BEAR SAFETY AND SURVIVAL IN ALASKA

BEAR SAFETY AND SURVIVAL IN ALASKA

BEAR SAFETY AND SURVIVAL IN ALASKA

RC “Bear” HarropFRA G 4

U. S. ARMY, ALASKA

RC “Bear” HarropFRA G 4

U. S. ARMY, ALASKA

Hiking,Camping

and Bears

OH MY!!!!

Hiking,Camping

and Bears

OH MY!!!!

Goals

• Trip Planning

• SAR or Trip Report

• Buddy System • Bear Safety

Tents are not bullet proof and wont keep bears out

Tents are not bullet proof and wont keep bears out

The claw of a bear can rip thought a sea lion skin

several inches thick

The claw of a bear can rip thought a sea lion skin

several inches thick

• This had to hurt • This had to hurt

This bear paid the ultimate price for it’s

attack

This bear paid the ultimate price for it’s

attack

A Skull is Designed to Protect the Brain.

It works for the most

part !

A Skull is Designed to Protect the Brain.

It works for the most

part !

Safe Trip PlanningSafe Trip Planning• NEVER GO ALONE ,

• Remember the rule of “3’s”: travel in groups of three or more: people, boats or machines.

• Fill out a SAR or trip report and give to a responsible person.

• NEVER GO ALONE ,

• Remember the rule of “3’s”: travel in groups of three or more: people, boats or machines.

• Fill out a SAR or trip report and give to a responsible person.

Safe Trip PlanningSafe Trip Planning• Make sure that you and your

equipment is in good condition.• Take adequate survival gear.

• Remember the “1/3rd Rule” – 1/3rd of your fuel, food, or energy

to get you there – 1/3rd to get yourself out/back – 1/3rd for being lost/ screw ups

• Make sure that you and your equipment is in good condition.

• Take adequate survival gear.

• Remember the “1/3rd Rule” – 1/3rd of your fuel, food, or energy

to get you there – 1/3rd to get yourself out/back – 1/3rd for being lost/ screw ups

SAR Trip ReportSAR Trip Report• Fill out SAR Prevention Travel Form • Make sure that someone knows:

– Where you are going and what route

– When you plan on being back– What equipment you have– Who & how many are in the party– Who to call if you don’t return on

time

• Fill out SAR Prevention Travel Form • Make sure that someone knows:

– Where you are going and what route

– When you plan on being back– What equipment you have– Who & how many are in the party– Who to call if you don’t return on

time

Signaling DeviceSignaling Device

• ELTs Emergency Location Transmitters

• Whistles• Flares• Signal panels• Mirror• Radio or Cell phone (caution in most

areas in Alaska they don’t work)

• ELTs Emergency Location Transmitters

• Whistles• Flares• Signal panels• Mirror• Radio or Cell phone (caution in most

areas in Alaska they don’t work)

Bear Safety in Alaska Bear Safety in Alaska

Bear’s live in Alaska Bear’s live in Alaska

• In general they avoid people • Most people will live in Alaska

for years and never see one. • If you go out in the wilderness

you may see one. • Knowing what to do is critical • Running from bears can get

you killed or mauled.

• In general they avoid people • Most people will live in Alaska

for years and never see one. • If you go out in the wilderness

you may see one. • Knowing what to do is critical • Running from bears can get

you killed or mauled.

Bear information Bear information

• Bears do have relatively good vision.

• They more then compensate for any lack of vision with their sense of smell.

• They can smell even small pieces of candy or food in your tent miles away.

• Bears do have relatively good vision.

• They more then compensate for any lack of vision with their sense of smell.

• They can smell even small pieces of candy or food in your tent miles away.

BEARS AT A GLANCEBEARS AT A GLANCE

• Adult bears vary in weight from 125 to 850 pounds or more

• Male bears are usually larger than females of the same age.

• When on all four legs, black bears measure about three feet high at the shoulders and when upright on their hind legs, they may approach five to six feet tall.

• Adult bears vary in weight from 125 to 850 pounds or more

• Male bears are usually larger than females of the same age.

• When on all four legs, black bears measure about three feet high at the shoulders and when upright on their hind legs, they may approach five to six feet tall.

