How to Prevent a Bear Attack

It's possible that you won't be able to say that for a long time. What should you do if your number is called? Do you remember your Boy Scout or Girl Scout training? If you find yourself in a bear encounter, here are a few tips from the National Park Service.

Do you know who you are? The N.P.S. recommends calmly talking to the bear to give it the chance to identify you as a human and not a prey animal. If you're at a loss for a conversation starter, you can use one of these hypothetical questions. Stand your ground and wave your arms slowly. Don't freak out if it comes closer or stands on its hind legs, it's just trying to get a better look at you.

Don't freak out. The N.P.S. says that bears want to be left alone. They try to get themselves out of the encounter, but you have to stay calm. Talking to the bear in low tones will help keep it calm, whereas a scream or sudden movement can cause an attack.

Move away slowly. If there are two things you don't want to do when faced with a bear, it's turning your back and making sudden movements. If you want to avoid getting attacked, you need to make humans move sideways as non-threatening as possible. By doing this, you can avoid tripping or falling over, and you can keep an eye on the bear.

Don't run. If you face the bear, now is not the time to run. Bears can travel up to 35 miles per hour. Bolt couldn't outrun that.

Don't climb a tree. I don't want to break it to you, but bears can climb faster than you. If your plan was to abandon the ground in favor of higher altitudes, you will end up in a corner where a bear can easily climb up and get to you.