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When bears attack! Practical tips for staying safe in the wilderness

USA | Friday, 31 July 2009 | Views [1099] | Comments [1]

One of my favorite quotes from Hunter S. Thompson is “Civilization ends at the waterline. Beyond that, we all enter the food chain, and not always right at the top.” I feel the same can be said for those who venture into the wilderness.

WorldNomads.com's roving medical and adventure expert Dr. Erik McLaughlin MD shares these practical tips to help you enjoy the North American wilderness from the top of the food chain.

Adventurers who enjoy hiking, tramping, cycling, climbing and outdoor pursuits should always be prepared for conditions they cannot control. You can run into stronger, nastier and faster animals than yourselves... and it's vital to know what to do.

Perhaps the most frightening animal to outdoor adventurers is the bear. I have a very healthy respect for bears of all types. Common sense should be used by those traveling through bear country and all bears should be considered dangerous.

Bear safety when you are camping:

Avoid camping in known bear feeding areas or movement routes
Keep garbage away from your campsite and do not camp in areas with garbage
Sleep in a tent and keep a flashlight inside
Keep sleeping bags partially unzipped for a quick get-away
Strongly consider carrying pepper spray or if properly trained, carry a firearm
Store food properly and keep it in bear-proof containers or hung in a tree, away from you
Cook and store food at a site away from your sleeping area
Try to change clothes after cooking and leave them with your food, away from your sleep area
Do not keep food, trail mix or energy bars in your tent or pockets when you sleep

When you are hiking or traveling:

Make lots of noise while moving so a bear is aware you are approaching
Do not rely on bear bells alone to produce adequate noise
Be aware of wind direction; an “upwind” bear cannot smell you
Heavy forested areas, rushing water, rain or fog can all act to decrease sound transmission. In these places be extra loud
Do not approach bears or any wild animal too close, especially not for a photograph or “better view”
If you observe signs of bears in the area (tracks, droppings or fresh prey carcasses) consider them to be close by
Avoid berry patches, elk grounds or streams with spawning fish because bears like to eat there

If you see a bear:

Allow the bear to see you are there. As a human, you are not one of their favorite meals
Avoid sudden movements or yelling
Do not climb a tree or attempt to run
Do not stare at the bear or make eye contact; look to one side or the other
Do not attempt to hide
Avoid standing next to objects such as tree stumps, bushes or things which will cause the bear to think you are anything but “human shaped”
Speak to the bear in a clear, calm voice to allow the bear to identify you as human

If attacked:

Do not run, climb trees, fight back or scream
Do not hold out an arm to ward of an attack
Drop to the ground and cover your head, in a fetal position
Curl into the smallest ball you can make yourself
Interlock your hands behind your head, covering your ears and use your elbows to protect your face
After you think the bear has left, try to move as little as possible while looking around
Try to see which way the bear went and travel in the opposite direction

If you are attempting to carry either a firearm or pepper spray, ensure you are properly trained to use these items. Fatal accidents can result from improper use or inadequate training.

Tips for avoiding other animal attacks

Avoid sudden movements around animals
Never pet an unknown dog
Never pet or kiss an animal, avoid petting them on the head
Do not reach into animal cages
After preparing food, wash your hands before touching an animal
Never leave children alone with animals
Do not try to take food or toys from an animal
Do not try to separate fighting animals

Perhaps the greatest danger from an animal attack or bite comes from the initial trauma of the bites or scratches. After the initial blood loss has been controlled and first aid has been rendered, there should be concern for infection. Often times, antibiotics are indicated following an animal bite, especially wild animals.

Rabies is always a concern and victims of animal attacks should speak with their health professional immediately about treatment or prevention following a bite. Frequently, stitching or tightly closing an animal bite will only serve to trap dangerous bacteria in the wound.

Finally, after being bitten, do not forget to check the status of your last tetanus shot.

Bear scare gadgets

Before hitting the trails in North America, you might like to whack these into your hiking pack...

Bear pepper spray

Bear bells

Comments

1

So it is good to provide helpful information. I am concerned, however that it is a bit too general. For instance, it is extremely unlikely that a human will be attacked by a bear in California, Oregon, or Washington. I am sure that is also true of other states...but I live and hike on the West Coast, so that is what I know. Bears over here are interested in people's food...not people themselves. I solo backpack often in these states (and I am female). There are risks one takes hiking solo...or hiking at all...or walking down the street for that matter, but in the West Coast wilderness, bears are really not much of a danger. Mountain Lions are far more dangerous and have attacked people in California (though even those attacks are seldom). Hypothermia, dehydration, significant falls/injuries etc. are the real dangers when in the back country. Bears in California have in the past been habituated to humans with negative results, mainly negative for bears, and really aggressive policies regarding food storage have been developed in wilderness areas. Bears do not roam state wide. There are lots of wilderness areas that bears do not live in. In Washington, food is hung on poles or in a tree. Washington has a different bear habituation history and has very few problems with bears. ...and they work hard to keep it that way. While one seldom needs to be concerned for one's life in these states (around a bear), it is very, very important to continue to keep bears from obtaining human food. A tube of toothpaste in a tent could mean a destroyed tent...and a bear that is successful finding food may begin aggressive behaviors around humans to obtain more. This bear could then be destroyed if he can not be "retrained" back to his hunting lifestyle.

One state that has bears who would see a human as a meal is Alaska. They don't play. The advice given is more appropriate for the State of Alaska...and even with that it is specific species (which I couldn't define as I have only visited there once.)

I just think that it is important NOT to scare people away from the outdoors with less than accurate...or complete information. California is so beautiful, and particularly the Yosemite/Ansel Adams/Kings Canyon areas are gorgeous and contain bears who are extremely interested in people food and border on the ridiculous (will smash a car window for a lifesaver). The desserts are also beautiful and contain no bears and Point Reyes, another entirely different wilderness also contains no bears.

Niki Aug 24, 2009 3:38 PM