BEARS AT A GLANCEBEARS AT A GLANCE

• Brown bears may measure 3.5-4.5 feet at the shoulder and 6 to 8 feet tall.

• Bears are known to live up to 20+ years of age in the wild.

• They are very agile, good swimmers, climb trees very well, and can run at speeds in excess of 35 mph.

• Brown bears may measure 3.5-4.5 feet at the shoulder and 6 to 8 feet tall.

• Bears are known to live up to 20+ years of age in the wild.

• They are very agile, good swimmers, climb trees very well, and can run at speeds in excess of 35 mph.

How to Distinguish Between a Black and a Brown Bear. Color and size are not reliable indicators of species. The black color varies widely from blonde to light brown to brown, cinnamon, rust, or black. The color of brown (grizzly) bears varies from blonde to light brown to black, with brown or reddish hairs interspersed.

Brown bears are, on average, larger than black bears, a large male black bear may be larger than a young female brown bear.

How to Distinguish Between a Black and a Brown Bear. Color and size are not reliable indicators of species. The black color varies widely from blonde to light brown to brown, cinnamon, rust, or black. The color of brown (grizzly) bears varies from blonde to light brown to black, with brown or reddish hairs interspersed.

Brown bears are, on average, larger than black bears, a large male black bear may be larger than a young female brown bear.

• black bears males, 130-660 pounds females, 90-175 pounds 2.5-3 feet tall at shoulder

• black bears males, 130-660 pounds females, 90-175 pounds 2.5-3 feet tall at shoulder

• brown bears males, 300-860 pounds females, 205-455 pounds 3.5-4 feet tall at shoulder

• brown bears males, 300-860 pounds females, 205-455 pounds 3.5-4 feet tall at shoulder

Bear and Human conflicts in AK 1960-2002

Bear and Human conflicts in AK 1960-2002

Black VS Brown Attacks Black VS Brown Attacks

Reason for ConflictReason for Conflict

Injury ClassesInjury Classes

Safety in NumbersSafety in Numbers

• The larger your group is, the less risk of a bear attacking.

• Stay together as a group, particularly if visibility is poor.

• The larger your group is, the less risk of a bear attacking.

• Stay together as a group, particularly if visibility is poor.

Safety in NumbersSafety in Numbers

Hiking,Camping and Bears OH MY!

• Buddy System• Rules to Follow

– Stay Together– Bears Don’t like Surprises– Don’t Crowd Them

In Bear CountryIn Bear Country• Stay Alert

• Use your ears, eyes, and even your nose to detect the presence of a bear.

• The sooner you are aware of the bear, the more time you and the bear will have to react appropriately.

• Be Visible, Make Noise

• A surprise encounter with a bear is dangerous and can be life threatening.

• Stay Alert

• Use your ears, eyes, and even your nose to detect the presence of a bear.

• The sooner you are aware of the bear, the more time you and the bear will have to react appropriately.

• Be Visible, Make Noise

• A surprise encounter with a bear is dangerous and can be life threatening.

Be Visible, Make NoiseBe Visible, Make Noise• However, you can reduce the potential for such

encounters. – Avoid surprises by traveling in open areas with

good visibility.– Make noise as you walk, particularly in thick

brush, or when rounding a blind corner.– Talk, clap, and sing.

• Be extra alert in windy conditions or near noisy streams or beaches that may mask your sounds.

• When possible, travel with the wind at your back.

• Safety in Numbers

• However, you can reduce the potential for such encounters. – Avoid surprises by traveling in open areas with

good visibility.– Make noise as you walk, particularly in thick

brush, or when rounding a blind corner.– Talk, clap, and sing.

• Be extra alert in windy conditions or near noisy streams or beaches that may mask your sounds.

• When possible, travel with the wind at your back.

• Safety in Numbers

What Should You Do if You

Encounter a Bear?

What Should You Do if You

Encounter a Bear?

Defensive Bear EncountersDefensive Bear Encounters• Defensive behaviors arise when bears are defending

food or female bears are defending their offspring.

• Defensive encounters usually occur suddenly and at close distances.

• Defensive behavior may include snorting, huffing, jaw popping, and charging.

• If you note any of these behaviors STOP AND STAND YOUR GROUND. Your safety lies in calming the bear.

