The bears are out of hibernation, now, and because people either don't understand or don't care about the importance of respecting these animals, the likelihood of a bear attack is high.  So, we want to take some time to teach you a little bit about bears, and show you the physical differences between grizzly and black bears.

Physical Differences:

Dished face profile Long, light coloured claws Short, rounded ears Shoulder hump	Straight face profile Short, dark coloured claws Taller ears No shoulder hump
Grizzly Bear Claw is between 2 and 4 inches long (5 to 10 centimetres)	Black Bear Claw is 11/2 inches long (3.5 centimeters)

How to deal with a bear attack

While the best way to prevent a bear attack is to make lots of noise when you're walking in the woods, there are times when a bear is accidentally surprised. In this situation, if you have bear spray, use it.  If you don't, immediately drop to the ground, lay on your stomach, and play dead.  Use your arms to protect your face, head, and the back of your neck, and remain as still as possible until the bear leaves.  These types of attacks rarely last longer than a few minutes (although it can feel like a lifetime to the victim), so even though you're terrified and in pain, it is absolutely imperative that you remain as still as possible.  You see, if you move, the bear will think you're alive, and it will really start mangling you.  Unlike wolves, coyotes, and other animals, bears don't usually like food that's already dead.

Now, if a bear stalks you (and this has happened, so don't think it can't - and don't think it can't happen to you, because it most certainly can) and then attacks, or if it attacks you at night, the first thing to do is to try to escape to your vehicle, or up a tree or into a building.  If those options aren't immediately available to you, FIGHT FOR ALL YOU'RE WORTH.  Shout as loudly as you can. Use whatever you have to hand that could serve as a weapon - large stick, axe handle, etc - to strike back.  If you have to, throw rocks at it.

These types of attacks are extremely rare, but if they happen, it's because the bear is hungry and it's seeing you as a food source.

If you have a bear encounter...

Bears are solitary, highly intelligent animals who just want to be left alone. They don't want to have people encounters, and they don't like all the camera flashes that come when they do have to deal with humans.  You can be a big help to these animals by following these rules:

1.  When you have a bear encounter, above all, stay calm.  Bears smell fear, and that smell can provoke an attack.

2.  If there are small children around, PICK THEM UP, and make sure you stay in a group.

3.  If you're wearing a back-pack, leave it on.  It can provide protection, if the bear attacks.

4.  Never turn your back on a bear, and never, ever run.  A bear will take that as an indication that you're a food source, and it will attack.

5.  If a bear rears, it's because it's trying to identify you.  Speak calmly but firmly, and remain still.  This will help the bear understand that you're human and not prey.

6.  Leave the area immediately.  If you can't leave immediately, wait until the bear has left the area, and then leave.


Become a Bear Guardian

Becoming a bear guardian is a great step to take towards helping to protect the remaining grizzly and black bears in our national parks. Visit your national parks to find out more about this fantastic program.

Thanks for visiting.  Bear information comes to you courtesy of Banff National Park's Bear Guardian Program.