CAMPOLOGY

General

A Grizzly or Brown Bear can be distinguished from its Polar and Black Bear cousins by its distinctive muscular shoulder hump and large curved front claws. If you see a bear and it hasn't seen you, quickly and calmly leave the area.

An Encounter  

Consider the following:

• Talk calmly and firmly to the bear,
• Do not show fear, 
• Pick up children - prevent them from running or screaming,
• Restrain your dog, 
• Back away slowly while facing the bear,
• Avoid direct eye contact - bears may perceive this as a threat,
• Give the bear plenty of room to escape, 
• Do not run - running could provoke the bear to give chase, and you can't outrun a bear, 
• If the bear stands up - it's not going to attack, but is curious and wants a better sniff or view,
• If you climb a tree - keep in mind that a Grizzly can reach 3 metres up a tree while standing, and although not good climbers, they have been known to ascend an odd tree,
• If the bear makes puffing or chomping sounds, slaps the ground or brush - it likely feels threatened, 
• Be sure to avoid getting close to any cubs or a fresh kill.

The Bear Becomes Aggressive

Consider the following:

• Stand your ground,
• Make yourself as large as possible,
• Prepare to use a bear deterrent - pepper sprays, noisemakers and flares, 
• The bear may attempt a bluff charge  and veer away or stop at the last moment - use your bear deterrent,
• Bear sprays are most effective at close range - aim at the face of the bear.

The Bear Attacks

Consider the following:

• Play dead - curl into a ball on your side, with your hands clasped behind your head, pulling you're knees toward your face in order to protect your vital organs,
• Lay still and try not to scream or fight back, 
• The attack should stop if the bear no longer perceives you as a threat, 
• If the bear is still in the area - continue to play dead. 
• When the bear has left the area - quickly leave the area, 
• If the mauling continues - this is likely a predatory attack and you have been selected as dinner  - so fight back.  Launch a strong counter attack and fight for your life! Kick, punch and hit the bear with whatever weapon is available. Concentrate your attack on the face, eyes and nose.