Bear
Behavior
One of the things that makes Alaska so special is that all three species
of North American bears flourish here. There is a chance that you may
be lucky enough to see a bear. But even if you don't, you will never
be far from one, because Alaska is bear country.
Brown/grizzly bears are found from the islands of southeastern Alaska
to the arctic. Black bears inhabit most of Alaska's forests. Polar bears
frequent the pack ice and tundra of extreme northern and western Alaska.
Bears are curious, intelligent and potentially dangerous animals, but
undue fear of bears can endanger both bears and people. Many bears are
killed each year by people who are afraid of them. Respecting bears and
learning proper behavior in their territory will help so that if you
encounter a bear, neither of you will suffer needlessly from the experience.
Most bears tend to avoid people. In most cases, if you give a bear the
opportunity to do the right thing, it will. Many bears live in Alaska
and many people enjoy the outdoors, but surprisingly few people even
see bears. Only a tiny percentage of those few are ever threatened by
a bear. A study by the state epidemiologist showed that during the first
85 years of this century, only 20 people died in bear attacks in Alaska.
In the 10 years 1975-85, 19 people in Alaska were killed by dogs.
Most people who see a bear in the wild consider it the highlight of their
trip. The presence of these majestic creatures is a reminder of how privileged
we are to share some of the country's dwindling wilderness. |
|
Bears and People
Bears Don't Like Surprises! • If you are hiking through bear country,
make your presence known — especially where the terrain or vegetation
makes it hard to see. Make noise, sing, talk loudly or tie a bell to your
pack. If possible, travel with a group. Groups are noisier and easier for
bears to detect. Avoid thick brush. If you can't, try to walk with the
wind at your back so your scent will warn bears of your presence. Contrary
to popular belief, bears can see almost as well as people, but trust their
noses much more than their eyes or ears. Always let bears know you are
there.
Bears, like humans, use trails and roads. Don't set up camp close to a
trail they might use. Detour around areas where you see or smell carcasses
of fish or animals, or see scavengers congregated. A bear's food may be
there and if the bear is nearby, it may defend the cache aggressively.
Don't Crowd Bears! • Give bears plenty of room. Some bears are more
tolerant than others, but every bear has a personal “space” — the
distance within which a bear feels threatened. If you stray within that
zone, a bear may react aggressively. When photographing bears, use long
lenses; getting close for a great shot could put you inside the danger
zone.
Bears Are Always Looking for Something to Eat! • Bears have only about
six months to build up fat reserves for their long winter hibernation.
Don't let them learn human food or garbage is an easy meal. It is both
foolish and illegal to feed bears, either on purpose or by leaving food
or garbage that attracts them.
Cook away from your tent. Store all food away from your campsite. Hang
food out of reach of bears if possible. If no trees are available, store
your food in airtight or specially designed bear-proof containers. Remember,
pets and their food may also attract bears.
Keep a clean camp. Wash your dishes. Avoid smelly food like bacon and smoked
fish. Keep food smells off your clothing. Burn garbage completely in a
hot fire and pack out the remains. Food and garbage are equally attractive
to a bear so treat them with equal care. Burying garbage is a waste of
time. Bears have keen noses and are great diggers.
If a bear approaches while you are fishing, stop fishing. If you have a
fish on your line, don't let it splash. If that's not possible, cut your
line. If a bear learns it can obtain fish just by approaching fishermen,
it will return for more.
Close Encounters: What to do
If you see a bear, avoid it if you can. Give the bear every opportunity
to avoid you. If you do encounter a bear at close distance, remain calm.
Attacks are rare. Chances are, you are not in danger. Most bears are interested
only in protecting food, cubs, or their “personal space.” Once
the threat is removed, they will move on. Remember the following:
Identify Yourself • Let the bear know you are human. Talk to the bear
in a normal voice. Wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you. If a bear
cannot tell what you are, it may come closer or stand on its hind legs
to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not
threatening. You may try to back away slowly diagonally, but if the bear
follows, stop and hold your ground.
Don't Run • You can't outrun a bear. They have been clocked at speeds
up to 35 mph, and like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. Bears often
make bluff charges, sometimes to within 10 feet of their adversary, without
making contact. Continue waving your arms and talking to the bear. If the
bear gets too close, raise your voice and be more aggressive. Bang pots
and pans. Use noisemakers. Never imitate bear sounds or make a high-pitched
squeal.
If Attacked • If a bear actually makes contact, you have two choices:
play dead or fight back. The best choice depends on whether the bear is
reacting defensively or is seeking food. Play dead if you are attacked
by a grizzly bear you have surprised, encountered on a carcass, or any
female bear that seems to be protecting cubs. Lie flat on your stomach,
or curl up in a ball with your hands behind your neck. Typically, a bear
will break off its attack once it feels the threat has been eliminated.
Remain motionless for as long as possible. If you move, and the bear sees
of hears you, it may return and renew its attack. Rarely, lone black bears
or grizzlies may perceive a person as potential food. Fight any bear that
follows you or breaks into a tent or building. Fight any black bear regardless
of circumstances.
Protection
Firearms should never be used as an alternative to common-sense approaches
to bear encounters. If you are inexperienced with a firearm in emergency
situations, you are more likely to be injured by a gun than a bear. It
is illegal to carry firearms in some of Alaska's national parks, so check
before you go.
A .300-Magnum rifle or a 12-gauge shotgun with rifled slugs are appropriate
weapons if you have to shoot a bear. Heavy handguns such as a .44-Magnum
may be inadequate in emergency situations, especially in untrained hands.
State law allows a bear to be shot in self-defense if you did not provoke
the attack and if there is no alternative. But the hide and skull must
be salvaged and turned over to the authorities.
Defensive aerosol sprays which contain capsicum (red pepper extract) have
been used with some success for protection against bears. These sprays
may be effective at a range of 6-8 yards. If discharged upwind or in a
vehicle, they can disable the user. Take appropriate precautions. If you
carry a spray can, keep it handy and know how to use it. |
Note: Female bears can be fierce defenders of their
young. Getting between a female and her cubs is a serious mistake.
A female bear may respond aggressively to any threat she perceives
to her cubs. |
In Summary
- Avoid surprising bears at close distance; look
for signs of bears and make plenty of noise.
- Avoid crowding bears; respect their “personal
space.”
- Avoid attracting bears through improper handling
of food or garbage.
- Plan ahead, stay calm, identify yourself, don't
run.
In most cases, bears are not a threat, but they
do deserve your respect and attention. When traveling in bear country,
keep alert and enjoy the opportunity to see these magnificent animals
in their natural habitat.
|
The text of this document was excerpted and adapted from a
brochure, Bear Facts, produced by ADF&G in cooperation
with other state and federal agencies, and is not protected by copyrights
belonging to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. |