Plants & Wildlife · Reference · Basic
Bear Encounters: What Actually Works
The Park Service playbook: how to leave an encounter safely, and why "play dead" is only sometimes right.
This is for educational purposes only. Not professional medical, electrical, or safety advice.
Warning
"Always play dead" is dangerously wrong advice. The right response depends on the species and the situation — learn both before you need them.
- 01
If you see a bear
Stay calm and speak in a calm voice so it knows you're human. Group together and pick up small children. If the bear is stationary, back away slowly and sideways — sideways is non-threatening. Never run, never climb a tree, never drop your pack or offer food.
- 02
Don't trust color
You cannot identify the species by color — black bears can be brown, cinnamon or blonde. Look at body shape: grizzlies have a shoulder hump and dished face; black bears have a straight face profile and taller ears.
- 03
If a grizzly attacks
Play dead: lie flat on your stomach, hands clasped behind your neck, legs spread so you can't be rolled, pack left on. Stay still until the bear leaves. But if the attack continues, fight back vigorously.
- 04
If a black bear attacks
Do NOT play dead. Escape to a car or building if you can; otherwise fight back hard, aiming for the face and muzzle.
- 05
The universal rule
Any bear that attacks you in a tent, or stalks you and then attacks, is likely predatory: fight back, whatever the species. Carry bear spray as a defensive tool — it's for spraying at a charging bear, not on your gear like repellent.