• Talk calmly to the bear; move slowly away diagonally if the bear is stationary. Continue to monitor the bear as you move from the area.

• Defensive behaviors arise when bears are defending food or female bears are defending their offspring.

• Defensive encounters usually occur suddenly and at close distances.

• Defensive behavior may include snorting, huffing, jaw popping, and charging.

• If you note any of these behaviors STOP AND STAND YOUR GROUND. Your safety lies in calming the bear.

• Talk calmly to the bear; move slowly away diagonally if the bear is stationary. Continue to monitor the bear as you move from the area.

If the Bear Renews its Advance STOP

If the Bear Renews its Advance STOP

• Stand your ground again. Talk calmly to

the bear.

• If the bear charges remain non-threatening and stand your ground. Most charges do not end in contact.

• Now is the time to use bear pepper spray if you have it!

• Stand your ground again. Talk calmly to

the bear.

• If the bear charges remain non-threatening and stand your ground. Most charges do not end in contact.


What if the Bear Makes Contact During a Defensive Encounter?What if the Bear Makes Contact During a Defensive Encounter?

• IF IT IS A BROWN BEAR, PLAY DEAD:– Lie face down with your hands clasped

behind your neck and legs spread apart so the bear can’t turn you over. Do not move until the bear leaves the area.

– If the attack is prolonged and the brown bear begins to feed on you, fight back vigorously!

– The encounter has now likely changed from a defensive one to a predatory one.

• IF IT IS A BROWN BEAR, PLAY DEAD:– Lie face down with your hands clasped

behind your neck and legs spread apart so the bear can’t turn you over. Do not move until the bear leaves the area.

– If the attack is prolonged and the brown bear begins to feed on you, fight back vigorously!

– The encounter has now likely changed from a defensive one to a predatory one.

What if the Bear Makes Contact During a Defensive Encounter?What if the Bear Makes Contact During a Defensive Encounter?

• IF IT IS A BLACK BEAR, – DO NOT PLAY DEAD:– Fight back vigorously!

• NEVER PLAY DEAD WITH A BLACK BEAR! Most black bear attacks are predatory.

• FIGHT ANY BEAR THAT ATTEMPTS TO ENTER YOUR TENT!!!!

• IF IT IS A BLACK BEAR, – DO NOT PLAY DEAD:– Fight back vigorously!

• NEVER PLAY DEAD WITH A BLACK BEAR! Most black bear attacks are predatory.

• FIGHT ANY BEAR THAT ATTEMPTS TO ENTER YOUR TENT!!!!

Non-defensive Bear Encounters


• If the bear is aware of you and either looking or not looking at you, or moving steadily along a route, this can be considered non-defensive behavior.





• What if you are hiking or kayaking and you encounter a non-defensive bear?– Change your course to avoid the bear.– Increase your distance from the bear – Stay alert to the bear’s where about.


• What if you are hiking or kayaking and you encounter a non-defensive bear?– Change your course to avoid the bear.– Increase your distance from the bear – Stay alert to the bear’s where about.

If the Bear Continues to Approach

If the Bear Continues to Approach

• Stand your ground and remain assertive.

• If a bear charges you stand your ground and remain assertive.

• Make yourself look big. Most non-defensive charges do not end in contact.


• If the bear makes contact fight back vigorously! This is likely a predatory attack.

• Kick, punch, or hit the bear’s face, eyes and nose.

• Stand your ground and remain assertive.

• If a bear charges you stand your ground and remain assertive.

• Make yourself look big. Most non-defensive charges do not end in contact.


• If the bear makes contact fight back vigorously! This is likely a predatory attack.

• Kick, punch, or hit the bear’s face, eyes and nose.

What if you are camping, cooking, or eating and you

encounter a non-defensive bear?

What if you are camping, cooking, or eating and you

encounter a non-defensive bear?

• Keep all of your gear under your direct control.

• Make sure the bear is aware of your presence. Talk calmly to the bear .

• Stand your ground!

• If you are in a group, stay together without blocking the bear’s route.

• If the bear is not focused on you allow the bear to pass peacefully.

• If the bear approaches and is focused on you, – Stand together and elevate your defensive actions by

shouting, yelling, and waving your arms. Do not retreat from the bear.

– Use noisemakers like air horns or bang pots and pans.


