In the wake of two fatal black bear attacks in Alaska, a Minnesota DNR bear expert says Minnesotans have very little to worry about. Fatal bear attacks in North America have occurred in a variety of settings. In general, if a black bear attacks, it's to eat you. Bear attacks are rare; most bears are only interested in protecting food, cubs, or their space. We've hiked hundreds of miles in the North Carolina mountains and have only seen bears a few times - always running from us! Fearful, unnecessary advice about what to do, or not do, when a person sees a bear is often given by well meaning people. Typically a bear is more afraid of humans. Properly position the bear spray in your hand. If the attack escalates and a black bear (or any bear that appears to have been stalking you) physically contacts you, fight back with anything that is available to you. If they do, fight back with a stick, a backpack, similar available items, or your bare hands. “Punch it, kick it, do everything you can to get that animal off you." Remember that the bear is probably more scared of and startled by you than vice versa. A bear attack is an attack by any mammal of the family Ursidae, on another animal, although it usually refers to bears attacking humans or domestic pets. Use noise to scare bears away: Yell, clap, or bang pots immediately upon sighting a bear near your campsite. It is also important to determine whether the animal is a black bear or a grizzly. Attacks are extremely rare despite what people do. Usually, if a black bear attacks you, it’s an offensive attack." ; Don't: Approach, surround, or corner a bear: Bears aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened. read more If it is a black bear, gather together, stand tall and make lots of noise. If the bear charges, stand your ground (you cannot outrun it). Brown bear incidents have occurred in their native range spanning Alaska, Northern and Western Canada, and portions of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. If you have pepper spray, use it. Get Big and Loud, but Never Run. Stay calm: Walk slowly and speak in a loud and calm voice. Usually, if a black bear attacks you, it’s an offensive attack." But if you do run into a bear, here are some tips. While it may seem odd, a bear on its hind legs may not be aggressive - it may simply be trying to identify what you are. What To Do When Encountering a Black Bear. Black Bear Attacks . Attacks by black bears are extremely rare. Annapolis, Md (KM) Attacks by black bears on humans are very rare, but they do happen. Bears are magnificent creatures and it can be exciting to see one—from an appropriate distance. Speak in a low, confident voice, and avoid screaming or high-pitched sounds. What to do if you encounter a black bear. They have black fur, which looks black, when you see it. Mama bears are very protective. If the bear doesn’t back off and — worst-case scenario — moves in for the attack, “do everything you can to get that animal off you,” Stiver said. However, it’s best to avoid bear encounters, and to know what to do if an encounter happens (keep reading). The department says most black bears shy away from people. “Know what to do when you see a bear. Punch and kick. We can’t be surprised when bears do what they do. Bear attacks are of particular concern for those who are in bear habitats. Compared to polar bears and brown bears, black bears are much less likely to attack. "If you’re attacked, your best defense is to fight back with everything you’ve got,” Stiver said. The attacks I’ve researched aren’t from sick bears, or bears on the edge, they are the result of bears being bears. They are typically more scared of us than we are of them, and will run off if they see a human. Black bears are shy and timid. If a bear approaches, make some noise. Most of the time, a black bear has no interest in engaging with people; the bears that do, more often than not, are those habituated to human garbage or handouts. If a black bear is more than a few yards away, it hardly matters. what to do if bear attacks. Bear Attacks. Be loud, wave your arms, and stand your ground. "If you’re attacked, your best defense is to fight back with everything you’ve got,” Stiver said. There have been several in the bears' wilderness habitats involving hikers, hunters, and campers. Fatal black bear attacks are extremely rare. Do not run from a black bear or play dead if one approaches.” In rare cases, black bears can attack. Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner buy $30M Florida property Nor do mother black bears attack to defend cubs. That's according to Harry Spiker, the State Black Bear Biologist with the Maryland Department … If it’s a grizzly, remain still and calm. Black bears tend to be more timid than grizzlies and fighting back may scare the bear off. If you run into a bear, stay calm and do not run away. Read this post and learn tips on how you can counter bear attacks! Campers’ Tips On What To Do When A Bear Attacks. Black Bear Attacks Are Very Uncommon. Black bears rarely become aggressive when encountered. Offensive black bear attacks are extremely rare and usually occur in remote areas where bears have very little exposure to people. Such attacks mainly happen in Canada and Alaska, according to bear biologists , and solo hikers or people in pairs tend to be targeted rather than groups. Ensure the bear has an easy escape route. Bear attacks are certainly scary, but If you are confronted by a black or grizzly bear, don't panic. Except for polar bears it is not considered “normal” behaviour to attack humans but there are two situations in which both brown bears and black bears are known to attack humans. However, being mentally prepared can help you have the most effective reaction. 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