Black Bears
If you are approached by a black bear, or notice a bear is following you, avoid direct eye contact. Direct eye contact may be perceived by the bear as a challenge.
Speak to the bear in a soft, sturdy, and calm voice. For example, announcing “Hey Bear. Woah Bear. Back away, Bear.” and slowly back away from the bear. These actions will help to show you aren’t a threat to the bear.
The bear may slap the ground, huff, blow, and chomp its teeth or make a bluff charge to let you know it feels threatened and wants space, if it has an aggressive demeanor.
In this instance, you’ll want to look big. If you are wearing a coat, lift your coat above your head and stand tall. Keep your voice loud, deep, and assertive. Examples of things to say could be “Hear bear. Back off, Bear. Go away, Bear.”
Noise and intimidation could deter the bear. Do not drop your pack and do not let the bear access any food. Your pack acts as protection to your back if the bear were to charge, and food would teach the bear that humans equal dinner.
Never run from a bear, you will always be outrun. Black Bears can run up to approximately 30 to 35 mph, while humans only run on average 8pm for men, 6.5 for women. Usain bolt (A Jamaican Olympic Sprinter) ran on his best run up to 27.33 miles per hour. Even he would be caught up to from a black bear.
Make sure not to climb trees. Black bears are excellent climbers. Also be extra cautious around female black bears with cubs. The female black bear will be very territorial and protective. With this, do not approach the cubs.