• Make sure the bear is aware of your presence. Talk calmly to the bear .

• Stand your ground!

• If you are in a group, stay together without blocking the bear’s route.

• If the bear is not focused on you allow the bear to pass peacefully.

• If the bear approaches and is focused on you, – Stand together and elevate your defensive actions by

shouting, yelling, and waving your arms. Do not retreat from the bear.

– Use noisemakers like air horns or bang pots and pans.

Avoid BearsAvoid Bears

• If possible change your course to avoid the bear or move out of the area slowly.

• Never approach a bear, even from your boat or kayak.

• Approaching bears is dangerous and can cause undue stress and disturbance to the bear increasing the risk of attack.

• Store Food Properly

• Keep all food and scented items under your immediate control.

• If possible change your course to avoid the bear or move out of the area slowly.

• Never approach a bear, even from your boat or kayak.

• Approaching bears is dangerous and can cause undue stress and disturbance to the bear increasing the risk of attack.

• Store Food Properly

• Keep all food and scented items under your immediate control.

Camping

• Pick a GOOD Camp Site!• Make Your Presence Known• DON’T SMELL LIKE FOOD!

Camp Site

• NO FOOD IN THE SLEEPING AREA– Remove ANYTHING that SMELLS

like FOOD

• Cook, Clean away from Sleeping Area

• Hang Your Food!

Choosing Your Camp SiteChoosing Your Camp Site• When choosing your tent site

– Avoid areas frequented by bears– Camping in travel corridors

• River corridors • Trails

– Do not camp in the intertidal zone.

• Do not pursue or harass bears for the sake of a close encounter or photograph, either on land or from your watercraft.

• Cooking and Storing Food

• When choosing your tent site – Avoid areas frequented by bears– Camping in travel corridors

• River corridors • Trails

– Do not camp in the intertidal zone.

• Do not pursue or harass bears for the sake of a close encounter or photograph, either on land or from your watercraft.

• Cooking and Storing Food

Minimize Bear Disturbance and Displacement

Minimize Bear Disturbance and Displacement

• Allow bears to pass by your camp undisturbed.

• Make sure that the bear is aware of your

presence so it is not surprised.

• Kept all your gear under your direct control, allow the bear to pass by unhindered.

• You may just be afforded the opportunity to safely observe this amazing creature in its natural environment.

• Allow bears to pass by your camp undisturbed.

• Make sure that the bear is aware of your

presence so it is not surprised.

• Kept all your gear under your direct control, allow the bear to pass by unhindered.

• You may just be afforded the opportunity to safely observe this amazing creature in its natural environment.

Food ProtectionFood Protection

• Need for protecting food– May lose some or all of your food– Equipment may be destroyed– Could be killed or injured– Types of animals: squirrels,

bears, porcupines

• Need for protecting food– May lose some or all of your food– Equipment may be destroyed– Could be killed or injured– Types of animals: squirrels,

bears, porcupines

• Keep all food and cosmetics in the BRFC when not in use.

• Place any:– snacks, – wrappers,– lip balm, – sunscreen, etc.

• Place any of these items into BRFC before entering your tent.

• It is not a good idea to store food in kayaks overnight.

• At night, store your BRFC and clean cooking gear off of main animal trails.

• In coastal parks above high tide line

• At least 100 yards from your tent and hidden in thick brush or behind rocks.

• Keep all food and cosmetics in the BRFC when not in use.

• Place any:– snacks, – wrappers,– lip balm, – sunscreen, etc.

• Place any of these items into BRFC before entering your tent.

• It is not a good idea to store food in kayaks overnight.

• At night, store your BRFC and clean cooking gear off of main animal trails.

• In coastal parks above high tide line

• At least 100 yards from your tent and hidden in thick brush or behind rocks.

Cooking and Storing FoodCooking and Storing Food

Cooking and Storing Food


• Prepare and consume food at least 100 yards from your tent site and food storage area.

• Try to select cooking areas where you can see a comfortable distance to minimize the risk of a surprise encounter with a bear passing through the area.

• If camping in a coastal park, prepare and eat all food in the intertidal zone, that area below the seaweed debris line and the waterline.

• Cook and eat as close to the water as possible so cooking smells and any food particles will then be washed away by the next tide.

