 Their color ranges from light brown to black, their ears are larger, and you'll notice, no hump. |
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If you SUDDENLY ENCOUNTER a Black bear at close range, the bear may act defensively – especially if you have startled it. Remain calm. NEVER RUN. Identify yourself as human in a non-threatening way by talking in low tones, with arms outstretched. If you can, move upwind so that the bear can catch your scent. Avoid direct eye contact so you don’t threaten the bear. Leave the bear a clear escape route and it will probably exit. In very rare instances, a bear will charge in an attempt to intimidate you – usually stopping well short of contact. This behavior is called a bluff charge. A charging bear is the grizzly, but black bears exhibit a similar behavior. For your comfort and confidence, you can carry approved bear pepper spray. While this will disorientate the bear, bear pepper spray is not “brains in a can”, and should be treated according to instructions and with a full knowledge of its limitations. REMEMBER: SUDDEN ENCOUNTERS ARE VERY RARE WITH BLACK BEARS.
FOOD-RELATED ENCOUNTERS:
Are common with Black Bears. It is very rare for bears to pursue humans. Just as humans do, bears may react when frightened or if they feel threatened. They may also believe you’re carrying food, especially if you are carrying a pack. If a hungry bear follows or approaches you in a deliberate way and is acting more assertively, the bear may think you have some tasty food with you. If a bear continues to approach you in a slow and steady gait, it may be deciding whether to pursue you for your lunch. Never run. Move back slowly, always facing the bear. If the bear continues to approach, shout and make lots of noise and try to appear as large as possible. (raising your shirt or coat overhead may help you look bigger)Throw rocks and sticks at the bear. MAKE THE BEAR UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE NOT AN EASY TARGET. Let the bear know that you’ll fight back if attacked. If the bear continues to follow, consider dropping your pack as a distraction if there is no food in it. A pack with food in it is merely an added incentive for the bear to approach you (or another camper) for additional rewards. Climbing up a tree is not an effective way to escape an attack by a black bear, as they’re very good climbers. It is better to continue to throw items and act intimidating. The bear will usually move on when it realizes that you are a threat.
