Imagine, you wake up from sleep and find a bear in the tent. Seeing a huge beast looming over you may be one of life's scariest encounters, and it is. Saving yourself from a bear attack is a life and death situation. Your survival depends on how quickly you recognize the breed of bear, its attitude towards you and your willingness to do anything to survive. If one day you're unlucky and you come across a bear in close quarters and it looks determined to attack you, here are some tips for survival.
Step
Step 1. Get to know a bear quickly as soon as you see one
Knowing the type of bear has to do with how to handle an attack. Keep in mind that color and size aren't the only clues to identifying a bear species––even people fairly familiar with bears can have a hard time telling the difference between a very large black bear and a grizzly. Some of the common features that can be found in bear species include:
- Black bear (Ursus americanus): The weight of the black bear can reach 56 kg to 300 kg. Black bear fur color tends to vary from black to blonde. The bear's muzzle is usually lighter in color than the rest of the body; many black bears also have a white patch on the neck or chest. When standing the black bear can reach a height of 60-100 cm, if measured up to the shoulders, and when standing on its hind legs it can reach 1.2 to 2.1 meters in height. Note prominent features such as a straight face, straight back line, small head and short dark claws.
- The brown bear (Ursus arctos and Ursus arctos horribilis), belongs to the "Grizzly" bear subspecies: The brown bear is widespread throughout Eurasia and North America. Brown bears can weigh from 300 kg to 680 kg, with the Kodiak bear being the largest bear (its size rivals that of a polar bear). There is still debate about the number of subspecies of the brown bear, but in general you can count on the prominent traits found below. Grizzly bears that live in rural areas can weigh between 250-450 kg, while those found in coastal areas can reach a maximum weight of up to 680 kg. Again, coat color can vary from black to blonde, with the distinctive feature of silvery fur tips that look "grizzled" or "decorated with a tinge of gray", hence the name "grizzly". Standing, the grizzly can reach a height of 2.7 to 3.6 meters. Within the brown, grizzly and Kodiak bear species, look for dominant traits such as a prominent hump above the shoulders, a sloping back line, an inward-curved or sunken face, a large, light-colored head, and long curved paws.
- Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus): The sloth bear is a species of insect-eating nocturnal bear found living wild in the Indian subcontinent. The sloth bear has long, black fur with a gray tinge, a snout covered with short, pale fur, and long, curved claws used for digging for ants and termites. A cream-colored "V" or "Y"-like mark is usually found on the chest. The sloth bear's nostrils can close, protecting it from dust or insects when it invades a termite or bee nest. The gaps between their teeth allow the sloth to suck in ants, termites and other insects. The sloth bear can grow to a length of 1.5 to 1.8 meters, and in a standing position it reaches a height of 60-90 cm, when measured to the shoulder, and weighs from 54 kg (usually the slimmer female) to 140 kg (usually the slimmer female). heavier males).
- Polar bear (Ursus maritimis): Male polar bears can weigh around 350-680 kg, while females weigh about half. Found in the Arctic Circle, these bears have adapted to life in snow, ice and cold waters. As the largest land carnivore, the height of the polar bear when measured up to the shoulder reaches 1.6-1.9 meters. Polar bears are usually white in color and have a more elongated body than brown bears, with a longer skull and nose.
- To locate the different bear species, see “Tips” below.
Step 2. Try to quickly evaluate whether the bear in front of you is behaving defensively or attacking you to get out of its way to its food (predator)
This can help you see how far you can rely on convincing the bear that you are not a threat so that it will leave you (for example, by increasing your size, making noise, playing dead, and so on). On the other hand, if you're seen as more of a prey than a threat, the bear won't stop attacking even if you play dead or scream, so you'll need to find a more effective approach to defending yourself in order to safely escape. Common reasons that bears feel threatened include a desire to protect their cubs, protect food or hidden carcasses, and shock or confusion, fear, the impression that their personal space has been invaded and their escape route is blocked. Predatory behavior is usually evoked by hunger and indifference to your human status. Black bear attacks are more likely to be predatory than brown bear attacks, but young brown bears or grizzlies can be predatory once abandoned by their mothers, as the young are learning to forage on their own and may be tempted to view humans as food. Whatever the reason behind a bear attack, remember that bears are dangerous animals. Here are some general indications that a bear is reacting to defend itself or to prey:
- Defensive black bear attacks: Bears defending themselves tend to hit and try to bite. However, it is unlikely that the animal targeted the head or neck (a lethal bite).
