However, the video below is a lesson in how you should NEVER react if you bump into a grizzly bear. What do you do when you meet a bear? Like whether it’s foraged enough today. If you see a grizzly bear, the most important thing to remember is to not ride its nuts about anything. An encounter with a grizzly doesn't always have to end in bloodshed -- that's your blood or the bear's. They’re much smaller bears, so there is more of a chance the bear will be skiddish of you. You encounter grizzly bears often in Glacier National Park. Attacks by black bears on people are very rare and most black bears can be easily scared away with the following approach: Stand and face the bear directly. This is a muscle used for digging roots and slashing prey with their massive bear paw. 1 Helpful vote. Color: Medium to dark brown. If the brown bear or grizzly roughs you up a bit, stay flat and silent. However, if he starts to lick your wounds, stop playing dead; the bear is getting serious about harming (eating) you and you'll need to fight back. The most important thing to remember if you do encounter a bear is, don’t run! A grizzly is more likely to act with aggression, while a black bear can be scared off. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave. Body Shape: Has distinct shoulder hump. While I was running in Eastern British Columbia I came across a most affable of creature. Should you end up in a close encounter with a bear, Forbes said it's important to stay calm, but acknowledges that may be easier said than done. While it may seem odd, a bear on its hind legs may not be aggressive – it may simply be trying to identify what you are. If you see a bear but the bear doesn't see you, detour quickly and quietly. 6. Stop and calmly assess the situation. If your bear encounter turns into a stand-off, you'll want to hold your ground and begin talking to the animal in a clear, strong voice. Avoiding an encounter is the best way to protect both yourself and bears. We'll definitely be back for another visit. What should you do if you … You may not want to do this when there are cubs around. The times visitors are most likely to see a grizzly bear are dawn, dusk, and night. You want it to know you're human, so talk in a normal voice and wave your arms. If you are in open country, use binoculars to scan the horizon to look for bears. If you do encounter a bear, remain calm and remember that the bear is likely more scared of you than you are of him. If you encounter a grizzly, do not run. If a bear charges you after a surprise encounter, stay still and stand your ground. Less desirable options include playing dead. As a bear biologist, I’ve spent a fair amount of time with bears, watching and researching them, and one thing I’ve learned is that a grizzly bear does what a grizzly bear wants. Wildlife. Here are the answers to the difference between a grizzly and black bear, the odds of seeing a bear in the park, and if you should be afraid of bears. 3. Black bears are commonly seen throughout Yellowstone and are much smaller than grizzly bears. We we're lucky enough to see a bear named Bella who had a lots of personality. After all, it is prime grizzly bear habitat. Recognizing only fur colour and texture is not enough to tell a black bear from a grizzly bear: try this quiz to prepare you for an encounter bit.ly/bearidentificationtest. The tips on these pages will help reduce the likelihood of meeting Master Bruin, but at the same time, you need to be prepared for what to do when the unexpected occurs. 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