Can you see a bear in the winter?
What do you do if you encounter a bear in the winter?
It's rare but encounters with bears in the winter can happen. It's difficult to see a winter den, dens can vary and they're often buried in the snow. Just be prepared and aware that it could happen.
Defensive Encounter
May occur when a bear is defending something such as
cubs, its food source or if the bear is surprised by your
presence.
- Do not run
- Ready your bear spray
- Try to appear non-threatening, avoiding eye contact
- Talk in a calm voice
- Slowly move away without turning your back to the bear
- Use your bear spray if the bear comes within usable range of your bear spray (typically 4-10 m (13-30 feet) depending on wind & weather
- Spray using both hands, following manufacturers directions
- Aim directly in front of the bear’s head and a little downward
- If the bear makes contact with you, play dead lying on your stomach with your legs spread apart and your hands interlaced behind your neck to protect it
Non-Defensive or Predatory Encounter
May occur when a bear is aware of your presence but still
approaches you, or when a bear makes contact at night.
This behaviour could be considered curious, indifferent, or
predatory.
- Do not run
- Ready your bear spray
- Intimidate the bear - make yourself look as big as possible and shout aggressively at the bear
- Use your bear spray if the bear comes within the usable range of your bear spray, typically 4-10m (13-30 feet) depending on wind, weather & canister size)
- If the bear makes contact, fight back!
- Attack the eyes, face and nose
BE OUTDOORS. BE PREPARED.
Kodiak Wildlife Products Inc.
www.kodiakcanada.com