- Predatory bear attack: A hungry bear will often “look for you” and may have been following you. The animal will try to bite the nape and top of your head. The bear will hold you in a “bear hug” while launching a bite. The beast will not back down and will continue to attack you.
- Defensive brown bear/grizzly attack: The bear may run away or may perform a series of bluff attacks to test whether you are a threat. The ferocity of the attack can be determined by looking at the position of the ears. The more his ears tilted back, the more serious his intent to attack became. Other clues that a bear is about to attack include mane and back hair standing up and growling. Note that if the bear is running upwind, it may indicate that the bear wants to better inhale the intruder's scent. If a bear attacks you, it will bite the top of your head and the nape of your neck and strike your spine with a powerful sweep of its claws.
- Predatory brown bear/grizzly attack: The indicator is the same as a defensive attack, but with increased seriousness of intent (for example, a bluff attack changes to an unyielding attitude and tries to swing a paw or bite you). If the bear is standing on all fours, it will show aggressive behavior by swinging its head left and right and gritting its teeth while opening and closing its mouth.
- Sloth bears: Sloth bears mostly only eat plants, so if a sloth attacks it means the animal is protecting itself or its cubs. The sloth will usually try to hit or bite, but probably won't hit the head or neck.
- Polar bear: Polar bears are usually hungry and dangerous. This bear has been known for centuries for its tendency to attack humans and stalk humans for a long time. This animal will bite the head. If the attack is predatory, the polar bear will not stop attacking you.
- Bears of any species at camp or worse, in your tent: This bear, regardless of species, is most likely a predator and you'll need to act quickly to defend yourself physically. Don't act like prey––keep calm and fight using anything (and with anyone) in the tent. If you see a bear watching the campsite, contact the authorities immediately.
Step 3. Whatever the reason behind a bear's attack, whether predatory or defensive, a bear becomes dangerous if the animal decides to attack
However, the first mechanism for dealing with it is to keep the mind clear, so, above all, don't panic. If you panic, your mind goes blank and you may react like a prey animal, purely out of fear, which will endanger your life. Some of the key things to help you get started include:
- Try to make your measurements appear larger than they actually are. Raise your arms above your head and maybe spread your legs a little wider (but not so wide that you lose your balance). You can also lift the jacket over your head to make it appear taller, but be aware that this means you're not protecting your body in case the bear suddenly attacks and you won't be able to put it back on fast enough either. Don't wear a jacket if it means taking off your backpack (see the following section).
- If you're wearing a backpack, don't take it off. Backpacks can provide less protection than no backpacks at all, especially if you have to “play dead” (see next step).
- Avoid eye contact––bears can perceive eye contact as a threat and it can provoke attacks or repeated attacks. For the same reason, never take your eyes off a bear––know what the animal is doing at all times.
- The noise may or may not make the situation worse. Small bears, including black bears, can be intimidated by noise. Some people believe the sound of metal objects can scare bears because it is "unnatural" and there is documentation showing how bears ran frantically at the sound of metal objects clattering. However, any voice may be effective if it does. Be aware that in these situations larger bears, including large black bears and polar bears, are often even more provoked by the sound and may turn to the direction of the sound, (in this case you) to see it.
- At night, use a flashlight or a headlamp with a strong beam to shine the light into the bear's eyes, especially if the bear surprises you at camp or tents. Even the camera flash can dazzle bears in low light or darkness.
- Avoid sudden movements and never run away. Animals that chase prey for food react to movement and run will activate an innate reaction to chase prey until it is caught. Bears can run more than 64 km/h, so don't think you'll beat a bear in a sprint!
- Likewise, never hide inside something thin like a tent. Bears won't be fooled into thinking you've disappeared. Running away to hide may actually trigger the bear's predatory instincts to keep looking for you.
- In response to general advice about climbing trees, don't do it! Bears (especially black bears and sloths) can climb trees very quickly. However, climbing trees can increase your chances of survival if you encounter a larger bear, such as a grizzly. If the bear is making a bluff attack, climbing a tree can be useful, as it shows the bear that you are not a threat. However, if you do decide to climb a tree, make sure the bear isn't strong enough to knock it down, and that you have enough time to climb high enough that the bear can't reach you if the animal is standing on its hind legs. However, if you are attacked by a black bear/ sloth (unless it is very large) or a small bear, do not climb trees, as they can climb very easily. In the latter case, if you have to climb a tree, climb as high as you can to a height that a 150kg little bear can't reach without breaking the branches.