• Prepare and consume food at least 100 yards from your tent site and food storage area.

• Try to select cooking areas where you can see a comfortable distance to minimize the risk of a surprise encounter with a bear passing through the area.

• If camping in a coastal park, prepare and eat all food in the intertidal zone, that area below the seaweed debris line and the waterline.

• Cook and eat as close to the water as possible so cooking smells and any food particles will then be washed away by the next tide.



• Be prepared to quickly stow all food back into the BRFC if a bear should suddenly approach.

• Keep your gear together— minimize the amount of space that you occupy.

• Always ask yourself, “Is there room for a bear to get around us?”

• Or “Can I quickly get all this gear under my control?”

• Be prepared to quickly stow all food back into the BRFC if a bear should suddenly approach.

• Keep your gear together— minimize the amount of space that you occupy.

• Always ask yourself, “Is there room for a bear to get around us?”

• Or “Can I quickly get all this gear under my control?”

What if you are camping, cooking, or eating and you encounter a non-defensive

bear?

What if you are camping, cooking, or eating and you encounter a non-defensive

bear?• Keep all of your gear under your direct control.

• Make sure the bear is aware of your presence. Talk calmly to the bear and stand your ground!

• If you are in a group, stay together without blocking the bear’s route. If the bear is not focused on you allow the bear to pass peacefully.

• If the bear approaches and is focused on you, stand together and elevate your defensive actions by shouting, yelling, and waving your arms. Do not retreat from the bear.

• You can also use noisemakers like air horns or bang pots and pans.

• If the bear departs the encounter ends.


• Make sure the bear is aware of your presence. Talk calmly to the bear and stand your ground!

• If you are in a group, stay together without blocking the bear’s route. If the bear is not focused on you allow the bear to pass peacefully.

• If the bear approaches and is focused on you, stand together and elevate your defensive actions by shouting, yelling, and waving your arms. Do not retreat from the bear.

• You can also use noisemakers like air horns or bang pots and pans.

• If the bear departs the encounter ends.

Principles of Food Protection

Principles of Food Protection

• Hang bags each night & look for a site to hang it before its dark

• Should be at least 12 feet off of the ground and 6 feet from each tree trunk: Use the two tree method

• What to hang: food and other smellables i.e.: soap, toothpaste, first aid kits, etc. –

• Hang bags each night & look for a site to hang it before its dark

• Should be at least 12 feet off of the ground and 6 feet from each tree trunk: Use the two tree method

• What to hang: food and other smellables i.e.: soap, toothpaste, first aid kits, etc. –

Materials Materials

• 40 ft of rope or 550 cord• 1-2 carabiners• Small pulley• Food bag

• 40 ft of rope or 550 cord• 1-2 carabiners• Small pulley• Food bag

Store Food ProperlyStore Food Properly

• Keep all food and scented items under your immediate control at all times.

• While camping, keep a clean camp and store food appropriately.

• Report Bear Encounters

• Keep all food and scented items under your immediate control at all times.

• While camping, keep a clean camp and store food appropriately.

• Report Bear Encounters

Report Bear EncountersReport Bear Encounters

If you have an encounter, report it to a park ranger as soon as possible. This will alert others

and enable park staff to respond appropriately to the

situation if necessary.

If you have an encounter, report it to a park ranger as soon as possible. This will alert others

and enable park staff to respond appropriately to the

situation if necessary.

Bear Signs to Watch for and Areas to Avoid

Bear Signs to Watch for and Areas to Avoid

• It is important to be “bear aware” when camping and hiking in Alaska

• Avoid seasonal bear foraging areas (sedge meadows, berry patches, etc.)

• Bear signs are easy to find if you know what to look for.

• Select a campsite with the least amount

of bear sign and away from seasonal bear foraging areas.

• It is important to be “bear aware” when camping and hiking in Alaska

• Avoid seasonal bear foraging areas (sedge meadows, berry patches, etc.)

• Bear signs are easy to find if you know what to look for.

• Select a campsite with the least amount

of bear sign and away from seasonal bear foraging areas.

Here are some signs to be on the lookout for:

Here are some signs to be on the lookout for:

• Narrow beaches with steep cliffs or extremely dense brush do not allow a bear to pass safely.

