If you must continue, take a detour and give the bear plenty of space. Retractable leashes are of little help to a dog owner, since it is very difficult to reel your dog back in … According the the Scouts, dogs are a bad idea in bear country. There aren’t nearly as many brown bears as black bears in North America (only about 1,100 according to PBS) so your chances of seeing one are slimmer. Try to escape into a building, car or up a tree. If the bear charges, stand your ground (you cannot outrun it). When it’s a camouflaged snake laying on the trail, there is a chance that your dog will see it before you do. Most of all, be prepared if you find yourself walking through bear country. If you can prevent an encounter with a bear, the rest of the steps are unnecessary. Leave your dog at home. Walk away slowly, if the bear is not approaching. Keep your eyes open and watch that your dog doesn’t stick his nose into a snake’s business! In the event you do come across a bear, it is important to know a bit about bear behaviour. Being attacked is extremely unlikely and probably avoidable. Respect the bear’s critical space, do not approach it, and try to turn and leave how you came. Use any available weapon to fight the bear (sticks, rocks, bear spray, even your fists). This kind of attack is very rare, but it is serious because it usually means the bear is … This type of attack is very RARE. If the bear approaches, follows or charges you, keep reading the sections below. If you encounter a grizzly, do not run. If the bear sees you, remain calm and … Avoid direct eye contact. I don't think a bear would try to attack you. If You Encounter a Bear. If a black bear attacks you, your best bet is probably to fight back, aiming your blows at the bear's face. If you see a bear but the bear doesn’t see you, detour quickly and quietly, but do not run. If a predatory bear attacks you, no matter the species, fight back with everything you have. Use your bear spray and FIGHT BACK. If a grizzly bear attacks you, you may want to play dead. Intimidate that bear: shout; hit it with a branch or rock, do whatever it takes to let the bear know you are not easy prey. You may have received conflicting advice on how to act when you encounter a bear. Bears are reclusive creatures, and they generally prefer to steer clear of humans. If you cannot escape, do not play dead. Keep your dog (or cat) on a leash, and leave any pungent-smelling food at home, since bears have an acute sense of smell. To do so, wait until the bear touches you and then fall to your stomach while protecting your head with your arms. Next, back away slowly as you continue to flail your arms and shout so that the lion doesn’t sense your fear. Or, the bear attacks you at night. Unlike black bears which are known for being timid, brown bears are notoriously aggressive. Every bear encounter is different. To survive a lion attack, stand your ground while waving your hands and shouting to make you appear more threatening. What to do if charged by a wild boar? If you see a bear you should slowly and quietly back away from it and hold your dog nearby but make sure your dog stays quiet If the bear has seen you: Keep your dog close and calm if the bear stays 15 feet or more away, avoiding sudden movements. What to Do If You See a Brown Bear. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave. Give the bear plenty of room, allowing it to continue its activities undisturbed. If it changes its behavior, you’re too close so back away. However, this is not the bear you want to encounter! Finally, the U.S. Forestry Department has put together a definitive guide, based on the latest research. Additionally, try to retreat to an open area instead of a thicket or forest where the lion could follow you. You usually get a bit more warning with larger animals, and be able to spot it from a farther away. If you are involved with a bear conflict or encounter, report it to park authorities as soon as possible. PREFACE: My experience is with Javelina and feral hogs not wild boar. If you encounter a bear that’s aware of you: don’t run; running may trigger a chase response. Once the bear perceives the threat as neutralized, it will likely leave you alone. Do your best to stay in that position even if the bear rolls you over. What it does mean is that you should be prepared. You can help them to do so by announcing your presence when you're exploring their home environment: talk loudly, sing, or carry "bear bells" so bears have time to escape you. If the encounter escalates and the bear attacks, it’s best to play dead by lying face-down with your hands over your head. Alert the bear — If you see a bear, make some noise to alert the bear of your presence, giving it ample time and space to turn and leave. How we respond in an encounter with a bear really depends on the type of interaction that is taking place. However, if you do meet a bear before it's had time to leave, here are some suggestions. A dog often infuriates a bear and may come running back to you with the bear in pursuit! This length is long enough to let your dog have some freedom but not so long that you can’t easily control your dog should you need to, especially at a moment’s notice. Visit INSIDER.com for more stories. It doesn't mean you can never go outside again. New Hampshire department of wildlife agrees that, while small, the primary risk is that your dog agitates a bear then runs to you for protection with the bear in pursuit.