- Try to keep some distance between you and the bear – distance is your ally when it comes to defending yourself. With your bare hands, you don't have enough safe distance to fight the bear without making it hurt you even faster. Try your best to place something large between you and the bear, such as a tree or large rock.
Step 4. Deal with the bear attack as calmly as possible
Some attacks are actually done as a test or a bluff to see what you're going to do. Even if it's difficult, try to stand still and remain motionless when the bear attacks you. Some bears will be confused by the lack of movement and will no longer see you as a threat. However, prepare yourself for an attack, for example by preparing pepper spray or sticks, and so on during the attack. Don't use spray or hit the bear unless you're sure the bear is making an attack––some bears make several bluff attacks before deciding that you're just wasting their time. So you don't have to anger the bear in vain, and the animal will just get bored and go off on a roam again.
- After a bluff attack, speak softly, swing your arms slowly over your head and back away slowly.
- Note that if a bear is standing on its hind legs––often this is just an attempt to see what will happen, and not a preparation to attack. Stay still and let the bear judge you; the bear may find you unworthy of interest.
- Grizzly tend to do direct attacks, while black bears will attack in a zig zag manner from behind a disguise. Most importantly, don't run or you'll trigger the bear's instinct to chase. Of course, being surprised by a bear attack sneakily is easier said than done, so always be on the lookout for bears in bear territory.
Step 5. Know when it's appropriate and inappropriate to play dead
If the bear is showing too much interest in actually attacking you, playing dead might be an option if you come face-to-face with a brown bear or grizzly. If you believe it's the bear species in front of you, you can pretend to be dead by dropping to the ground and lying face down. Spread your legs apart (so the bear can't easily roll over you) and cover the nape of the neck with your hands, intertwining your fingers tightly. Use your elbows to protect your face. Don't move at all or make a sound. Steve French, a doctor who is used to treating bear attack wounds, noticed that victims who were attacked at close range and protected themselves in this way rather than fighting back, tended to survive and only suffered less severe injuries. If the bear manages to roll you over, roll back on your stomach, doing so each time. This action is expected to make the brown bear or grizzly eventually get bored and leave you. If the bear looks like it's about to leave, keep playing dead for a while until you're 100% sure the bear is really gone and not waiting for you to get back up.
- On the other hand, many bear experts advise never playing dead if you encounter a black bear or polar bear. If you do, it's tantamount to giving yourself up for dinner. However, not all bear experts agree that playing dead doesn't work for black bears and Bear Aware author Bill Schneider suggests if you can't identify the bear, playing dead is still the best option.
- If the brown bear or grizzly is acting a little rough, just lie still quietly. However, if the bear starts licking your wound, stop playing dead because the animal is getting serious about harming (eating) you and it's time for you to fight back.
Step 6. Take advantage of the bear's weakness
You can try a few things that can reduce the bear's chances of successfully attacking you. First, try to defend yourself in areas with steep or gentle slopes; that way at least the bear has difficulty standing upright, and consequently reduces its full weight strength (from a standing position, the bear benefits from simply using its weight to harm you). Be aware that attacks from the side may be difficult for the bear to see properly (the bear's neck muscles and jaw structure make it difficult for it to rotate its neck easily, thereby limiting visibility from the side), so you can take advantage of this weakness when launching your punches. However, be aware that bears may also attack horizontally, and this can block your horizontal strokes.
Bears, as far as scientists can conclude, have eyesight as good as humans. While vision quality will decline with age (just like humans), don't rely on this theory of poor eyesight as a defense method (that is, don't play hide and seek in a bear's nose)
Step 7. Fight the bear with anything
If you have tried various methods and the bear is still pressing on, it means that your life is in grave danger and you must do everything you can to survive. Take any object to fight. Sticks, dirt, rocks, etc., can be thrown into the bear's eye, plugged into its eye, or used to stab its snout (a very sensitive part of the bear). You have to be careful when picking up the object, as you may have to crouch or bend over, which makes you appear smaller and you won't be able to see what the bear is doing when you pick it up. When defending yourself, remember, for any defensive move against the bear to work, you must be fast, you must widen the distance, be aggressive and must try to avoid the bear's power (the bear's punching power), in that order according to importance.
