What happens if a bear attacks you

Indeed, you are more likely to be murdered in your own bed in America than you are to be killed by a grizzly while camping in Yellowstone. If statistics cannot assuage our primeval fear, perhaps knowledge can. There are three species in North America: the black bear, brown bear and polar bear. Weighing in at lbs, black bears can be white, blond, cinnamon, chocolate or jet black.

The good news? Many are largely vegetarian. Brown bears are divided into two categories: brown bears and grizzlies. Instead, you may want to fight back with all your strength, aiming direct blows at the bear's face while using any weapon or object available to you. One of the best ways to avoid encountering a bear in the wilderness is to store your food and trash correctly.

Bears have a great sense of smell and may be attracted to a campsite by the scent of food. All food and smelly items need to be kept in one place, preferably in a smell-proof container.

This food should be far away from your tent. Throw away food scraps or anything with a smell in a trash can," said Goldes. Checking the wind direction is also important. All food and smelly trash should be stored downwind of your tent so that their smells aren't blowing into an area where people are sleeping.

If a bear does end up attracted to the scent of your food or scraps, you don't want it to walk past your tent on its way to investigate the source of the smell. And, if you want to be wise when observing bears, keep your distance from the animals. Most national parks require you stay at least feet or feet away from bears, although what is considered a safe distance may vary based on the terrain you are on and the species you are observing.

World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation.

Sophia Mitrokostas. Bear attacks don't occur often and they can typically be avoided if you take safety precautions. If a grizzly bear attacks you, you may want to play dead. If a black bear attacks you, your best bet is probably to fight back — aim for the bear's face. It is still important, however, to stay alert and know what to do. Fact: Current evidence suggests that menstruation does not increase the likelihood of an attack by a black or grizzly bear, but tampons are recommended over pads.

They may be disposed of by burning and then packing out the remains. If a bear attacks particularly a black bear in an offensive manner and physical contact is made, fight for your life. Kick, punch, hit the bear with rocks or sticks or any improvised weapon you can find. A predatory bear usually stalks its prey and attacks from behind. It is often silent and the bear does not exhibit any defensive behaviors like huffing or slapping the ground. Its ears may be laid back and its head held low, with its intent focused directly on you.

Lynn Rogers Bears have fascinated humans for millennia. Myth 1: Bears are unpredictable Fact: Bears use body language and vocalizations to show their intentions. Myth 3: A bear standing on its hind legs is about to charge Fact: Actually, a bear standing on its hind legs is just trying to better identify what has caught its attention.

Myth 6: If a bear charges you, climb a tree. Myth 7: Bears are carnivores. Myth 8: Bears have poor eyesight Fact: Bears see in colour and have good vision similar to humans. Myth One of the most dangerous encounters is getting between a mother black bear and her cubs Fact: Because black bears can tree their cubs, it is rare for them to attack a person in defence of cubs. Myth People traveling in bear country are often attacked Fact: Bear attacks are extremely rare.

Myth It is dangerous to go into bear country when menstruating Fact: Current evidence suggests that menstruation does not increase the likelihood of an attack by a black or grizzly bear, but tampons are recommended over pads. Report all bear encounters. If you are involved with a bear conflict or encounter, report it to park authorities as soon as possible.

If the conflict is serious and cell service is available, call Explore This Park. Article Bear Attacks. There are two types of charges—bluff charges and aggressive charges. What If I Surprise a Bear? Predatory Bears Predatory bears are very different than surprised or defensive bears.

You Might Also Like. Loading results Tags: bear safety hiking in bear country bear attacks hiking Related Articles Go! Related People Loading results Related Places Loading results Last updated: August 12,