Geo-Hazards: Bears
For the most part, I’m very comfortable outdoors. Having worked with snakes in the past, I have a healthy respect for them. I understand enough about wolf and coyote biology not to fear these predators–that is if you’re likely to see one, much less get close to one. Bears, on the other hand, I fear.
We were hiking once in a state park not horribly far from our house. It was maybe two or three hours away. We decided to hike one of the trails. I remember trying to enjoy the hike. It led to a delightful cabin that could be rented. The woods were beautiful. We didn’t encounter anyone else on the trail. A perfect hike.
Yet, all through the hike, I kept looking over my shoulder, listening for a twig snap or growl. We were in bear country, you see. This was my first time walking where bears were known to be found. I was petrified. I suppose it had something to do with a book I read years ago called Grizzly Bear by Thomas McNamee. To this day, one sentence I read still haunts me. It said that if a bear follow you up a tree, kiss your ass good-bye.
So, how do you prevent being bear bait? First, don’t act like bait. Don’t run if you encounter a bear. Don’t try and get close to a bear. Keep your distance. Certainly, don’t walk in the woods smelling like lunch. Do not hike in bear country in the clothes you wore when cooking.
Don’t surprise bears. Bears don’t like surprises. Wear a bell or whistle to make your presence known. If you encounter a bear while walking, stay upwind of it so it catches your sense. There’s nothing worse than a curious bear.
If you meet a bear on the trail, try not to panic. Most encounters result in nothing. Be cautious, especially in remote areas. Solo bears pose the greatest risk of predatory behavior. Always give the bear an escape route. A cornered animal is most dangerous. With black bears, stand your ground. Make yourself appear large. Assuming a fetal position will only invite investigation.
For grizzly bears, try and leave the way you came, avoiding eye contact. Eye contact is viewed as confrontational to a bear. if it attacks, assume the fetal position.
As per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife recommendations, carry pepper spray while hiking in bear country. It is more likely to give you the precious time you need to escape. Unless you are a marksman, a gun will offer less protection.
Avoiding a bear encounter is common sense. Don’t do anything to attract a bear nor try and seek out a bear. Keep a respectful distance from there and you’re more likely to have a story to tell rather than being the story.
I have always had the same fear of bears when hiking in known bear country. One can’t help be feel a little vulnerable.
Strangely enough, my first close encounter with a black bear while hiking this summer, wiped away some of those uncomfortable feelings. While I still deeply respect, and take every precaution when hiking in bear country, the experience made me realize how bears generally want nothing to do with us either.
November 27th, 2009 at 4:19 pm.-= JP´s last blog ..Epic Summer Road Trip – Day 2 Ketchup and Superman =-.
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December 19th, 2009 at 4:38 pm