- Do a straight/abdominal kick if you have to/can do it. Straight kicks can be effective––it's the kick a cop makes when he breaks a door. Kick quickly and pull your leg as fast as you can before the bear has a chance to stab your inner thigh (if the bear manages to do this, you've been immobilized). However, if the encounter takes place on a hill and the bear is lower than you, the bear will strike with its head due to difficulty standing, so you'll need to adjust the target of your kick.
- Stiff neck, skull and jaw muscles can be used as resistance. If done correctly, a kick that lands in the face can cause bleeding due to the bear's resistance, and potentially cause a misalignment of the neck.
- If you decide to punch a bear, be aware that this can be futile and could put you in grave danger. The new fist will succeed if it lands right on the bear's nose. If possible, avoid punching as this can expose vulnerable arms and hands.
- If you can, throw a punch and then move up the hill, hit and move towards the top of the hill. By staying on top of the hill you stand a greater chance of causing serious injury to the bear and thus have a better chance of escaping.
- Most importantly, protect yourself. Realize that you won't survive if you get hit by a bear claw. The bear's powerful slash is known to kill both elk and deer in one fell swoop; You may have the same fate. Using the backpack as a shield, throw the bear with whatever you're carrying, such as a pack, camera, book, shoes, and water bottle; if you can, point it at sensitive parts of the bear's face such as the nose or eyes.
- If you manage to land a heavy blow on the bear or cause it pain, know that the bear will continue to perceive you as a threat. The bear may flee or continue its attack until it is sure that what it perceives as a threat has been removed.
Step 8. Take out the pepper spray and use it
This step is separated from the previous step in that you may not have any spray on hand (not everyone is willing to carry around something that could be considered a chemical weapon, and requires careful handling, and is bought at a high price, and its effectiveness can decline quickly) and also because you have to know how to use it properly to be effective. The first thing to understand is that pepper spray is only a deterrent and can make a bear even more angry, so don't think of it as the only response to a bear attack. Second, pepper spray should be easy to reach. If it's tucked away in the bottom of a backpack, you won't have time to retrieve it. Use pepper spray only if you can reach it quickly and easily––the speed of your reaction is very important when using pepper spray.
- Use pepper spray in the event of an attack.
- Know the range of your pepper spray (usually around 6-9 meters). It's a good idea to bring a large can with a good spray distance, to keep some distance between you and the bear.
- Check the wind direction. It's useless if you spray the bear, but the spray just covers you. If the wind is blowing hard towards you, seek a better position carefully. In addition, if it rains heavily, the spray becomes ineffective as it will be washed away by the rain quickly.
- Follow the directions on the packaging. You should read the instructions before going into bear territory. You won't have time to read it with bears dancing around you. Sprays with different brands may work differently, or the new packaging may require a different way of use than the old pack, and you should know this ahead of time.
- Aim the pepper spray at the bear so it will form a mist or conical cloud in the exact area where the attack will be targeted. Spray pepper once the bear is about 12 meters from you, anticipating its arrival and shouting at the same time.
- Expect a reaction––the bear will immediately be in severe pain from the sore eye and may find it difficult to breathe. An angry, confused bear may still be chasing you, so don't waste time if the spray has given you a chance to escape.
- If you forget to bring pepper spray, use whatever spray you have; even bug spray can cause sore eyes in no time. However, don't rely on any spray other than pepper spray as an anti-bear weapon as they generally don't have the desired effect; use this spray as a last resort if there is no other option.
Step 9. Consider the involvement of those around you
Dealing with bear attacks in groups is worth considering. Choosing to hike, jog, run, camp, or spend time in bear territory alone is not a wise move because it is often safer to have friends around. That's why national/state/provincial park authorities, in both America and Canada, recommend that some trails should only be traversed by groups of six or more people. If you're dealing with a bear that wants to attack and you're with a group, they can play an important role in scaring the bears away. More people means noisier, the image of too many attackers versus bears will quell the desire to attack. If your group is smaller, say two or three people, the bear is less intimidated and may try to attack anyway. However, the advantage of being in a group is that you can help each other out. For example, if you all plop down and pretend to be dead and the bear tries to roll one of you out, the other friend can start eyeballing the bear and spraying it to get the animal away. If a bear is attacking you and someone else can help you responsibly, try the following:
- Aim for clear communication between you and your friends when a bear is attacked. Tell what will be done so that other friends feel confident and certain of the action. Stay calm and try not to scream, unless it's part of a strategy to make noise.
