Eco Travel in Bear Country

Whether one travels in an escorted group or as an independent explorer, it is important to respect the magnificent beauty and powerful nature of bears in our national parks. Ecotourism is on the rise, yet seldom are their bear attacks. In the years from 1900 to 1985, 20 people died from bear attacks in Alaska. Dog attacks in only 10 years from 1975 to 1985; 19 people died. Less than 1 in 2.2 million visitors to U.S. national parks are injured by bears. Remembering these statistics, always though keep in mind, you are a visitor to their home.

You are walking through the bear's habitat. Think to yourself how you would feel if a stranger opens the back door to your house and walks in. This unknown person casually makes himself or herself at home in your house. Most bears upon seeing a person are curious to know for sure what you are or they will travel away from your presence. At this point in time, hopefully, you are not wearing perfumes or scented deodorant, washed with scented soap, used hair spray or have food on your person. A bear's sense of smell is highly developed compared to their vision or hearing ability. A bear sees almost as well as a person, yet he trusts his nose better than his other senses.

It is best if one does not hike alone. Still if one does, then place a bell on the pack or talk out loud, make noise, sing. Always let the bear know you are in their terrain. You never want to surprise a bear. Ideally you are walking against the wind, for the bear can't pick up your scent. If you are walking with the wind, let the bear know you are coming. Check for bear signs: tracks, scratches, and droppings. Humans and bears know exactly the amount of personal space they need.

If you see a bear, give the bear plenty of room and an escape route. Taking a photo of a bear is fine as long as you use long lenses. Think calm if the bear is close and forget taking a photo. Talk to the bear in low, purposeful tones. Let the bear know you are human. Stand tall and stretch out your arms and wave. Make sure you have not come between the bear and her cubs. The bear my stand on its hind legs to observe you better or smell the air. This is not a threatening gesture. Stand still and if you do slowly back away; walk diagonally. Stop, though, if the bear walks toward you. Do not run as their predatory nature will kick in and you are now the prey.

A bear acting aggressively toward you will: snap its jaws together, make "woofing" sounds, and the head is down with laid back ears. The bear may rush and veer away the last few seconds. This is a common bluff. If the bear is a black bear and initiates an actual attack, fight. Play dead with a black bear and the bear may think your body is a carcass to be eaten. If the bear is a grizzly and depending on the situation that has occurred; play dead. The bear may be protecting her cubs or is surprised by a person. Lay down flat on the abdomen or in a ball and hands should cover the neck. Lay motionless and do not move until the bear is no longer in the area.

Bears, in general, live solitary lives and search continuously for food. They have no interest in a human being unless we give them a reason to be. Continue to enjoy travel in our protected national parks, for we are fortunate to experience wildlife in their natural habitat as it was thousands of years ago.