L.13 Bear SAFETY
Avoiding bears
-leave dog at home, or on leash. -travel during daytime -use proper food storage and handling dispose of fish offal properly - slow down and watch when cycling - carry bear spray - carry bear spray - for every person!
bear attacks in alberta
42 serious/fatal injuries almost 70% grizzlies , 30% blacks. mostly in national parks
Defensive attack
startle bear or they are feeding/protecting young --> they see you as threat more often defensive with grizzly bears
what to do in a defensive attack?
stand ground - use bear spray - (don't spray into wind) - in bear comes close -- play dead: --> stomach down, hands over head. --> don't fight back (for 2min max!)
Bear encounters - farther away - what to do if it approaches?
be quiet / make noise - baby bear bangers, flares, horns - maintain sight of bear - leave or detour on a safe route --> make sure bear has clear passage as well - if bear approaches --> group together --> climb a tree or rock (maybe - especially not for black bears) --> talk loudly *go downwind so it can smell you
bear spray
capsicum red hot pepper spray - has a shelf life. - not guaranteed to keep you safe. - may annoy the bear - limited spray time - don't spray into wind! - must have READY anytime, easily *about 4m range *2sec bursts *aim right below bear's face **6-8sec spray duration --> stopped behaviour in 94% of close-range encounters (grizzlies) in 9/66 cases the bear continued to attack/act aggressively
GRIZZLY BEARS
dished face, long claws, hump, smaller ears
bear attacks in BC
mostly with groups of 1-2 people 80% grizzlies- females. the blacks were all male. 62% grizzlies were startled, but 83% black attacks were predatory
Predatory attack
often polar bears, more common for black bears, rarely grizzlies. attack lasts longer than 2 min - if at night - if in tent - eating you!
Close-range encounter
stay calm! - assess situation - get bear spray ready - speak calmly, firmly --> DONT yell (threatening) - keep eye contact (unless predatory) -stand ground or back away slowly - DO NOT RUN! - stay in group + PICK UP CHILDREN - don't drop pack - could be protective - leave an escape route
What to do with a predatory attack?
try to escape use bear spray fight back - shout, poke in eye, *do not play dead! same strategy as cougar attack