What should I do if I see a bear while hiking?
Dr. Colin Little
MD, FAWM, Chief Medical Officer, GOES Health
If you see a bear while hiking, stay calm, do not run, slowly back away while talking in a calm voice, and make yourself appear larger by slowly raising your arms above your head. Most bears want to avoid humans and will leave the area if they detect your presence [1]. Talk to the bear in low, calm tones to identify yourself as human, not prey. Never run, as bears can reach speeds up to 35 mph and running may trigger their chase instinct [2].
Make yourself appear larger and slowly back away. Raise your arms above your head or hold your jacket over your head to appear bigger. Back away slowly while facing the bear, giving it plenty of space to escape [1]. If you're with others, stay together as a group and pick up small children immediately [2].
Be prepared to use bear spray if the bear approaches. Bear spray is 92% effective at stopping aggressive bear behavior and should be deployed when a bear is within 30 feet and approaching [3]. Keep your bear spray easily accessible on your belt, never in your backpack. If attacked by a black bear, fight back vigorously, but if attacked by a grizzly bear, play dead by lying flat on your stomach with hands protecting your neck [2].
References:
[1] National Park Service. (2020). Staying Safe Around Bears.