Black Bear Attacks . "If you’re attacked, your best defense is to fight back with everything you’ve got,” Stiver said. NEVER run from a bear. Fatal black bear attacks are extremely rare. Annapolis, Md (KM) Attacks by black bears on humans are very rare, but they do happen. Bear attacks rarely happen but if they do, what can you do to survive them? Fearful, unnecessary advice about what to do, or not do, when a person sees a bear is often given by well meaning people. Bear spray is the best option in case of a bear attack, according to experts. If you ever see bear cubs, get out of the area immediately. Knowing how to behave when encountering bears and how rare bear attacks actually are can keep you safe and provide peace-of-mind. Typically a bear is more afraid of humans. Black bears are black. If it’s a grizzly, remain still and calm. Black Bear Safety Reminders Injurious black bear encounters and attacks are extremely rare in California, but they have occurred. Leave slowly: Cautiously back away from the bear and leave the area. Campers’ Tips On What To Do When A Bear Attacks. “Punch it, kick it, do everything you can to get that animal off you." If the bear charges, stand your ground (you cannot outrun it). The department says most black bears shy away from people. Such attacks mainly happen in Canada and Alaska, according to bear biologists , and solo hikers or people in pairs tend to be targeted rather than groups. They do not attack humans to defend territory. When bears do attack they are usually defending cubs or a food source; these attacks are avoidable and typically involve only minor injuries. If you have pepper spray, use it. If a bear starts to follow you, you should drop something behind you as a distraction. They are typically more scared of us than we are of them, and will run off if they see a human. They have black fur, which looks black, when you see it. What To Do When Encountering a Black Bear. It is also important to determine whether the animal is a black bear or a grizzly. The answer is true, although there are some exceptions. Bear attacks are rare; most bears are only interested in protecting food, cubs, or their space. A bear attack is an attack by any mammal of the family Ursidae, on another animal, although it usually refers to bears attacking humans or domestic pets. However, basic understanding of bear behavior will help keep people safe and bears out of trouble. If you see a black bear on the trail or at your campsite, you should stop whatever you’re doing and assess the situation. However, it’s best to avoid bear encounters, and to know what to do if an encounter happens (keep reading). Black bear attacks on humans are rare but often begin as scuffles with dogs, experts say The dog may run to its owner for protection as the bear follows close behind. read more Black bear attacks are rare, the Humane Society of the United States noted. Ensure the bear has an easy escape route. Although bears are large and powerful animals, a wild Minnesota black bear is normally shy and scared of people – even bears that are two to three times heavier than an average person. Punch and kick. Why do bears attack humans? There are a couple of things you need to understand first. If they do, fight back with a stick, a backpack, similar available items, or your bare hands. If the attack escalates and a black bear (or any bear that appears to have been stalking you) physically contacts you, fight back with anything that is available to you. If you do encounter a bear, remain calm and remember that the bear is likely more scared of you than you are of him. Read this post and learn tips on how you can counter bear attacks! Fatal bear attacks in North America have occurred in a variety of settings. Make yourself as big as possible by waving your arms and finding high ground. Offensive black bear attacks are extremely rare and usually occur in remote areas where bears have very little exposure to people. Nor do mother black bears attack to defend cubs. That's according to Harry Spiker, the State Black Bear Biologist with the Maryland Department … Attacks are extremely rare despite what people do. Compared to polar bears and brown bears, black bears are much less likely to attack. The attacks I’ve researched aren’t from sick bears, or bears on the edge, they are the result of bears being bears. Bears do have a strong sense of personal space – a distance that varies from bear to bear from which they won’t back down. Bears are magnificent creatures and it can be exciting to see one—from an appropriate distance. If the bear doesn’t back off and — worst-case scenario — moves in for the attack, “do everything you can to get that animal off you,” Stiver said. If you run into a bear, stay calm and do not run away. If you are sure the bear attacking is a mother who is protecting its cubs, play dead. “Know what to do when you see a bear. Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner buy $30M Florida property what to do if bear attacks. Bear attacks are certainly scary, but If you are confronted by a black or grizzly bear, don't panic. The accommodating black bear. ; Don't: Approach, surround, or corner a bear: Bears aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened. In that case, fight. There have been several in the bears' wilderness habitats involving hikers, hunters, and campers. Be loud, wave your arms, and stand your ground. Speak softly to it and back away slowly. The first thing to point out here is that bear attacks of any kind are incredibly rare – black bears try their best to avoid people. If a bear approaches, make some noise. Usually, if a black bear attacks you, it’s an offensive attack." Bear Attacks. Here's how to react if you ever see a bear in the wild. There is no single safety strategy applicable to every encounter, and bear behavior is not always predictable. If a black bear attacks, fight back by kicking it in the face and muzzle. While it may seem odd, a bear on its hind legs may not be aggressive - it may simply be trying to identify what you are. To avoid or survive an attack, first, never go into bear country without a deterrent—either bear spray or firearms. Brown bear incidents have occurred in their native range spanning Alaska, Northern and Western Canada, and portions of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. Black Bear Attacks Are Very Uncommon. In the wake of two fatal black bear attacks in Alaska, a Minnesota DNR bear expert says Minnesotans have very little to worry about. Bear attacks are of particular concern for those who are in bear habitats. Attacks by black bears are extremely rare. Fight back! But if you do run into a bear, here are some tips. Walk away slowly, if the bear is not approaching. Get physical. Most of the time, a black bear has no interest in engaging with people; the bears that do, more often than not, are those habituated to human garbage or handouts. However, being mentally prepared can help you have the most effective reaction. Mama bears are very protective. Generally black and brown bears attack humans for different reasons. In general, if a black bear attacks, it's to eat you. If you encounter a black bear, do not make eye contact. They can be fatal and often hikers, hunters, fishers, and others in bear country take precautions against bear attacks. Speak in a low, confident voice, and avoid screaming or high-pitched sounds. Remember that the bear is probably more scared of and startled by you than vice versa. We've hiked hundreds of miles in the North Carolina mountains and have only seen bears a few times - always running from us! Do not run from a black bear or play dead if one approaches.” In rare cases, black bears can attack. If you end up inside that defensive perimeter, which may be anywhere from ten to fifty feet wide, you are likely to experience a combination of highly intimidating behaviors, including: the squared-off lip or long face; jaw popping; huffing; swatting; and false-charging. What to do if you encounter a black bear. If it is a black bear, gather together, stand tall and make lots of noise. Black bears tend to be more timid than grizzlies and fighting back may scare the bear off. Avoid direct eye contact. Except for polar bears it is not considered “normal” behaviour to attack humans but there are two situations in which both brown bears and black bears are known to attack humans. Every situation is different, but below are guidelines on how brown bear attacks can differ from black bear attacks. Usually, if a black bear attacks you, it’s an offensive attack." If a black bear is more than a few yards away, it hardly matters. If you encounter a grizzly, do not run. Use noise to scare bears away: Yell, clap, or bang pots immediately upon sighting a bear near your campsite. Get Big and Loud, but Never Run. In that case, fight. Attacks by black bears on people are very rare and most black bears can be easily scared away with the following approach: Stand and face the bear … Wild black bears do kill about two people a year in North America, nearly all of the fatalities involving male bears hunting us for food. Begin spraying when … Black bears are shy and timid. "If you’re attacked, your best defense is to fight back with everything you’ve got,” Stiver said. Black bears rarely become aggressive when encountered. Stay calm: Walk slowly and speak in a loud and calm voice. Be aggressive and use any object you have. Properly position the bear spray in your hand. We can’t be surprised when bears do what they do. Actual attacks by black bears are rare. If you run into a black bear on a mountain trail, be grateful for your good fortune. 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