Here’s our next post in our series on bear safety…..

If you encounter a bear hiking or fishing in the Park -

Don’t try to climb a tree unless you are sure you have time to climb at least 10 feet before the bear reaches you.  The hunter attacked west of Gardiner last Friday was pulled out of the small tree he had climbed by a grizzly sow, though he did climb the tree right as the bear came upon him.  The old story of black bears being able to climb well is quite true. 

Don’t run - bears can move very quickly, and will run you down thinking you’re prey if you run.  Screams and sudden movement can also trigger aggressive behavior.

If attacked by a bear, again, do not run. Try playing dead by lying flat on your stomach, or lie on your side with your legs drawn up to your chest. Clasp your hands over the back of your neck. Bears have passed by people in these positions without harming them, and in fact the young hunter attacked near Gardiner last Friday did this after the bear pulled him out of the tree, and  she left him alone thereafter. 

Many of us who are in bear country consistently carry bear spray.  Bear spray canisters can be purchased at most outdoor stores, and have oft been successful in repelling a charging bear.  If given a choice buy the larger canister, and don’t carry it your pack, it needs to be out where you can reach it; most have a holster to fit on your belt.  Make sure you know how to use it.

Some (mostly Canadian resources) suggest you should try and fight an attacking bear.  I have a physician friend in Kalispell who cared for a man and his daughter who were attacked in Glacier several years ago, and the man fought the bear off his daughter, though was seriously wounded himself.  I guess you never really know what you might do in the midst of a confrontation - but is seems most of the experts in the states advise against trying to fight the bear.

More to follow….

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