Dangerous Animal Encounters – Section 3.1.2 Brown Bear
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The differences between black and brown bears
Brown bears, commonly called grizzly bears (which are actually a sub-species of brown bear) are much larger than their black bear cousins and weigh an average of 300-400lbs, though they can get up to 1300lbs! They are also very different creatures and encounters with black and brown bears should be treated much differently. A brown bear is truly at the top of the food chain and is not used to taking crap from other creatures (other than larger brown bears). That being said, brown bear attacks are also extremely rare. Many attacks by brown bears occur when hunters are actively sneaking or being quiet and startle a bear, or in parks where tourists are either unaware, or are trying get too close to the animals and do not respect their power.
Unlike black bears, brown bears are much more likely to defend their space. Even with this being true, in the wild brown bears will still generally retreat from humans when given the opportunity. Brown bear mothers are also much more likely than black bears to aggressively attack humans who are in the vicinity of cubs. It is advisable to steer clear of brown bear cubs. When cubs get scared they will usually climb a nearby tree and let out loud baying screams to alert their mother that they are in danger. In this scenario an angry mother bear will likely be arriving shortly. If you encounter brown bear cubs in the wild you should immediately disengage and leave the area as quickly as possible.
Threatening behaviour
Brown bears who are feeling threatened will smack their jaws and/or teeth, huff, slap the ground with a paw, lay ears back, and charge. Similar to black bears, a bear standing on its hind legs is not presenting aggressive behavior but is just gathering more information.
It is very prudent to carry bear spray when traveling in areas where brown bear encounters are possible. Bear spray can be very effective at deterring a bear attack. Make sure you store your bear spray in an area where it can easily be reached and also that you are well informed on how to use it. There are numerous videos and tutorials on how to use bear spray. Begin with the manufacturers website to get more information on your product.
What to do if you encounter a brown bear
If you find yourself in the vicinity of a brown bear take the following steps. Speak to the bear in a measured calm voice. It doesn’t matter what you say, but I personally like to re-assure the bear that I mean it no harm. Attempt to make yourself look as big as possible by moving to higher ground or sticking your arms out to the side at a downward 45 degree angle. Do not square your shoulders or make direct eye contact with the bear. Instead use slightly submissive body language by turning your shoulders slightly off of square to the bear. Keep your eyes slightly down and to one side of the bear but keep the bear in your peripheral vision.
Do not turn your back to the bear or attempt to run. Do not make sudden loud noises or scream. While speaking with the bear in a calm voice, try and create distance by walking sideways or at an angle. If you walk backwards you are more likely to trip on something and fall. If you are wearing a pack do not drop it because if you are attacked it can provide greater protection to your backside and make it more difficult for the bear to flip you over onto your back. If the bear charges you DO NOT run but hold your ground and your slightly submissive posture and continue to talk calmly.
What to do if you are attacked by a brown bear
If a brown bear does attack you do not fight back. Lay down flat on your stomach and use your hands to protect the back of your neck. Spread your legs apart to make it harder for the bear to flip you over. Most brown bear attacks are not an attempt to kill you but rather an attempt by the bear to eliminate a threat. If you lay still and do not attempt to defend yourself you are essentially submitting fully to the bear and if it is more likely to see that you are no longer a threat and retreat before killing you. If the bear is attempting to eliminate the threat and you fight back it will escalate the situation and the bear attack will likely continue further.
However, if a brown bear attack persists beyond the point where the bear should no longer see you as a threat, it may be attempting to prey upon you. In this instance you should fight back with as much force as you can muster to give yourself your best chance of survival. Unfortunately, if a brown bear is truly intent upon killing you it is unlikely that you are going to be able to prevent it without a bear spray or a high caliber gun.
Do brown bears stalk humans?
Though it is extremely rare, similar to the black bear behavior above, adult male brown bears do occasionally stalk and prey upon humans. Brown bear predatory behavior warning signs will include stalking behavior, following, and laying ears back with their head down while stalking. In this scenario hopefully you have bear spray, and if not, a high caliber gun to defend yourself. If you don’t, you should consider trying to climb a large tree. Unlike black bears, adult brown bears cannot climb trees. If you do have a gun and you suspect an imminent predatory attack by a brown bear, you should take steps to eliminate the bear before it attacks you.
A last word…
It is important to note that many brown bears are unnecessarily killed each year by people who feel threatened by them in instances where they ultimately would not have attacked. Before using lethal force on a bear make sure that you are reading the situation correctly and that you are in fact dealing with serious threat to your life or safety and not simply a curious or startled or slightly agitated bear.
