Do not approach wild animals no matter how calm they appear to be. Remain at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and moose and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all other animals including deer and elk. Never leave small children near wild animals.
Never feed wildlife or leave food/garbage unattended. Animals that become habituated to human food may display aggression toward people.
Stay alert, make noise, hike or bike in groups, and do not run from wild animals. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. When viewing bears along roads, use pullouts and stay in your car. Never pursue a bear to take a picture or block traffic.
If a bear has noticed you, use additional strategies to prevent the situation from escalating.
- If you encounter a bear, identify yourself as a human by talking calmly, remain still, stand you ground, and slowly wave your arms. The bear may come closer or stand on hind legs to investigate. Standing bears are usually curious, not threatening.
- Stay calm and remember that bears do not want to attack you; they usually just want to be left alone. Bears may react defensively by woofing, yawning, salivating, growling, snapping their jaws or pulling their ears back. Screams or sudden movements may trigger an attack. Never imitate bear sounds or make a high-pitched squeal.
- Pick up small children immediately.
- Hike and travel in groups. Groups of people are usually noisier and smellier than a single person. Therefore, bears often become aware of groups of people at greater distances. Because of their size, groups are also more intimidating to bears.
- Make yourself look as large as possible. For example, move to higher ground.
- Do not drop your pack, it can provide protection for our back and prevent a bear from accessing your food.
- If the bear is stationary, move away slowly and sideways; and keep an eye on the bear. Moving sideways is non-threatening.
- Do not run. If a bear follows you, stop and hold your ground.
- Do not climb a tree. Both grizzlies and black bears can climb trees.
- Always leave the bear an escape route.
- Be especially cautious if you see a female with bear cubs. Never place yourself between a mother and her cubs and never attempt to approach them.
Black Bear and Grizzly Bear Interactions
Bear attacks are rare; most bears are only interested in protecting food, cubs or their space. However, being mentally prepared can help you have the most effective reaction. Every situation is different, but below are the guidelines on how brown bear attacks can differ from black bears. Help protect others by reporting all bear incidents to a Schweitzer employee immediately. Above all, keep your distance from bears!
Black Bears
If you are attacked by a black bear, don't play dead. Try to escape to a secure place such as a car or building. If escape is not possible, try to fight back using an available object. Concentrate your kicks and blows on the bear's face and muzzle.
Brown/Grizzly Bears (extremely rare to see in the area but they do exist)
If you are attacked by a brown/grizzly bear, leave your pack on and play dead. Lay flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck. Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over. Remain still until the bear leaves the area. Fighting back usually increase the intensity of such attacks. However, if the attack persists, fight back vigorously. Use whatever you have at hand to hit the bear in the face.
