Avoid surprises. Make noise on the trail, especially near streams, thick brush and blind corners. Hike in a group, keep children close, and keep dogs leashed or at home.
Camp and wildlife · Camp and wildlife course
What to do if you see a bear
Most bears want nothing to do with you. Trouble starts when a bear is surprised, protecting cubs or food, or has learned that people mean food. The Park Service steps are simple: let the bear know you are a person, do not rungame trail A narrow path worn through grass or brush by animals using it over and over. A trap goes on a trail an animal already uses., and know the one difference between black bears and grizzlies.
Why this matters
Bear attacks are rare, but most happen when a bear is surprised at close range or protecting cubs or food. Knowing what to do turns a scary moment into a story.
Black bears live in most states, and grizzlies in parts of the West and Alaska. The right response depends on which one and why it is acting that way.
What you need
- Bear spraybear spray A strong pepper spray made for bears. It sprays a cloud at a charging bear's face and usually makes it turn away. in a holster you can reach fast (where allowed), and a group to hike with.
- Food storage gear for camp (see the lesson on keeping animals out of camp).
Five minutes to learn; practice the spray draw for a few minutes before each trip.
Step by step
If you see a bear that has not seen you, stay calm, do not get closer, and quietly leave or take a detour.
If the bear sees you: stand still, talk calmly so it knows you are a person, and slowly wave your arms. Pick up small children. Do not scream, run or climb a tree. Bears run faster than people, and both black bears and grizzlies can climb.
If it is not moving toward you, back away slowly and sideways, keeping an eye on it. If it follows, stop and hold your ground. Always leave the bear a way out, and never get between a mother and her cubs.
Bear spray is the best tool if it charges. Carry it where you can reach it in a second, take the safety off when a bear comes toward you, and spray a cloud at its face when it is close. Many charges are bluffs that stop short.
If a brown bear or grizzly attacks after a surprise: play dead. Keep your pack on, lie flat on your stomach, clasp your hands behind your neck and spread your legs so it is hard to flip you. Stay still until it leavesdebris Dry leaves, pine needles, grass and ferns. Piled deep they trap still air, which is what keeps you warm.. Fight back hard only if the attack keeps going.
If a black bear attacks, do not play dead. Get to a car or building if you can, or fight back with anything you have, aiming at the face and nose.
Any bear that stalks you or comes into your tent at night sees you as food: fight back with everything. This is rare. Report every bear encounter to a ranger or the state wildlife agency.
Tips from survival instructors
- Make noise on the trail by talking or clapping, especially where you cannot see far ahead or near loud water.
- Never get between a mother bear and her cubs, and stay far from any animal carcass, which a bear may be guarding.
Common mistakes
- Running. The fix: stand your ground and talk calmly; bears are faster than people.
- Climbing a tree. The fix: both kinds of bears can climb.
- Playing dead with a black bear. The fix: fight back hard, aiming at the face.
- Keeping bear spray buried in the pack. The fix: carry it on your belt or chest strap.
Practice it safely
Practice pulling an inert (practice) can of bear spray from its holster and taking the safety off in under 2 seconds. Talk through with your family what each person does if you meet a bear.
Quick check
A grizzly you surprised knocks you down. What does the Park Service say to do?
- Fight right away
- Play dead on your stomach, hands behind your neck, pack on
- Run
Show the answer
Play dead on your stomach, hands behind your neck, pack on
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Before you rely on thisA learning tool, not a replacement for training. In an emergency, call 911.