Most people love spending time outdoors. Soaking up the nature and enjoy the beautiful scenery can make anyone want to spend time in the wilderness. But depending on where you are exploring, you may run into a bear. If this occurs, you’ll need to quickly think of a plan without panicking. Below, we’ll show you 10 ways to survive a bear attack as well as how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
10. Correctly Pack Foods
One reason why a bear may show up in your location is because they smell food. This is how most bears end up in people’s campsites while they’re sleeping. To prevent this from happening, place all of your “goodies” in an air-tight container. This way, the bear won’t be able to smell it.
9. Carry a Bell
One of the reasons why a bear may attack someone is because they are frightened. The best way not to scare them is to carry something on you that will make noise as you walk, like a bell. A lot of people think that by making noise you’ll actually attract the bear to you. This isn’t true. A bell will alert a bear that you are coming and they will be less surprised as you get closer.
8. Talk Aloud
Similar to the previous tip, talking aloud when you’re with other people will discourage a bear attack. Bears don’t like to attack when they feel that they are outmatched. When you’re with a lot of people, use this to your advantage and speak loudly. Make a lot of noise. Bears can get just as intimidated as people can.
7. Bring Bear Spray
Before you venture into the wilderness, bring a qualify bear spray with you. Bear sprays are effective because they will cause a bear to retract instead of attack. The spray itself is basically a form of pepper spray that is designed to be sprayed into the face of the bear. Since their sense of smell is so sensitive, most bears will run instead of staying and trying to fight. If you do have spray then always make sure that you’re following the manufacturer’s directions.
6. Look for an Escape Route
If you see the bear from a distance, quietly and quickly try to find an escape route. Simply keep moving away until you can no longer see them and they can no longer see you. Bears tend to have much larger personal boundaries than people do so they will get angry if you continue to walk towards them. In general, fifteen to twenty feet is too close for comfort. And don’t get close just so that you can take a picture. Bears don’t like this and can feel threatened by the flash and noise associated with cameras.
5. Run Downhill
While it isn’t always a good idea to run away from a bear, you should consider it if there is a hill near you. Since the hind legs of a bear are shorter than their front legs, it makes it really difficult for them to run downhill. Note that this doesn’t mean it won’t be able to chase you downhill. It simply means that it will be harder for them and you may end up getting away unharmed.
4. Play Dead
This advice has been overused and portrayed everywhere: when a bear attacks you, play dead. Place your arms over your head and curl up into a tight ball. Don’t move once you’re in this position. While it can be difficult, this will be your best bet if you’re getting attacked. You may end up getting bitten or scratched but at least you’re alive. After the bear leaves, get up slowly and make your way towards help. If the bear is still nearby then there is a good chance that it will attack again. Don’t get up until you’re sure it’s gone.
If the bear continues to attack then you’ll need to resort to something else. In the case that they don’t stop, grab something and start fighting back. Grab a stick or rock and poke them in the eye. Do as much damage as you possibly can. You have nothing to lose as the bear is going to continue to attack either way. If you have bear spray then this would be the ideal time to use it. If possible, roll into a river or off the edge of a drop-off. Anything that will separate you from the bear at this point will be a good idea.
3. Don’t Climb a Tree
Climbing a tree is about the worst thing you can do if you’re attacked by a bear. Bears are incredibly good climbers and will easily catch you. If you already happen to be in a tree then don’t try to kick the bear away as you’ll probably end up getting injured. Try to jump off and run. If that isn’t possible, jump off and play dead. Then continue to follow the tips presented in the previous section.
2. Stand Your Ground
Bears are territorial creatures but sometimes you can discourage an attack if you just stand your ground. This is especially true if you’re with more than one person. If they are charging towards you then make a lot of noise and make yourself look as big as possible. While this won’t work every time, it is another step that you can take to prevent an attack.
1. Have a Gun
Probably the best thing you can do is carry a firearm. If you’re going to be in an area where you know there’s going to be bears then try to have a gun with you. This will dramatically increase your chances of surviving a bear attack. Just note: once you shoot a bear and it starts to die, it will automatically go into a crazed frenzy and attack you no matter what. Make sure that you get a kill shot or continue to shoot until it is dead to prevent it from attack you.
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