Quote:
Originally Posted by LarryM
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game recently posted suggestions to help outdoorsmen avoid confrontations with grizzlys:
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They sure didn't say a whole lot about preventing an attack. Things like, do not run if you encounter a grizzly, because they will chase you, and they can run up to 40mph which means they will overtake you quickly. Do not stare at the bear, look away quickly. Slowly raise your hands with palms outward then slowly and quietly walk backwards away from the bear. Talk very softly and calmly in a monotone voice to the bear. Say things like: "hey baby, I love you"...just kidding as to what to say, but it might work! If talking and or the slow backward movement seems to agitate the bear then stop moving and or talking. If it charges you don't run, don't look at it, most charges are fake designed to scare you, you need to stand your ground though, if he gets within about 6 feet spray him with the bear spray if the wind is blowing towards the bear, otherwise wait till he's within 2 feet then fall to the ground on your belly covering your head with your hands. The bear may claw and bite you but if you resist with all your will not to flail about but remain perfectly still and don't scream or make any other noise the bear will think your dead and leave. Fortunately these close violent encounters are very rare. Wearing a bell is helpful to warn a bear something is near by. If you see a cub bear it's time to leave, don't wait around taking pictures or taking in the moment because mama bear will be very aggressive and somewhere near by.
A word of caution about bear spray, do not use it unless the bear's body language is threatening. If the bear is chomping it's teeth, staring at you (do not stare back), and it's ears are back, he's angry and being aggressive. If the bear is doing anything other then those things, he's just being a curious bear and checking you out to see if your a threat, and spraying him will change his attitude and piss him off.
Each type of bear is different in their methods so you should study the internet for the type of bear you may encounter so you can be prepared for the particular type of bear. Kodiak bears are the most dangerous, they will kill you, no if and's or but's; with those you will have to try to defend yourself; and pepper spray won't do much good against those...but these are more in the wild cold remote areas where bikers rarely if ever go.
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