Bear Attack

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Bear Attacks

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Bears are magnificent creatures and to view them in the wild is a wonder to behold. However, they are powerful, strong animals and every person who is in close proximity of a wild bear must exercise extreme caution. Though many love to watch bears in the wild, statistics have shown that bear attacks are on the rise. Understanding how to view bears in the safest manner possible, and steps to take to avoid an attack are the best course of action. It is also important to know what to do should you ever find yourself being attacked by a bear.

Prevent a bear attack by making noise

It’s important to understand that bears are unpredictable and there is no way to predict how a bear will react should you encounter one close up. When hiking or camping, understand the territory you are going to be exploring and follow all rules and recommendations provided to you. One of the best ways to prevent a bear attack is by making noise. This alerts bears that you are in the vicinity and will distract them.

Some people find that the best way to prevent a bear attack is to bring something with you that will fend off a bear should it become aggressive. Items such as bear sprays are often used, while others might feel that the best protection is a weapon or firearm. Other recommendations are to only explore bear territory with other people, avoid going in areas that are secluded, and protect the food that you bring with you carefully. Bears are attracted to food and should be kept at least one hundred yards away from where you will be camping throughout the night. Never discard food waste around the campsite; it is best to discard food scraps and waste in water such as streams, lakes, or rivers.

Steps to prevent a bear attack

If you find yourself facing a bear you’ll need to take steps to prevent a bear attack. If you run, you are inviting the bear to chase you and you will ultimately lose the battle. You’ll need to use your spray or weapon to defend yourself. Making sudden movements or loud noises will only startle the bear and cause it to attack. Never look a bear directly in the eyes as this is seen as a challenge to the bear. If you have food with you, you might want to try to throw the food a good distance away to distract the bear. If he takes the bait, back up slowly. Do not run away as this will cause the bear to chase you. Again, the best way to defend yourself is with a weapon or bear spray. However, there are times when a bear attacks someone and they have no weapons or spray available.

Bear attack - Prevention, protection bear spray

For those who are attacked by a bear, the most important thing to do is to protect your heart and abdomen area. Falling face forward on the ground or moving into a fetal position with your hands on the back of your neck will help protect your most vital organs. Try to remain as motionless as possible until the bear becomes distracted and leaves. If you play dead, there is hope that the bear will leave you alone. Prevention is the best method, and always carry a weapon or bear spray.

Fatal Bears Attacks
This is a list of known fatal bear attacks in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Known fatal bear attacks in 2008

October 2008 Grizzly bear attack - Female grizzly bear killed a hunter Robert Wagner, 48, of Didsbury. Autopsy has confirmed that he was mauled to death by a bear.
May 2008 Black bear attack - Cecile Lavoie, 70, female was killed by a black bear in northern Quebec. It is still unclear why the bear attacked Cecile Lavoie
April 2008 Grizzly bear attack - A famous grizzly bear trained to perform in movies killed trainer Stephen Miller in California. They had been filming an advertisement when the bear attacked.

Known fatal bear attacks in 2007

November 2007 Grizzly bear attack - Don Peters, 51, male was killed in northwest of Calgary by a grizzly bear near his vehicle after going hunting alone.
September 2007 Black bear attack - Nick Ruberto , 22, male was killed in Ely, Minnesota, after wandered into the woods to urinate. The black bear was later killed by the Minnesota DNR.
July 2007 Black bear attack - Robin Kochorek, 31, female mountain biker was killed in British Columbia by a black bear. The black bear was later killed by DNR.
June 2007 Black bear attack - Samuel Evan Ives, 11, male was killed in in the Uinta National Forest in Utah County, by a black bear. The boy, stepfather, his mother and a 6 year old brother were sleeping in a large, multi-room tent in a primitive, undeveloped camping area. The black bear was later killed by state wildlife hunters.

Known fatal bear attacks in 2006

April 2006 Brown bear attack - Jean-Francois Pagé, 28, male was killed near Ross River, Yukon, Canada after coming within five metres of a brown bear den that contained two cubs.
April 2006 Black bear attack - Elora Petrasek, 6, female was killed in the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee by black bear. Her mother and 2 year old brother were seriously injured in an black bear attack.