Eight different types of bear species exist, but the American black bear is one of three bear species that hikers will encounter in North America. More often than not, black bears will turn and run away from approaching hikers, but sometimes they’re startled by hikers or they’re protecting cubs, and they can become aggressive. Plan to survive an encounter with a black bear by following this advice:

• Check with local rangers to find out if black bears or other bears have been sighted in the area where you plan to hike or camp.
• Hike in a group, and prevent taking a bear by surprise by wearing a bell to signal your approach. Carry bear spray if you’re walking through known bear habitat.
• Be aware while hiking through bear habitat so that you don’t startle a black bear on the trail. Bears are more active at dusk and dawn, and they’re also stocking up on food during the late summer and early autumn for their winter hibernation, so they are particularly active searching for food at this time.
• If you see a black bear, make noise to let it know of your presence. Make yourself look large by waving your arms overhead, and talk or sing loudly. Wait for the bear to leave the area, and then continue on the trail.
• When black bears emerge from their hibernation dens in the spring, mothers may be especially protective of new cubs. Take extreme caution when coming upon a black bear with cubs. Do not approach, and do not walk between a bear and her cubs.

• If a bear stands up on his hind legs, it may be curious and want to get a better view, but it may also want space.
• Slowly back away from a bear that changes its behavior after seeing you. Give it plenty of room. While moving away from a bear, remain talking in a normal voice, and continue waving your arms above your head while backing away.
• If a bear pursues you, do not run. Consider dropping an item on the trail, such as a piece of clothing or camera, to distract it from following you.
• If a bear charges you, do not run or climb a tree, as both responses will prompt the bear to chase.
• If you have bear spray and know how to use it properly, use it. Aim for the bear’s face, and begin spraying it as the bear approaches so that it will run into the spray.
• If a black bear attacks, continue to be loud, and stand your ground. Fight back aggressively, aiming for the bear’s eyes, nose, and face. Use any object you have, such as trekking poles or rocks, to help you. Play dead only if you are sure that the attacking bear is a mother protecting her cubs.