What to do if you see a bear while camping or hiking

1. Stop and stay calm. The National Park Service says not to run or make sudden movements. Bears can run as fast as a racehorse, uphill or down, and like dogs they chase animals that flee.
2. If the bear has not noticed you, leave the area or detour quietly, and keep your distance.
3. If it has noticed you, talk. Speak calmly in low tones so it knows you are a human, not prey. Do not scream, squeal or imitate bear sounds.
4. Group up and pick up small children right away. Groups look bigger and more intimidating to a bear.
5. Back away slowly, sideways if you can. The NPS says moving sideways lets you watch the bear and avoid tripping, and it is non-threatening to bears. If the bear follows, stop and hold your ground.
6. Keep your pack on and your food with you. Do not drop your pack; it protects your back and keeps food away from the bear.
7. Do not climb a tree. Both grizzlies and black bears climb.
8. Get bear spray out. Yellowstone advises drawing it from the holster and removing the safety tab during a close encounter, so you are ready to use it.

A bear standing on its hind legs is usually curious, not threatening, according to the NPS. Bears may also bluff-charge and turn away at the last second, or show stress by huffing, yawning, salivating, growling, snapping their jaws or laying their ears back.

Color is not a reliable guide; the U.S. Forest Service notes black bears range from jet black to cinnamon to white. Know which species live where you camp. Grizzlies in the lower 48 live in the northern Cascades and Rocky Mountains, while black bears are the bear you are most likely to meet in a national forest.

Maine’s wildlife department lays out the escalation for black bears: if a bear approaches or makes noise, raise your arms and repeat “Hey, bear” while backing away; if it keeps following, stand your ground, stay together and make yourself big and loud; if it charges, stand your ground and use bear spray.

• Buy real bear spray. The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) says to buy only EPA-registered spray labeled for bears, with at least 7.9 ounces (225 g) of product. Human pepper spray is not the same.
• Carry it where you can reach it in a second, in a hip or chest holster, not inside your pack. Keep it next to your flashlight in the tent and keep a can at the cooking area, the IGBC advises.
• Use it only on an aggressive or attacking bear. It is a deterrent sprayed as a cloud, not a repellent; never spray it on people, tents or packs, because pre-sprayed objects may attract wildlife.
• Each person should carry a can, and consider two for long trips, since you may need it more than once. Check the expiration date.
• After the bear retreats, leave the area without running and do not follow it.

The IGBC cites an Alaska study in which bear spray deterred undesirable bear behavior more than 90% of the time. Check whether bear spray is allowed and recommended in the park you are visiting; the NPS says rules vary.

• Store every scented item, not just food. The U.S. Forest Service lists toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, soap, cooking utensils, empty cans, wrappers, coolers, pet food, garbage and fuel among the things bears go after.
• Never keep food or scented items in your tent, including clothing with food residue. Don’t sleep in the clothes you cooked in.
• Use food lockers and bear-resistant dumpsters where they are provided, or bring your own bear-resistant container. Some parks require approved canisters; check our bear canister and food storage rules map for the land unit you are entering, and see our BearVault vs Ursack comparison and BV450 vs BV500 sizing guide.
• A cooler is not bear storage. Missouri’s conservation department warns that coolers are not airtight and bears associate them with food; lock food in a vehicle trunk or cab out of sight where that is allowed.
• Cook and store food away from where you sleep at undeveloped sites, and clean utensils and the cooking area right after meals.

• Running. It can trigger a chase you cannot win.
• Getting close for a photo. Yellowstone requires you to stay at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears at all times.
• Coming between a mother and cubs. The NPS says the chance of an attack rises greatly if she sees you as a threat to her cubs.
• Carrying spray where you cannot reach it. A can in the pack is a can you will not use.
• Hiking silently with headphones in. The Forest Service advises staying alert, skipping headphones and making noise, especially at blind corners.
• Throwing food or your pack at the bear. A bear that gets food is encouraged, and the problem gets worse for the next camper.