Expert Advice on Avoiding Bear Attacks During Outdoor Adventures

In May, Florida experienced its first fatal bear attack. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the family of an 89-year-old man reported him missing in early May. When FWC law enforcement and bear management staff responded to the area, they unfortunately found the man’s remains 100 yards from his own home. 

Additionally, officials discovered evidence of a physical struggle between a bear and a person, as well as a deceased dog that had been killed by a bear near the person. There were also signs that the bear entered the man’s residence. Through a necropsy, they later found some of the man’s remains inside the bear. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stressed that bear attacks are relatively rare.

Black bears typically aren’t aggressive toward humans, but they will sometimes attack if threatened. The killing of the 89-year-old man on his own property was a wake-up call for residents, with many questioning how to handle a black bear encounter. To shed some light on bear safety, A-Z Animals spoke with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild and ecologist, about ways humans can protect themselves in such instances. As black bear sightings rise, here are some expert tips on staying safe outdoors.

1. Secure Your Belongings

You know what they say: prevention is better than a cure. The first thing you should do to avoid black bear encounters is ensure you’re not attracting them in the first place. 

“‘Human’ food isn’t the only thing to attract bears—items like pet and livestock food, bird feeders, and trash cans will draw bears,” Dr. Wynn-Grant said. “Even something as small as an old piece of gum or an empty food wrapper can be enough to tempt these creatures.” 

That being said, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean up your outdoor messes and remove food items from any vehicles.

“Be sure to tightly secure all outdoor food sources and garbage cans around your home to prevent any unwanted bear and human interactions,” Wynn-Grant advised. “And don’t forget your car! Bears can open car door handles and enter vehicles when they can smell food odors.”

2. Stay Vigilant

Many people hike through the woods or walk outside their homes in wooded areas without a second thought. They might scroll on their phones while taking their dog out for a bathroom trip, or be completely unaware of their surroundings while chatting with friends. These simple moments of distraction can be dangerous.

“If you’re planning on traveling to an area where you know black bears are present, be ready to keep an active eye on the area around you,” Wynn-Grant said. “Remain vigilant and maintain your distance to avoid incidents that may result in serious injury.”

And if you do notice a black bear, don’t panic. The animal likely won’t charge or even approach you, especially if you keep your distance. Wynn-Grant recommended staying a football field’s length away (about 100 yards) if possible.

3. Do Not Approach

While black bears are undoubtedly adorable creatures, you should never attempt to get close to them, especially cubs.

“Touching, picking up, or even getting closer than 100 yards to wildlife can be dangerous for both you and the animal,” Wynn-Grant said. “In addition to injuring or traumatizing the bear, the cub’s parents are likely nearby and will not hesitate to use their teeth or claws to protect their offspring. Even if you do not consider yourself a threat, the parents will.”

4. Stay Calm

If you encounter a black bear in the wild, your first instinct might be to panic. However, this can actually trigger the bear’s instinct to chase.

“If you do encounter a black bear, try to stay calm,” Wynn-Grant said. “Make yourself appear as large as possible without making any sudden movements.”

5. Remain Informed

Knowledge is power. Not only should you keep the above tips in mind (and actively apply them when necessary), but it’s also crucial to check your state or region’s safety information.

“While encountering a black bear in the wild can be an incredible moment, it’s essential to remember these are wild animals and their behavior can be unpredictable,” Wynn-Grant said. “These general tips can help de-escalate black bear encounters, but always be sure to check with your local National Park center or backcountry office for the latest bear safety information.”