How to Behave When Encountering a Bear: Essential Bear Safety Tips

Meeting a bear in the wild is a fantastic encounter, yet safety has to always come first. Knowing how to act can help you to avoid risky circumstances and ensure both you and the bear remain safe. For the first time observation, it is always advised to get a professional tour guide.

These tips are for general informational purposes only. Bear behavior is unpredictable, and encounters may vary depending on circumstances. Always follow the instructions of professional guides and local authorities.

1. Number One Rule: Do Not Escalate the Situation

Never run or split up. Running may trigger a chase response.

• Stay calm for few seconds and then go slowly to the side depending on situation.
• You need to see the bear (from side view) but never look directly into the eyes of predators and do not turn backwards.
• Avoid quick movements, do not escalate the situation or provoke the bear by coming closer.
• Give the bear an escape route. Bears usually want to avoid humans if they have a clear escape route. Make sure he is not cornered or circled by several people, for example, while collecting mushrooms.
• Normally it is enough if you make a human sound and he will notice you and in 3-4 seconds the brown bear is leaving.

2. Keep a Safe Distance

Every bear reacts differently, so observe from a distance.

• Avoid approaching bear cubs—they are almost always accompanied by the mother, who may attack if she feels threatened.
• Never get closer than 100 meters to cubs or their mother.

3. Avoid Risky Situations

• Do not wait on bear trails. Bears may notice you too late, increasing the risk of a close-range charge.
• Do not approach a bear’s den. This is extremely dangerous and similar to provoking a hive of bees.
• Do not approach a bear in a tree. It may come down immediately and become defensive.
• Do not look directly into a bear’s eyes. Bears interpret direct eye contact as a threat.
• Actually coming too close to a bear can cause that the bear will not be shy any more and these individuals are more dangerous in the future. In the wild the bear encounters are normally very safe as the bears did not have too much close contact with people.

4. Understanding Mother Bears

• A mother bear protects her cubs aggressively. Even indirect attention can trigger defensive behavior.
• She may act swiftly, like a predator, if she perceives a threat. The provoked bear can attack without blinking an eye.
• Always respect their space and never try to get closer for a photo.

5. Practical Tips for Bear Safety

Learn about local bear behavior and habitats before your trip. Stay calm and speak in a strong, normal voice if a bear notices you. Back away slowly to the side; never turn your back or run. Carry bear spray if you are in areas known for bear activity.