In the outdoors, bears rarely attack groups of four or more individuals and never attack groups of six or more. Bears also avoid attacking stationary groups of two or more individuals.
Hold Your Ground
When humans suddenly enter a bear’s activity range, it startles the bear, which may lead to the bear fleeing or engaging in combat. Black bears in forested areas typically choose concealment or escape due to evolutionary reasons. Only a small fraction may choose to fight to protect themselves or their cubs, charging towards you. Curious bears may also approach to assess your nature. Your reaction determines their behavior.
If you choose to run out of fear, signaling weakness, bears are likely to chase you as they are much faster. Climbing a tree is not a safe option, as bears are quicker climbers; they can drag you down. The safest, albeit counterintuitive, response is to stand still, avoiding sudden movements, demonstrating that you pose no threat. Simultaneously, show that you are not easily subdued; if it attacks, it will face consequences. Maintain eye contact and observe the bear’s movements; it may stop at a closer distance. Once it confirms you are not a threat, it will slowly depart. If it lingers, you may be blocking its path to food; try slowly backing away at a 45-degree angle. If the bear exhibits signs of agitation, such as rapid breathing or teeth grinding, stop retreating immediately.
If the bear continues to approach and launches an attack, play dead once it initiates contact. Playing dead signals to the startled bear that you are not a threat, and it will soon cease the attack. Key points for playing dead: lie face down with hands clasped behind your head, elbows protecting your brain, legs slightly apart to prevent being rolled over. Do not play dead before the bear makes contact; this conveys weakness and surrender, possibly triggering a more aggressive attack.
If the attack persists for over a minute, it may not stop voluntarily. In this case, initiate counterattacks using any means possible. Your survival depends on your ability to fight back.
Once the bear ceases the attack, wait until it moves away before sitting or standing up. Standing up prematurely may trigger a second, more intense attack.
If bears are detected around your tent at night or have entered the tent, loudly shout and make various noises to drive them away. Keeping a few stones in the tent vestibule and tossing them toward the bear may be effective. Avoid using large stones, as hitting the head could be lethal. Suddenly shining a bright flashlight into its eyes may temporarily blind the bear. Pepper spray can also be used on its eyes. If the bear has already found and started consuming your food, quietly leave. Disturbing a bear while it’s feeding may lead to an attack. Wait until it finishes before returning to clean up.
In extremely rare situations, a bear may enter a hunting mode, quietly approaching its prey (human). In this scenario, the bear will be focused, confident, and may circle you before attacking. Do not play dead in this situation; instead, directly counterattack. If a bear in hunting mode drags a bitten person from the tent in a campsite, there’s still hope for rescue within the first hour. Quickly rally teammates to drive the bear away and save the victim. Avoid trapping the bear in the middle.
PS: This text is a summary of the “Close Encounters” chapter from the book “Backcountry Bear Basics.” Special thanks to the author, Dave Smith.