- Don't leave someone alone with a bear. You should employ a strategy of staying together as much as possible so that it reinforces the impression of a hard-to-separate group. Don't abandon someone who could be a target for attack.
- One person can collect branches, dirt, and so on, while another person yells at the bear to distract him.
- In particular, protect children or the weak. Do your best to protect group members who are children or who panic easily. Ask them not to separate so the bears don't see them as easy targets and do your best to reassure them not to show fear and panic reactions.
Step 10. Go to safety once things are safe
As mentioned earlier, never run. If you manage to immobilize the bear for a while, get away as fast as you can, head in the opposite direction of the bear to safety. Bring something defensive with you like dirt, pepper spray, sticks, and so on just in case you have to defend yourself again soon. Try to go quietly so as not to attract more attention. It's natural to be in a state of shock, but try to get back to safety.
- Whenever you move away from a bear, do so backwards so you can keep an eye on it. Speak in a low monotone, as if trying to calm the bear (and maybe yourself).
- If you are in the Arctic, try to return to your vehicle or shelter, whenever possible. Unfortunately, you'll still be a striking target in the midst of a vast expanse of snow. What's more, polar bears have a keen sense of smell (they can sniff out seal pups buried up to 2 kilometers away!).
Step 11. Be realistic
The suggestions given in this article are suggestions only. There is no single checklist for defending against bear attacks and what are written here are generalizations drawn from various sources based on real experiences of people who have encountered bears. The approach mentioned here is not a guarantee for ensuring your safety when you encounter a bear in the future as the bear's reaction is highly context dependent, on your reaction (and the person accompanying you) and the reason for the attack itself. The reason for this is only known when you come face-to-face with the bear. In addition, bears are very strong. After all, knowing how others managed to survive confirms that saving yourself from a bear attack isn't impossible. Most importantly, you should always be prepared and try to stay calm; Entering bear territory has consequences that you should be aware of before setting foot there.
Keep your fear of bears under control; After reading articles like this, you might think that bears roam around to prey on humans. In general, bears are not like that, and this is confirmed by the fact that bears have had a fair number of opportunities to attack humans, but choose not to act on them. Bears can coexist peacefully in most areas and some mischievous bears that cause trouble are usually dealt with swiftly by the authorities. You can promote peaceful coexistence with bears by not feeding bears (to avoid conditioning the food), not pushing bears into your home, not provoking bears and by spreading the message about how to be safe around bears. Prevention is better than cure––always follow how to avoid encounters with bears or retreat regularly before encounters turn into attacks. Keep in mind that most bears will avoid confrontation, if possible
Tips
- Like humans, bears prefer to avoid confrontation. However, the trails attract bears, so be careful when walking along the trails.
- Make yourself appear strong. The louder and louder you are, the better chance you have of scaring the bear and running away.
- If you see a bear watching the campsite, make a lot of noise to try to scare it away. Report the incident to the appropriate authorities, as the bear may continue to lurk.
- Few people want to use firearms, they even know how to use them. However, this possibility only applies to people who know what they are doing and are in unique situations that could put their lives at risk, if not using a firearm. Those who work in remote areas, such as field biologists, oil explorers, intrepid hikers who like to venture deep into the countryside, and so on, may feel psychologically calm when holding a firearm. If you choose to use a firearm, learn how to use it, make sure the weapon is easily accessible and only used when there are no other options. Comply with all regulations relating to firearms and wildlife protection; use firearms only as a means of self-defense and not as an act of provocation or cruelty. Be aware that firearms have their own dangers and that mishandling has proven to be more lethal than any potential bear attack.
- Many bears don't care about dense, modern settlements. Where there is good food, there the beast will go. You might just not see it because bears are so good at hiding themselves. If visiting a place known for its bears, seek information from locals about safety issues.
- Bears come out at any time of the day or night; don't assume you're safer just because it's daytime. However, bears do prefer to forage at dawn and dusk than during the day. Hiking at night is not recommended in bear territory––there may be bears roaming around and you won't be able to see them. This will increase the potential for unexpected sudden encounters.
