Hiking in Black Bear Country
How to Identify a Bear, What to Do When Spotting a Bear, and More
Aug 22, 2009
Seeing a black bear while hiking can be an awe-inspiring experience. It can also be a nuisance, or worse, a dangerous threat. Knowing how to respond when encountering a black bear is important to know for any backcountry traveler.
Where are Black Bears Found?
Black bears can be found throughout the continental United States, Canada, and Alaska. Sometimes a black bear’s habitat is the same area as a brown bear (also known as a grizzly bear). Brown bears are much larger and can be aggressive. When in doubt as to whether which kind of bear can be found in the area intended for travel, check with the state department of natural resources or the local land manager.
How to Identify a Black Bear
Common features of a black bear include the following:
- Coat: Its fur is often black, but sometimes fur color can be brown or tan.
- Facial features: A black bear will have a long, pointy snout, while brown bears will have more of an open-bowl facial profile.
- Build: A black bear is smaller than a grizzly bear. A grizzly has a hump between the shoulders, while a black bear does not.
What to Do When Spotting a Black Bear
There are different ways to respond to a black bear when in the backcountry. If a bear is spotted from far away, such as at the other end of a large meadow, give the bear plenty of space. Most likely it won’t spot the group, and will move on. On the other hand, if the bear is much closer, such as when a hiker suddenly turns a corner, requires different technique. Make noise, such as yelling or banging pots and pans together. If in a hiking party, bring the group together to appear larger.
Warning Signs of an Aggressive Bear
Some signs of an aggressive bear include:
- Popping the jaw.
- Walking back and forth with a side profile, to appear larger.
- Making a false charge.
- Ignoring obvious loud noises, continuing to approach.
If a bear is not deterred, back away slowly from the bear and don't turn your back to it. Do not run away from a bear, as they are actually quite quick, and can catch up. Black bears can climb trees. Also, black bears are scavengers, which means if a hiker pretends to play dead, the bear may be more likely to take a bite. However, black bear attacks are actually quite rare.
More Information on Black Bears
For more information on bear behavior, look up Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance, by Stephen Herrero. The title may sound scary, but it is a great resource on black bears and grizzly bears.
Knowing what to do in bear country can help hikers can campers stay safe, and appreciate a terrific feature of the natural world.
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