A few weeks ago, two Trail Runners running the Matcheetawin Trails in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, came across a bear in the woods.  One of the two runners just happened to capture their terrifying encounter on his cell phone.  According to Stephen Herrero, author of Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance, only 23 people were killed by black bears between 1900 and 1980. Most Black Bears prefer to be left alone and therefore, if they are warned of your presence, will normally get out of your way without causing a scene.

However, when you're out running on trails, moving swiftly and quietly through the woods, there is a chance that you may a surprise a bear who didn't hear you coming, in turn leading them feeling threatened. In this case there are certain guidelines that can help you safely distance yourself from the bear, without potentially angering them resulting in aggressive behavior.

So what exactly are you supposed to do when you encounter a bear in the woods? Now that it is once again Bear season in here in Tahoe, here are a few tips from bearsmart.com that will come in handy if you do encounter a bear when out in the woods.

 

Dealing with a close bear encounter:

1. Remain calm. If in a group, stay together; you will appear larger and more intimidating if you stick this way.

2. Try to determine whether cubs are present or if the bear is defending an animal carcass or other food source. Females with cubs or bears defending their food sources will often times act aggressively to defend their cubs and/or food.

3. If seen by the bear, identify yourself as a human and make yourself heard. Speak up in a firm tone and back away slowly, preferably in the direction you came. Walk, don’t run, and keep your eye on the bear to watch its reaction. Do not turn your back on the bear.

4. If you’re at a campsite and encounter a bear, stand tall and firmly yell, making the bear aware his/her presence is not welcomed.

 

Dealing with a ‘defensive’ bear encounter:

1. If you do encounter a bear in the woods and they appear to be exhibiting aggressive behavior such as popping it’s jaws, swatting the ground, lunging, or “bluff charging” towards you in an attempt you get you to leave, try to appear non-threatening, stand tall, and remain calm. Speak in an appeasing voice while backing away, and slowly back up in attempt to leave the area.

2. If a bear is behaving defensively and makes physical contact, and you aren’t equipped with bear mace, fall to the ground and “play dead”. When playing dead, roll over onto your stomach and cover the back of your head and neck with your hands. Keep your legs and elbows wide so the bear can’t flip you over. Stay in this defensive position until the attack stops and you are certain the bear has retreated. Do not get up unless you are absolutely sure the bear has left the area.

3. If the bear attacks, and keeps attacking, fight for your life. Kick, punch, and hit the bear with whatever weapon is available. While doing so, concentrate your attack on the bears face, eyes, and nose.