Living With Bears:

We live where there are various forms of wildlife. Over the years we have learned much about bears and other predators. I tried to remember all the encounters we have experience in the time we have resided here but there were just too many to recount. Usually several each year over the quarter century we have been here. All but one were black bears and that one was a large brown bear complete with the muscle hump between his/her shoulders. Being within 25 yards from a brown bear which are less predictable is somewhat daunting. 
 

How do you know if a black bear is aggressive or not? Usually when we have encountered a black bear it is a surprise to both of us. They often appear from behind a bush, tree, or out of a depression in the terrain. Sometimes with cubs in tow. If they are afraid that you could harm them they act defensive and if something you do causes them to be afraid they quickly turn offensive. Indications you are over the line with them is when they lower their head and swing it side to side and ears are back. They may stomp their front feet or pop their jaws at you coupled with huffs. They may even false charge you to see if you are the danger they think you are. 

What not to do:   Do not run as they are much faster than a human can run. We slowly back off never taking out eyes off them. Do not turn your back on them  as that could trigger their prey drive and you will be fighting for your life. We talk calmly to them on our encounters and stand our ground unless they show aggression. Until they can figure out whether you are friendly or foe they will most likely stand their ground too. This is no time when you are confronted by a bear to whip out your cell phone or camera as it very well could send the wrong message to the bear. Stay calm and slowly remove yourself from the situation and NO yelling at the bear. 

 

Stay calm:   I read once that out of 100 black bears only one has aggressive tendencies. I have found that to be pretty much true. Most have poor eyesight and until they can identify who or what you are they are very cautious. They are also curious and I have had them come closer to sniff us from a  better distance. Staying calm is important because I believe they can smell fear and that would be a weakness to them. 

Prevention: It is good to talk loudly or make noise as you walk through the woods. They will usually avoid you if they hear you coming. It is also good to have bear spray with you or pepper spray to use if you are charged. If charged you may not have time to get a handgun out or a rifle off your shoulder. If you are excited you might miss anyway. If the bear charges you they will come very fast and you may be knocked down. If that happens I am told playing dead works some of the time. Cover your neck with your hands and if possible curl into a fetus position. The alternative is to fight back with what ever is at hand. 

In summary, we love our bears and we have been able to live and coexist with them for 25 years. That is not to say we won't one day run into that one that is far from friendly. Their behavior is mostly predictable but you need to know what to look for. If your clothes smell like food or if you have food out where they can smell it your chances for a friendly encounter diminish greatly. I have had them within inches from me and still walked away safely. There will always be that rogue bear but hopefully we will never encounter it. 

This has been our personal experience with black bears and we hope any of your encounters will be equally good. It is certainly best to see them before they see you for obvious reasons.