HOW TO BE BEAR AWARE
Learn how to react in situations of all 8 bear species, should you encounter one in real life!
Bear Locations
Check out this insightful map provided within our exclusive children's book All About Bears. This will show you where each species of bear lives. With this you can see which type of bears you may encounter!
GRIZZLY BEARS
To avoid an encounter, wear bear bells and be sure to make plenty of noise so it will hear you from a distance. Watch for signs of bears, such as droppings, torn logs and tracks. Keep your dog on a leash at all times. Use marked and frequently-traveled trails. If you see a large dead animal, leave the area immediately and report it to officials.
On the condition that you are met by a grizzly bear: If it is unaware of your presence, quietly walk away from the area while maintaining sight of the animal's whereabouts. If has become alerted of you, stay calm, speak to the animal calmly and firmly. Do not run as it may trigger a pursuit. Do not drop your backpack as it may provide protection.
BLACK BEARS
To avoid an encounter utilize bear-proof trash cans and keep your immediate area clean from excess food or trash. Similarly to the grizzly, you will want to be aware of any tracks, droppings or other signs of black bear presence.
If you meet one face-to-face, do not run away or approach it. In most cases it will flee. Make yourself appear as large as possible whilst making loud noise. If the bear approaches you, you may use bear spray. Back away from the animal while continuing to make noise until you are somewhere safe.
SPECKLED BEAR
Speckled bears are extremely shy. They will react in a docile but cautious manner, unless the intruder is seen as a threat or a mother's cubs are endangered. As with any bear you meet, you should never approach a cub (as the mother is likely close by) or a mother bear.
This species is nocturnal so it is unlikely that you would see one during the day. They usually avoid humans altogether so it is very unlikely that you would meet one in the wild. They are perhaps the least aggressive out of all.
SUN BEARS
Sun bears also avoid humans in general, so much of their social structure is unknown. Although they are the smallest type of bear they are fierce and will fight tigers, leopard and pythons if threatened.
This animal is usually passive toward humans. Although, there have been reported attacks when they were frightened - so be sure to make your whereabouts known.
POLAR BEARS
The beloved polar bear and flagship for climate change - is also reportedly known to actively hunt humans, did you know? As these animals are forced further south with melting ice and food scarcity, interactions with humans are increasing. Every animal has the right to survive on this Earth, which is why it is essential to be mindful of the climate so that they can remain cute and fuzzy - from a distance. Attacks are usually by young, male and starving polar bears.
How to avoid an encounter: Remember that these bears blend into the snow with their white coat and are expert hunters. They are classified as marine mammals since they spend so much time in the water - so just because you don't see it on land doesn't mean it won't come out of the water. As with any bear, look for recent tracks, meals and droppings.
How to react when you see a polar bear is much different than the other species. Since polar bears are endangered, lethal action toward one is only permissible if a human's life is on the line. If it does not see you, do not run but leave the area and get to shelter. If it is aware of you (turning its head and sniffing), stand your ground. Defend yourself and othersDo not run from it, make your presence known and be loud. If it attacks you, do not play dead. You will have to fight back, aiming for sensitive areas like the nose and face.
ASIAN BLACK BEARS
Also known as Moon Bears. Like the polar bears, asian black bears are facing climate change and attacks on humans are rising as they search for food.
You should follow general protocols whilst in their habitats of making your presence known and being aware of signs that one is nearby to avoid an encounter. Most attacks between humans and asian black bears occur during the late Summer.
In the event an asian bear notices you
PANDA BEARS
Pandas rarely attack humans or other animals. They are vegetarian and do not hibernate. There are no records of a panda killing a human. This is the least populous bear.
How to avoid an encounter: This animal is shy and will usually not go out of its way to be met by others. It is highly unlikely that you would ever encounter one in the wild as their habitats have shrunk to a small size. However, be aware of your surroundings, make noise and watch for signs of their presence as usual.
How to react: It is extremely unlikely that a Panda will attack you unless it is provoked/frightened. The best thing you can do if you see one is to keep your distance, do not approach or touch it, stay away from mother bears/cubs and generally do not bother it. Stay in a safe area such as your car or shelter.
SLOTH BEARS
Sloth bears have only been reported to attack only defensively.
To avoid an attack do not travel alone and don't be quiet! If they don't notice you until you are close to them they may attack you. Do not travel when it is dark.
If a sloth bear attacks you, play dead. This reaction had the lowest fatality rate at 0%, although some people still suffered injuries.
