If you encounter a bear…
…In A Building, By A Dumpster, Or Around The Corner
- Give the bear a clear escape route (do not corner it).
- Leave any doors open as you back away from the bear.
- Do not lock the bear in a room.
…In Your Backyard
- From a safe distance, make loud noises, shout, or bang pots and pans together to scare away the bear.
- When the bear leaves, remove potential attractants such as garbage, bird seed, or pet food.
- Ask neighbors to remove attractants.
- Check your yard for bears before letting out your dog.
…In The Woods
- If you see a bear before it notices you: stand still, don’t approach and enjoy the moment. Then move away quietly in the opposite direction.
- If you encounter a bear that’s aware of you: don’t run; running may trigger a chase response. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave.
- If the bear approaches, follows or charges you, keep reading the sections below.
If a black bear becomes aggressive and…
…Approaches You
- Stand your ground.
- Back away only when the bear stops its approach.
- Make yourself look bigger by raising your arms and jacket, and/or standing on a rock or stump.
- Yell “Hey bear” loudly.
- Get your bear spray out of the holster and into your hand. Remove the safety latch.
…Follows You
- Stand your ground.
- Try to appear large by holding up your arms and jacket, and/or standing on a rock or stump.
- Back away only when the bear stops its approach.
- Intimidate the black bear by making yourself look bigger and making noise (wave arms, shout, clap, bang stick).
- Stay together.
…Continues To Follow You
- Stand your ground and stay together.
- Intimidate the black bear by making yourself look bigger and making noise (wave arms, shout, clap, bang stick).
- Prepare to fight or use bear spray.
…Charges You
- Stand your ground.
- Remain calm.
- If you have bear spray, spray it directly at the bear.
…Makes Contact With You
- FIGHT BACK with anything at hand (knife, sticks, rocks, binoculars, backpack or by kicking).
- DO NOT play dead.