Sidebar by Lynda La Rocca
Wildlife – August 2006 – Colorado Central Magazine
Close encounters of the black bear kind:
Experts agree that people crossing paths with black bears should expect the unexpected.
Most bears know we’re there long before we’re aware of them. And those not conditioned to humans and human food will simply leave the area at the first glimpse of us.
But when a bear doesn’t have time to flee, the Colorado Division of Wildlife recommends the following:
Stay calm. If the bear hasn’t seen you, change your route and move away. As you move, alert the bear of your presence by speaking aloud. If the bear has seen you, speak softly to it but avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived as a threat.
Do not run or make sudden movements. Humans cannot outpace black bears, which can run in bursts up to 35 mph. Running may also prompt a bear to give chase. If a bear approaches, continue to face the animal while backing away slowly.
Do not climb a tree. Black bears are expert climbers. And climbing may prompt a bear to try to pull you out of the tree.
A black bear that approaches or stands upright is not necessarily aggressive; it may just be trying to detect scent in the air. Bears that charge to within several feet of a perceived threat may be equally non-aggressive. This behavior is often nothing more than an intimidation tactic (and a very effective one, at that).
Fight back, should a black bear actually attack. Use fists, rocks, sticks, binoculars, pepper spray, or whatever you’ve got. You may be able to drive it away.
–LLR
[Editor’s note] But if you’re traveling in a region with grizzlies (for example, Alaska, Montana, or the Canadian Rockies) know the difference and remember that grizzlies are more aggressive and therefore different safety tactics are recommended. For example, black bears almost always retreat if you fight back, but grizzlies often get more riled. Black bears sometimes see passivity as an opportunity, and although it’s extremely rare, may try to eat sleeping or comatose humans; whereas grizzlies like their prey fresh and lively…. Thus, before you camp in grizzly territory, we recommend you check out local safety information.
