If You Encounter a Bear

Last Review/Updated: July 9, 2002

There are no hard and fast rules about what to do when you confront a bear. Bears react to humans in different ways in different situations: depending on the bear's sex, age, health, the season, whether the bear is hungry, whether bear cubs are present, or there is an escape route available to the bear. Never harass or chase a bear!

On the Trail

Bear encounters on the trail can be dangerous, especially if the bear is surprised or if it is a sow with cubs. The bear may consider you a threat and either run away or attempt to remove you as a threat. If you encounter a bear on a trail,

  • Stop! Try to stay calm and quiet. Do not make any sudden moves or loud noises! Avoid direct eye contact with the bear!
  • Size up the situation. Is it a black bear or a grizzly? Are there cubs, and where are they in relation to you and the bear? Where is the rest of your party? (Stay together as a group. A group of people is less likely to be attacked than an individual.)
  • Do not run from the bear! You cannot out run it!
  • Talk quietly and slowly back up; give the bear enough time and room to leave on its own. Look for and climb a suitable tree if you have room and the time to do so. Get at least 4 metres (13 feet) off the ground. If the bear continues to move toward you, drop any personal items to distract the bear. However, hold on to large objects, such as a backpack, that could be used as a weapon in case of a predatory attack (see In Case of Attack).
  • If the bear keeps coming at you, climb the tree as high as you can. Remember, some grizzlies and all black bears can climb trees; but you climbing a tree may cause the bear to feel less threatened.
  • In Case of Attack

In Case of Attack

  • Do not run from the bear. You cannot out run it. A bear will often make a "bluff" charge, in which it turns away at the last moment. Running away from such a charge will trigger a more aggressive attack.
  • If the bear presses the attack, spray bear ("pepper") aerosol in the animal's eyes. This may cause the bear to stop the attack, and give you an opportunity to escape.
    (Note: the spray can must be kept on your person within easy reach or it will not be of use. Also, bear spray is not a repellant, but a weapon that is only effective in the animal's eyes and nose. It will not repel bears from a sprayed area. [In fact, there is evidence to suggest that bears are attracted to objects covered with pepper spray.] Read the instructions, understand how to use the spray, and test it to be sure of its range and accuracy.)
  • If no escape is possible and the bear has knocked you to the ground—roll yourself into a "cannonball" position and play dead. Cover your neck and head with your hands and arms. Stay in this tucked position until the bear leaves.
  • If a black bear is attacking you, or you are attacked at night by either species, consider it a predatory attack and fight back with everything you have!
Bear attacks are rare in Alberta. But, remember, bears can be part of any outdoors experience and you may encounter them while hiking and camping. Please respect the bears' right to their home wherever you find them.

In Camp

Bears entering a camp may be coming to feed on human food and garbage, based on their past experiences in camps. Such bears are especially dangerous because they no longer fear people. If your campsite is clean with all attractants properly stored, a bear may lose interest and move on (see Safety while Camping).

If a bear comes into your camp, keep in mind the points in On the Trail and if your vehicle is nearby, get in it as soon as possible.