[Re-published from July 21, 2021]
I can't help being concerned that irresponsible misinformation is so widely dispensed. As a hiker/ naturalist BCer for whom encountering bears - in the wilderness & at home - is an almost daily summer occurrence, I feel the need to set the record straight.. & hopefully prevent any more unnecessary attacks!
First, let's debunk the most obvious falsehood making the rounds: the "make-lots-of-noise-to-scare-off-a-bear-as-soon-as-you-spot-one" approach. In my experience, this tactic is much likelier to provoke a bear attack than anything! This is borne out in at least one recently-reported attack on a camper, who when questioned afterward said they "did the right thing & made lots of noise by banging on pots & pans" when they saw the bear. Luckily they weren't harmed. But if they hadn't followed such bad advice in the first place, chances are the encounter would have been uneventful.
Making yourself visible to a bear - without making unnecessary noise - is, I've found, the best & easiest way to ensure any encounters with bears are incident-free. Usually bears will either keep doing what they're doing, or turn & amble off in the opposite direction as soon as they see you.
It helps to know that bears are considered 'apex predators' (although black bears - most often seen here - are the shyest & least predatory of all bears). Which brings us to the next misconception rattled off in the rags: that mama bears are especially vicious with their young in tow. Of course mama bears are protective of their cubs. But unlike prey mammals (eg. deer/ mice) bears live a relatively threat-free existence; hence their laid-back demeanor. That doesn't mean a mama won't lash out if you try to approach and/or lure one of her roly-poly cuddle-cubs (which is not only illegal; it's dumb AF!) But as long as you keep to yourself, you won't be seen as a threat.
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Bears' biggest threat is habitat loss by human industries like logging, as they need intact old-growth forests to thrive & hibernate in dens over winter. Join groups like Wilderness Committee & Sierra Club & Wildlife Foundation to help campaign our govts to prioritize BC nature & #SaveOldGrowth & #SpeciesAtRisk+++. & vote for the party that serves peops not pulluters: i.e. GREENS. (The rest are corrupt/ criminal)
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Another thing to remember is that bears are omnivores, so they'll get used to eating whatever's most abundant & available - including human food, unfortch. It's sad when people think it's OK to offer food to wild bears - despite being repeatedly WARNED NOT TO FEED WILDLIFE. Inadvertently (by leaving garbage accessible/ BBQs uncleaned etc.) or not, feeding wildlife can quickly turn them into nuisances, & more likely to be killed by authorities.
So it's CRITICAL to keep your home & yard free from food, scraps or waste - & to NEVER offer food to a bear: once they equate humans with reliable food sources, they lose their fear of people & will return to the same spot yearly to forage, often becoming aggressive when defending food.
You can find out more fascinating facts about these solitary creatures here:
treehugger.com/surprising-facts-about-black-bears
If you DO startle a bear at close range (uncommon, as their hearing is better than ours - & with their excellent vision they'll probably see you first & will likely lumber away) DON'T make lots of noise - that may provoke her! It's best to STAY CALM & let her wander off. If she doesn't, or moves toward you, don't panic. Back out of her way, while talking in a low steady voice & facing her the whole time.. without making a fuss!
Bears are experts at sensing fear & threats: as long as you don't run at it or start screaming or some other startling behavior, bears will in most cases go about their business & ignore you (unless you have unwrapped food on you - NOT recommended!) Chances are, they've a date with a berry bush/ mulberry tree top of mind & won't be easily deterred: give it a wide berth/ get outa the way & you should be OK!
After countless positive encounters with bears, I can vouch for these tips to ensure your (& bears') safety here in Bear Country:
(a) REMAIN CALM at all times.
(b) Remember you're in their territory (even at home), so be aware & respectful always - of ALL wildlife. If you have fruit trees they can access, leave them alone if you don't mind bears on your property (you can't blame them for finding their very fave desserts to eat!) Believe me, coexisting is your least stressful option - & bonus: they're fun to watch from afar.
(c) When on hikes/ walks in the woods, never stray from designated paths & walkways. Talk in a normal voice to alert bears of your presence. Just like you, bears can find loud obtrusive noises irritating, esp. around their young. From their p.o.v. the goal is to silence the noise - by attacking it!
(d) Just because a bear lumbers away on first seeing you, doesn't mean it's afraid: it's instinctual. So if you try & intimidate a bear by confronting it/ imitating it/ roaring loudly/ standing up to it (as some dumb sites advise) the bear may take your behavior as a challenge/ threat, & be provoked to attack!
(e) Keep all food well-wrapped, & use bear-proof bins & garbage cans outdoors. At home, decommission bird feeders & bring indoors until fall, when bears go to hibernate over winter.
(f) The main thing to keep in mind is: yes bears are bigger & stronger than you, but their chief concerns are food (& more food) & their own families. As long as you don't deter their access/ attention to either, there's no need to freak when encountering bears - say hi & move on.. & they'll likely do the same (even acknowledge you with a lazy 'wassap' nod before resuming as before)🌳
(g) DON'T push your luck by trying to get a snapshot if it's close enough to lunge at you/ your camera: you're still a potential intruder in its space! Best to keep your distance when photographing these gorgeous critters - you can always ZOOM IN. Or wait until next time, when you're more prepared.
