They have black fur, which looks black, when you see it. Punch and kick. Black Bear Attacks Are Very Uncommon. However, it’s best to avoid bear encounters, and to know what to do if an encounter happens (keep reading). There have been several in the bears' wilderness habitats involving hikers, hunters, and campers. When bears do attack they are usually defending cubs or a food source; these attacks are avoidable and typically involve only minor injuries. If you see a black bear on the trail or at your campsite, you should stop whatever you’re doing and assess the situation. what to do if bear attacks. Mama bears are very protective. Leave slowly: Cautiously back away from the bear and leave the area. What to do if you encounter a black bear. Attacks are extremely rare despite what people do. Black Bear Safety Reminders Injurious black bear encounters and attacks are extremely rare in California, but they have occurred. In the wake of two fatal black bear attacks in Alaska, a Minnesota DNR bear expert says Minnesotans have very little to worry about. Fight back! While it may seem odd, a bear on its hind legs may not be aggressive - it may simply be trying to identify what you are. They can be fatal and often hikers, hunters, fishers, and others in bear country take precautions against bear attacks. But if you do run into a bear, here are some tips. If the bear charges, stand your ground (you cannot outrun it). If a bear starts to follow you, you should drop something behind you as a distraction. Except for polar bears it is not considered “normal” behaviour to attack humans but there are two situations in which both brown bears and black bears are known to attack humans. If a bear approaches, make some noise. Here's how to react if you ever see a bear in the wild. A bear attack is an attack by any mammal of the family Ursidae, on another animal, although it usually refers to bears attacking humans or domestic pets. Why do bears attack humans? However, being mentally prepared can help you have the most effective reaction. Walk away slowly, if the bear is not approaching. Offensive black bear attacks are extremely rare and usually occur in remote areas where bears have very little exposure to people. “Punch it, kick it, do everything you can to get that animal off you." Brown bear incidents have occurred in their native range spanning Alaska, Northern and Western Canada, and portions of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. In that case, fight. “Know what to do when you see a bear. Generally black and brown bears attack humans for different reasons. If it’s a grizzly, remain still and calm. Be aggressive and use any object you have. Do not run from a black bear or play dead if one approaches.” In rare cases, black bears can attack. The answer is true, although there are some exceptions. If you are sure the bear attacking is a mother who is protecting its cubs, play dead. Bear attacks rarely happen but if they do, what can you do to survive them? Most of the time, a black bear has no interest in engaging with people; the bears that do, more often than not, are those habituated to human garbage or handouts. There are a couple of things you need to understand first. If you run into a black bear on a mountain trail, be grateful for your good fortune. There is no single safety strategy applicable to every encounter, and bear behavior is not always predictable. If the attack escalates and a black bear (or any bear that appears to have been stalking you) physically contacts you, fight back with anything that is available to you. Black bears tend to be more timid than grizzlies and fighting back may scare the bear off. Be loud, wave your arms, and stand your ground. If a black bear attacks, fight back by kicking it in the face and muzzle. Ensure the bear has an easy escape route. Fatal bear attacks in North America have occurred in a variety of settings. Bear attacks are rare; most bears are only interested in protecting food, cubs, or their space. If they do, fight back with a stick, a backpack, similar available items, or your bare hands. If you encounter a black bear, do not make eye contact. Speak in a low, confident voice, and avoid screaming or high-pitched sounds. Bear attacks are certainly scary, but If you are confronted by a black or grizzly bear, don't panic. Black bears are shy and timid. Compared to polar bears and brown bears, black bears are much less likely to attack. 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