[FurnaceFace]

http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlif...nterabear.aspx

If You Encounter a Bear

Last Review/Updated: July 9, 2002
There are no hard and fast rules about what to do when you confront a bear. Bears react to humans in different ways in different situations: depending on the bear's sex, age, health, the season, whether the bear is hungry, whether bear cubs are present, or there is an escape route available to the bear. Never harass or chase a bear!
On the Trail

Bear encounters on the trail can be dangerous, especially if the bear is surprised or if it is a sow with cubs. The bear may consider you a threat and either run away or attempt to remove you as a threat. If you encounter a bear on a trail,

• Stop! Try to stay calm and quiet. Do not make any sudden moves or loud noises! Avoid direct eye contact with the bear!
• Size up the situation. Is it a black bear or a grizzly? Are there cubs, and where are they in relation to you and the bear? Where is the rest of your party? (Stay together as a group. A group of people is less likely to be attacked than an individual.)
• Do not run from the bear! You cannot out run it!
• Talk quietly and slowly back up; give the bear enough time and room to leave on its own. Look for and climb a suitable tree if you have room and the time to do so. Get at least 4 metres (13 feet) off the ground. If the bear continues to move toward you, drop any personal items to distract the bear. However, hold on to large objects, such as a backpack, that could be used as a weapon in case of a predatory attack (see In Case of Attack).
• If the bear keeps coming at you, climb the tree as high as you can. Remember, some grizzlies and all black bears can climb trees; but you climbing a tree may cause the bear to feel less threatened.