BEARS AND HUMANS Encountering a bear can be a positive, memorable experience. Black bears, by nature, are wary of people and not normally aggressive. They are, however, large, powerful, and surprisingly fast- moving animals. Anyone who encounters a bear should have healthy respect for it, but, at the same time, do not feel that it is an inherent threat. Source: www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/bears/camping.html
Take steps to reduce the chances of a bear encounter. Pay attention to certain times or locations where you’re more likely to encounter bears. Watch for bears especially at dawn or dusk, as bears typically feed in the morning and evening. Look ahead on trails and keep an eye open for signs of bear activity, such as scat or tracks and feeding sites. In areas of dense vegetation or rushing water, periodically clap or give a quick shout to alert nearby bears to your presence. Note that bears use berry patches in late summer (July and August). Pick berries
with another person and have a conversation with them, or, if you are alone, play music on your phone’s speakers. These sounds can alert the bear to your presence and reduce the chance that you will surprise the bear. Be respectful of other visitors that want to enjoy nature’s sounds. Keep your dogs leashed while recreating. Dogs can trigger a defensive response from bears and cause them to chase dogs back to their owners. If you encounter a bear while with your dog, back away and leave the area. Do not try to separate your dog from an entanglement with a bear.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BEAR
IN THE WOODS If you live or recreate in an area with frequent bear activity, carry bear spray and learn how to use it properly. It is effective. If you encounter a bear in the woods, back away slowly and give the bear an escape route. Most often, it will flee before you have much time to react. In the unlikely event that a bear makes contact with you, fight back. Do not play dead. Do not run from a black bear. Running may prompt the bear to chase and no human can outrun a bear.
AT A CAMPSITE Don’t feed it. Scare it away. Most bears can be chased away by loud noises, banging pans, yelling, or throwing rocks or pieces of firewood at them. If a bear stands up, know that it is trying to get a better look or smell — it is not preparing to attack. If the bear is bold or persistent, use bear spray, aimed at its face. It will likely leave. In the rare instance that a bear refuses to leave or becomes aggressive, leave the area. Report campsite encounters to campground hosts or the Forest Service.
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