How to Escape From a Bear

There is nothing quite as fantastic as seeing a bear in its element, in the great outdoors. However, an amazing wilderness experience can quickly turn bad if that same bear gets too close. Fortunately, human attacks are rare, and while coming face to face with these large and powerful creatures may seem like a deadly experience, you can escape if you play your cards right.

Things You'll Need

  • Tree branches, clothing or other object to make you look bigger
  • Object for throwing (rocks, sticks, pots, pans)
  • Bear spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand up tall and straight, even if the bear is coming towards you. Look as large as possible, lifting your arms and holding tree branches or clothing to make you seem larger than life. Do not run, rather back away slowly as you wave your arms and shout in a loud, confident voice.

    • 2

      Keep the bear in sight, but do not look him directly in the eyes. Avoid playing dead, crouching or showing fear and vulnerability unless the bear seems more curious than predatory. Stand your ground, as most bear attacks are more an attempt to scare you than to hurt you. The majority of bears will get bored or scared and turn around before causing you harm.

    • 3

      Play dead only if the bear seems curious and not hungry. Additionally, if you have done something to cause the bear to attack in self defense, playing dead can be a good approach. Lie flat on your stomach and place your hands and arms around your neck and face for protection. Use your body strength to try to avoid getting flipped over; however, do not struggle, wiggle or give away the fact that you are actually alive. In most cases, the bear will become bored and go away and you can escape unharmed.

    • 4

      Hit the bear with anything you've got if playing dead is not an option. Use rocks, sticks, pots and pans and even your fists if necessary. Humans are not generally prey for bears and most bears which attack a human do so because they are young, injured or starving and will easily be scared away. As you are throwing objects, walk backwards slowly.

    • 5

      Escape from a bear by temporarily blinding him with bear spray. While you will need to wait until the bear is 15 or 20 feet away from you, a direct spray to the eyes will give you plenty of time to run away.