• Remember that at high tide a bear will not have as much room to pass between your camp and the high water line.

• Bear scat or tracks that seem very recent or abundant. Be alert.

• Trails are formed because of consistent use. Bears will often follow the path of least resistance, for example;– Lakeshores– Ridgelines.

• A tree or log that has bear hair or claw marks may indicate that it is a repeatedly used bear rub-tree.

• Large dug up areas could be forage sites, day beds, or belly holes.

• Narrow beaches with steep cliffs or extremely dense brush do not allow a bear to pass safely.

• Remember that at high tide a bear will not have as much room to pass between your camp and the high water line.

• Bear scat or tracks that seem very recent or abundant. Be alert.

• Trails are formed because of consistent use. Bears will often follow the path of least resistance, for example;– Lakeshores– Ridgelines.

• A tree or log that has bear hair or claw marks may indicate that it is a repeatedly used bear rub-tree.

• Large dug up areas could be forage sites, day beds, or belly holes.

Avoid Salmon Streams!Avoid Salmon Streams!• Bears like fish.

• A noisy stream may lessen your ability to hear a bear or for a bear to hear you.

• Neither you nor the bear want to be surprised by the other.

• Avoid areas with restricted visibility

• Make noise when exiting your tent.

• Ask yourself: Can a bear walk by and pass my campsite and cooking area unhindered?

• Bears like fish.

• A noisy stream may lessen your ability to hear a bear or for a bear to hear you.

• Neither you nor the bear want to be surprised by the other.

• Avoid areas with restricted visibility

• Make noise when exiting your tent.

• Ask yourself: Can a bear walk by and pass my campsite and cooking area unhindered?

Minimize Bear Disturbance and

Displacement


Displacement• If you see a bear and it does not see you,

– Back away out of sight – Change your course. – Move out of the area– Quietly observe the bear at a safe distance

without approaching or otherwise disturbing it.

• Disturbance is evident whenever a bear changes its behavior because of you.

• If it stops eating and looks up, sniffs the air with ears erect, trying to locate you, you are too close!

• If you see a bear and it does not see you,– Back away out of sight – Change your course. – Move out of the area– Quietly observe the bear at a safe distance

without approaching or otherwise disturbing it.

• Disturbance is evident whenever a bear changes its behavior because of you.

• If it stops eating and looks up, sniffs the air with ears erect, trying to locate you, you are too close!


Displacement


Displacement• Bears only have 6-8 months to acquire

the calories and fat reserves needed for the entire year. Give them space!

• While many bears seem to be tolerant of human presence at distances farther than 100 yards, each animal and situation is different.

• Pay attention to the bear’s behavior and respect its right to feed and travel undisturbed.

• Use telephoto lenses and binoculars.

• Bears only have 6-8 months to acquire the calories and fat reserves needed for the entire year. Give them space!

• While many bears seem to be tolerant of human presence at distances farther than 100 yards, each animal and situation is different.

• Pay attention to the bear’s behavior and respect its right to feed and travel undisturbed.

• Use telephoto lenses and binoculars.

Minimize the Risk of Having Your Gear

Destroyed

Minimize the Risk of Having Your Gear

Destroyed• Do not leave gear unattended. This includes – Tents, – Clothes, – Pads, – Water bottles, etc.

• Consider using a portable electric fence to discourage bears from investigating your camp.

• Keep gear together and under your immediate control. In coastal areas minimize the amount of space you take up on a beach.

• Again, ask: “Is there room for a bear to get around our camp?”

• A Tip: set up tents after making dinner and take them down before breakfast in order to keep all gear with or very near you in the intertidal when cooking or packing up kayaks.

• Do not leave gear unattended. This includes – Tents, – Clothes, – Pads, – Water bottles, etc.

• Consider using a portable electric fence to discourage bears from investigating your camp.

• Keep gear together and under your immediate control. In coastal areas minimize the amount of space you take up on a beach.

• Again, ask: “Is there room for a bear to get around our camp?”

• A Tip: set up tents after making dinner and take them down before breakfast in order to keep all gear with or very near you in the intertidal when cooking or packing up kayaks.

• Elevate your reaction if a bear– Elevates its inquisitiveness. – If a bear approaches make

•noise •wave your arms, etc.

