, lay flat on your stomach and cover the back of your neck with your hands. Spread your legs wide to make it more difficult for the bear to turn you over.
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But if the bear will not leave you alone, use anything you have to fight back. Use rocks or sticks to hit it in the nose. Use the heel of your shoe to kick it in the face but this is a last resort.
For a black bear, do your best to get away from the bear
Get inside of a car or a building, if that is not possible, use rocks or sticks or anything at hand to fight back against the bear. And if you do encounter a bear, report it to the park ranger or nearest authority.
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