Though grizzly bears can be dangerous, and there are plenty of stories to back that up, they are also very misunderstood. Many times, a bear attack is less about blind aggression, and more a circumstance of surprise or fear. And learning how grizzlies behave is one of the keys to staying safe in their habit. So what do you do if you run into a grizzly bear out in the wild? Check out these tips to keep you safe and alive during a grizzly encounter.
Grizzly Bear Range
Grizzlies tend to prefer open spaces as opposed to heavily forested habitat. The North American grizzly population is concentrated mostly in the northwestern portion of the continent. Of the roughly 55,000 bears inhabiting North America, all but 1,500 can be found in Alaska and western Canada. The remaining grizzlies in the lower 48 states are spread between Montana, Wyoming, Washington, and Idaho.
There are currently six grizzly bear recovery ecosystems in the U.S. aimed at conserving and revitalizing the grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states. These ecosystems include Bitterroot, Yellowstone, North Cascades, Cabinet-Yaak, Northern Continental Divide, and Selkirk.
Grizzly Bear Anatomy
Compared to its smaller cousin, the black bear, grizzlies can get pretty huge. They can easily grow between 800-1000lbs, especially leading up to winter when they increase their fat stores to sustain themselves. And when they stand on their hind legs, they can reach nearly 7 feet tall. A grizzly standing on it’s hind legs shouldn’t be construed as aggressive though. This is a posture of curiosity, and the bear is just trying to get a better sight and smell of its surroundings.
As far as brute strength, they can easily lift over 1000 pounds, and perhaps more when they’re angry or motivated. They also wield daggers for claws, measuring up to 10cm long, and have a devastating bite force of over 1200 psi. All this in mind, it’s understandable why grizzlies are so dangerous.
Grizzly Bear Behavior
Grizzly bears have their own unique set of behaviors which are important to know in case of an encounter. Like black bears, grizzlies are relatively solitary animals, but will congregate in groups when food sources are abundant. A typical adult male grizzly’s range can be up to 500 square miles, depending on food supply. Conflicts with humans are more common when food is scarce, when grizzlies are forced to venture out of their own habitat.
Though they usually aren’t overly aggressive, grizzlies are more likely to defend themselves from a perceived threat instead of running away. This tendency to hold their ground and defend themselves instead of retreating, typically makes a grizzly bear encounter more dangerous than a black bear encounter. Despite this though, fatal grizzly attacks still only occur about once a year in North America.
And to put to rest the myth that grizzlies can’t climb trees, they definitely can. Because of their sheer size, they aren’t as good at climbing trees as black bears, but in the event of a grizzly encounter, you won’t be safe in a tree.
Grizzly Bear Encounter
So what do you do if you come face to face with a grizzly bear? Follow these recommendations to give yourself the best opportunity to make it out of a grizzly bear attack alive and intact.
Prevention is Key
Oftentimes, one of the main causes of a grizzly bear attack is because the bear is startled and/or frightened. Grizzlies are often unaware of their surroundings so it’s important to make yourself known. This means being a noisy hiker. Talk loudly, yell from time to time, and consider wearing bear bells. These actions will make your presence known and potentially cause a bear to leave the area before you even realize they were there.
Another key to prevention is to keep food in bear proof bins or hanging high enough from a tree where it can’t be reached. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can sniff out an easy meal from over a mile away. And bears who have been habituated to human food become much more aggressive and dangerous than non-habituated bears. And NEVER keep food in your tent!
Also, you should always carry bear spray when you’re in an area known to be inhabited by bears. And don’t just have it stuffed in your backpack. Make sure it’s easily accessible so you don’t get eaten while you’re trying to fumble it out of your pack.
How to Handle a Grizzly Bear Encounter
If you happen to notice a grizzly bear from a distance, give it plenty of space. The National Park Service recommends keeping at least 100 yards of distance between you and a bear. If you notice a bear on hike, stay out of it’s way and calmly go back the way you came. Make sure to report any bear sightings to park rangers immediately.
If you encounter a grizzly bear at close range, or are the victim of a grizzly bear attack, you will not be able to outrun it, so PLAY DEAD!
Keep your pack on to protect your back, lay face down with your hands interlaced behind your neck, spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to flip you over, and remain still until the bear leaves the area.
If the bear continues to attack, you may have to fight back, but this should only be attempted as a last resort. Use anything you can as a weapon and concentrate blows to the face and snout.
Another extremely important rule. If a grizzly bear ever enters your tent, FIGHT BACK! Concentrate blows to its face and snout, and immediately use bear spray if it’s available.
Report any bear encounters to the authorities ASAP to prevent any future attacks from occurring.
Conclusion
Grizzly bears are majestic creatures with a lot to offer their ecosystems and humans alike. But they are often misunderstood and can be dangerous at times, so give them the respect they deserve. If you do find yourself on the receiving end of a grizzly bear attack, remember to stay calm and follow the above recommendations. If you do this, you will give yourself the best possible opportunity to make it out of grizzly bear country safely. And remember, ALWAYS carry bear spray!
Stay Safe & Stay Alive,
Cody
The Wild Bites Back
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