bear attack (thing)

Having taken a late summer backpacking trip in Glacier National Park recently, I took the opportunity to read up a little bit on grizzly bear attacks. Grizzly bears are probably the most dangerous animals that we have here in North America because of their incredible power and their sometimes poor dispositions. Imagine having a bad day and then having 800 pounds with which to release aggression. That could be a pretty deadly combination to a 170 pound hiker creeping through the woods.

The same precautions outlined for the predatory black bear apply to grizzlies as well.

• Constantly make noise to prevent a surprise encounter
• When camping, keep all food at least ten feet above the ground and at least three feet from the nearest tree trunk.
• Carry bear spray with you

Now here are the best practices to follow should you happen to encounter a grizzly.

• Turn sideways to create a smaller profile. DO NOT look directly at the bear. Use your peripheral vision.
• Stand in the most unintimidating position you can. Do not, however, crouch down because that could be interpreted by the bear as a defensive attack position.
• Slowly walk away from the bear sideways. Do not turn your back to the animal.

In the event you are attacked, circumstance should determine your behavior.

• If the attack occurs after a chance encounter, such as meeting a bear on the trail, playing dead is the best option. This attack is occuring because the bear likely considers you to be a threat either because cubs are present or possibly because a food source is nearby. Do not run and do not remove your pack because the pack can provide added protection. If at all possilbe, try to lay on your stomach with your hands protecting the back of your head and neck.
• If you are attacked like prey, perhaps sleeping in your tent, you are dealing with a predatory grizzly. This bear wants to eat you. The only chance for survival in this case is to make yourself too difficult of a meal. Playing dead will be no good because the bear will not care. Kick, scratch, and claw to inflict as much damage as you can; hopefully it will be enough.

These precautions by no means ensure a happy outcome from a bear encounter. In the end, it depends completely on the bear. From encounters I have read, bear spray is effective about half of the time and there is no guarantee that you can stem an attack by following the submissive behavior outlined above. Keep this information in mind, but do not let it keep you from exploring some great outdoor wilderness. In actuality, you are more likely to be struck by lightning in your life than you are to encounter a grizzly bear in the wild.