- If you are going to visit bear territory, it is highly recommended to practice what you will do when you encounter a bear. Exercise allows the human brain to recognize that there is a series of actions that need to be repeated without thinking (e.g., staying calm, avoiding eye contact, making yourself appear bigger, slowly retreating without running, etc.) and if you find that fear is clearing your mind, at least you have the body memory to do something sensible and possibly increase your chances of survival. Enlist the help of a friend to practice tricks to do when you meet this bear at home before deciding to go down the path.
- If a brown bear approaches you, makes eye contact or looks threatening, be wise to remain calm and submit to its dominance. Brown bears rarely think of humans as food, but there are other reasons to attack. With this in mind, if a bear approaches you, lower yourself slowly into a squatting position and speak slowly to the bear in a calming manner, and as noted above, don't take your eyes off the bear, but don't make eye contact. Don't make sudden movements. Bears are very sensitive to body language and if the animal misinterprets your movements, the bear may attack. Never look like you're challenging a bear! Keep in mind, the bear may feel that it has successfully demonstrated its dominance and walk away.
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Some ways to avoid a bear attack include:
- If you want to walk, hike, or jog, do it with friends. It would be even better in a larger group.
- Never cook in a tent or leave food there; never leave anything smelly in the tent like toothpaste or deodorant.
- Don't let your body smell like a candy store when you're in bear territory. Use perfume, aftershave and body lotion just for a walk in the city.
- Never feed a bear; this action conditions the bear to see humans as feeders and only one small step is needed to make it see humans as food.
- Always report bears caught watching campsites and other get-togethers.
- Do not hike, jog, or walk in bear territory at night.
- Make a lot of noise when in bear territory so as not to startle the bear.
- Release the dog; Dogs can fight bears, even if the fights are never won by dogs.
- Never spray pepper spray on tents, clothing, etc. If you do, the scent of the spray will invite bears to come! The smell that remains will smell like food, so it's only natural that the smell will attract bears. Use the spray only to spray the bear in self-defense.
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Bear location:
- The black bear is native to North America. Bears love forest areas. In the United States, bears are found in forested areas throughout much of the northeast, north midwest, Rocky Mountains region, west coast and Alaska. In the United States, bears appear to be trying to expand their territory or remain in already occupied locations. In Canada, black bears are found in most provinces, although on Prince Edward Island the bear is extinct. Black bears are found in some areas of Mexico, but are endangered. The population ratio of grizzly and black bears is 1:50, but each species is responsible for about half of all bear deaths. That means overall grizzlies are more dangerous than black bears.
- Brown bears prefer semi-open areas, often in mountainous areas, and are found in Eurasia and North America––about 95% of North American brown bears are found in Alaska, while the remainder live along and in the Rocky Mountains, in the western Great Plain and along the upper west coast (grizzly bears can be found inland and on the coast). In Europe there are a number of brown bears in the Pyrenees (nearly extinct), and brown bears can also be found in Sweden, Finland, Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia and Russia.
- The sloth bear is native to the Indian subcontinent. The Indian sloth bear inhabits forest and grassland areas, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. The Sri Lankan sloth bear is only found on the island of Sri Lanka, precisely in the lowland forests. Sloth bears are not very competitive in terms of territory, although sloths are known to leave marks on trees made with claws and teeth. Sloths also leave droppings at the base of the tree. However, marking of trees is very common around the breeding season and may be closely related to the mating process as well as territory claiming.
- And polar bears, fully adapted to snow and ice, are found in the Arctic Circle.
Warning
- Do not try to save the equipment. All of that can be replaced, while you can't.
- Just because Baloo from “The Jungle Book” is a gentle sloth bear, DON'T be fooled! This bear is very dangerous to humans!
- Be aware that the urge to find prey can overwhelm a bear's ability to discriminate between its own pain and/or the threat you pose to it.
- The power of pepper spray decreases over time; check with a shake of the can (two or three laughs means it's still good quality, if it continues to laugh means it's bad quality) and check the expiration date before galloping into bear territory.
- Almost all small bears can climb trees. Larger bears are known to knock down trees.
- Never provoke a bear. Never fight a bear to prove something. Bears injure and kill easily. However, most bears want to avoid confrontation with humans. So if you signal your presence beforehand, don't cut off the bear's escape route or threaten its cubs, and don't provoke it, your chances of not being attacked are much better.
