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When camping in bear country, there is always a chance to encounter a bear. Although bears typically avoid humans completely there are some that will come to your campsite in search of food. There are ways to prevent being attacked by these animals. One of the best ways is to keep them away from your campsite to begin with.
Most people don't realize that they are actually inviting them to their site. Keeping food out is the best way to attract bears and other wildlife. Keep all food put away and trash secured in bags hung from a tree well out of reach. Keep the bags at least 300 feet from your tent. Never keep food inside your tent. When choosing a location for your tent, make sure it isn't close to fruit trees or berry bushes. These attract bears.
When hiking through bear country there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure that you travel in a group. Bears are less likely to attack groups of six or more. Carry a can of bear pepper spray in case of an attack. While walking through areas that have wild fruits and berries growing make noise. Talking whistling singing etc. will prevent you from startling a bear that may be feeding there. Most bears will run away if they hear you coming toward them, but if startled the bear may attack.
If a bear has already started attacking you because you startled him, the best defense is either using pepper spray, or play dead until the bear leaves the area. Once the bear feels that you are no longer a threat most will stop attacking. If a bear stalks you and then charges you, your best defense is to fight back. Spray the bear with pepper spray, climb up a tree or find rocks and sticks to hit the bear. Don't be easy prey for the bear. When playing dead, keep your legs far apart to keep the bear from rolling you over and don't move or make a sound. Also keep your hands clutched behind your head to protect yourself from getting your head or neck bitten.
The best way to fight off a bear attack is to prevent them from occurring. Bear attacks are always different depending on the bear that's doing the attacking.
Playing dead may help to prevent serious injury if you are attacked by a grizzly bear. Do not play dead during a black bear attack or if a grizzly bear is treating you as prey. Playing dead will help protect your vital areas, and the bear may leave if you appear harmless (or dead). There are two recommended positions for instances like these:
- curl up into a ball on your side with your hands clasped behind your neck
- lie flat on the ground, face down, fingers intertwined behind your neck.
Using air horns and small explosive devices to deter bears is always better than fighting them.
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