What to do when encountering a black bear...


I should clarify my previous entry for those of you not from Canada who may not be aware of the recent incidents in and around a suburban area of greater Vancouver, the municipality of Coquitlam. On August 7th a black bear mauled a woman on the front step of her house within city limits. She suffered non-life threatening injuries including severe bite wounds to her arms, legs and torso, and required hospitalization. The bear was shot and killed by conservation officers.

The very next day another black bear (a large male) broke through the window of a basement suite and was killed by police when it charged them. Numerous reports of similarly bold bear behaviour in this same area continue to be reported. (You can read the full news articles on this subject here: http://www.canadaphotosafaris.com/newsreleases.htm )

There's also a very interesting account by another lady who encountered a black bear the week before in the same area...

Quote CBCnews.ca:

'Dominika Rutowski told CBC News that she and three others encountered a bear Sunday in a nearby forested area.

"It was growling at first, but then, when it was coming closer to me, it wasn't," she said.
She tried to scare it away, but it moved closer, she said.

"I kicked it in the face, because it started getting really close to me."

With the help of her dog, the four people chased the bear away, but it followed them as they left the area.'

YIKES!

Let's take a closer look at this account because I think it is a good example of two different types of behaviour that bears can exhibit when coming into contact with humans.

Dominika describes the bear as "growling at first." It is very typical for bears to growl, whoof and chomp their jaws when startled. This behaviour is usually demonstrating fear in the bear and will often occur when it suddenly encounters an unknown threat, human or, most often, another dominant and/or competitive bear. 9 times out of 10 a black bear displaying this type of behaviour will run away, climb a tree or even swim across a lake or river to get away from the perceived threat.

Dominica goes on to describe the bear as getting quiet and approaching so close that she had to kick it in the face! A bear that makes no sound and boldly approaches closer is likely demonstrating predatory behaviour.

I believe that what happened in this incident is that the bear was initially startled by these people, (possibly thinking there was another dominant bear around) but then looked up and saw that it was "only humans," a conditioned response to repeated non-threatening encounters. It then approached fearlessly, in a predatory mode, hoping to secure food either from the people (perhaps it had been hand fed before?) or by eating one of them. I think Dominica was very fortunate that she had the dog and her friends with her to drive the bear off. It seems likely that if she was alone (and worse if she is of a small stature or a child) and she had turned to run, this would have triggered an immediate "chase" response in the bear and, consequently, a mauling.

Dominica then goes on to say that the bear continued to follow them as they left the area. That's what predators do! This is not a lonely bear looking for a buddy to hang out with!

Numerous times in wilderness areas, I have had encounters with black bears that seemed to be calm and relaxed, made no sound, and would appear and then disappear into the woods, often circling, and sometimes getting closer. This is definately predatory behaviour where the bear is "sizing me up" and trying to decide if he can take me down without getting injured himself. In wilderness areas, bears have had few encounters with humans and have not been conditioned to believe that we are not a threat. They are generally unsure of themselves and not confident enough to attack.

If you experience this type of behaviour with a bear, watch out! You should NEVER, EVER RUN!! Seeing a potential meal suddenly fleeing, will instantly trigger a chase response in the bear's brain and result in a mauling. It is generally far better to stand your ground and demonstrate to the bear that you indeed are a threat. Make yourself as big and tall as you can. Don't yell or freak out (especially women with high squeeky voices!). Talk to the bear firmly and confidently. Be confident! The bear can "feel" your confidence and it will become less sure of itself. If you are with a partner or in a group you should all stay together to form a united front against the bear. If you have a dog, keep it with you, don't let it chase the bear. If the dog gets in a fight with the bear it might turn and run back to you for help!! Back away from the bear slowly and steadily, talking to it, and then leave the area. Never leave food to distract a bear. This will help to condition the bear to seeing humans as a food source.

My experience has been that a whoofing, growling, chomping black bear is not usually a threat. A bear standing up on it's hind legs is just trying to get a better look or a scent to determine what you are. Let it know what you are. Show it that you are not a deer or marmot or some other regular prey species.

I have never been mauled by a bear (thank God!) but if I was attacked by a black bear that had been demonstrating this type of predatory behaviour, I would fight for my life! You can play dead if you want to, but you might just be making his meal easier to eat.

Keep in mind that I am talking about BLACK BEARS here. Grizzly and polar bears are a very different story, but that's another blog entry.

Let me finish by saying this: Bear attacks in Canada are rare and can be avoided by the majority of people even when travelling in bear country. Some simple rules are:

1. Never travel alone.


2. Make some noise while walking through the woods so you don't startle a bear suddenly at close range.


3. Never feed a bear or leave food in and around camp.


4. Carry bear spray and learn how to use it, it works!


5. Women be extra careful when menstruating.


6. Never run from a black bear.


7. Check for bear alerts in National Parks before hiking and camping.


8. Hire a guide.