• Stand your ground! Never surrender your gear to a bear!

• Elevate your reaction if a bear– Elevates its inquisitiveness. – If a bear approaches make

•noise •wave your arms, etc.

• Stand your ground! Never surrender your gear to a bear!

As Humans Encounter More Bears,

Experts Rethink Advice on Attacks As Humans Encounter More Bears,

Experts Rethink Advice on Attacks

• "Staying still didn't work,“

• "If I kept playing dead, I would have BEEN dead.“

• She reached up and poked the bear in the nose. The bear retreated.

• "Staying still didn't work,“

• "If I kept playing dead, I would have BEEN dead.“

• She reached up and poked the bear in the nose. The bear retreated.

ReviewReview

• Trip Planning • SAR or Trip Report • Buddy System and Bear Safety

• Trip Planning • SAR or Trip Report • Buddy System and Bear Safety

The Only Thing Predictable About A Bear Is Its Unpredictability...

The Only Thing Predictable About A Bear Is Its Unpredictability...

Remember Remember

WHAT TO DO IF YOUMEET A BEAR

WHAT TO DO IF YOUMEET A BEAR

• Do not run. Remain calm, continue facing the bear and slowly back away.

• Keep children & pets close at hand

• Make lots of noise. Yell, rattle pots and pans, whistle and break sticks.

• Travel in groups • Stand upright. Do not

kneel or bend over. Wave arms, jackets or other materials.

• Do not run. Remain calm, continue facing the bear and slowly back away.

• Keep children & pets close at hand

• Make lots of noise. Yell, rattle pots and pans, whistle and break sticks.

• Travel in groups • Stand upright. Do not

kneel or bend over. Wave arms, jackets or other materials.

• Never approach or corner a bear.

• Never offer food to a bear.

• Be aware of the presence of cubs and never come between a bear and its cubs.

• Fight back aggressively if a black bear attacks you. Play dead for a brown bear.

• Never approach or corner a bear.

• Never offer food to a bear.

• Be aware of the presence of cubs and never come between a bear and its cubs.

• Fight back aggressively if a black bear attacks you. Play dead for a brown bear.

Basic Bear Safety TipsBasic Bear Safety Tips

• BE A NOISY HIKER... – Sing, talk, wear a bell.

o GIVE BEARS SPACE...

o Watch & photograph from a distance.

o RESPECT A BEAR's MEAL...Stay away from dead animals.

o KEEP A CLEAN CAMP... Cook & store food away from your camp.

o LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME... Bears and pets don't mix

• BE A NOISY HIKER... – Sing, talk, wear a bell.

o GIVE BEARS SPACE...

o Watch & photograph from a distance.

o RESPECT A BEAR's MEAL...Stay away from dead animals.

o KEEP A CLEAN CAMP... Cook & store food away from your camp.

o LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME... Bears and pets don't mix

WHEN PEOPLE ANDBEARS MEET

WHEN PEOPLE ANDBEARS MEET

• Keep your camp clean • Never leave human food, pet food or

garbage available and unsecured. • Do not cook in your tent or sleeping area. • Store all foods, toiletries, and other

scented items well away from sleeping areas and unavailable to bears.

• Wash up, change clothing and remove all scented articles before retiring to sleeping area.

• Keep your camp clean • Never leave human food, pet food or

garbage available and unsecured. • Do not cook in your tent or sleeping area. • Store all foods, toiletries, and other

scented items well away from sleeping areas and unavailable to bears.

• Wash up, change clothing and remove all scented articles before retiring to sleeping area.

HikingHiking

• Identify Yourself• DON”T RUN• If ATTACKED…

– Play Dead– Protect Your Neck and Belly

• Identify Yourself• DON”T RUN• If ATTACKED…

– Play Dead– Protect Your Neck and Belly

What if you are hiking or kayaking and you encounter

a non-defensive bear?

What if you are hiking or kayaking and you encounter

a non-defensive bear?

• Change your course to avoid the bear.

• Increase your distance from the bear

• Stay alert to the bear’s whereabouts.

• Change your course to avoid the bear.

• Increase your distance from the bear

• Stay alert to the bear’s whereabouts.

BEAR SAFETY AND SURVIVAL IN ALASKA

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