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 Black bears rely on their sense of smell to identify things. To avoid intrusions by bears, keep a clean campsite and your tent as odour-free as possible. - Mike Bryant/NNSL photo |
Yellowknife (July 11/01) - Knowing how to read the signals bears are giving off can be the difference between an exciting story and real-life tragedy.
Understanding the signs bears give during encounters was the focus of a presentation last Friday by Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development veteran Ray Bourget.
"Bears don't want to encounter people," said Bourget.
Avoid surprise encounters by remaining alert for signs of bears, like footprints, scat and scratch marks on trees. When moving through dense bush, keep a running dialogue going, even if it is with yourself.
"The human voice is a very powerful deterrent," Bourget said.
Bear bells will let a bear know something is coming but will not identify you as human. The same with air horns.
Be particularly alert around rushing rivers and in other situations where the sounds you make are masked by other sounds.
Of all species of bears, black bears, the most common in the Yellowknife area, are the least likely to attack humans.
If it happens
If you do encounter a bear, do not run, unless you know for sure you can make it to shelter, said Bourget.
No human can outrun a bear. Fleeing is a characteristic of prey and triggers the predator instinct in bears.
Instead of running, stop, raise your hands to make yourself look as large as possible and talk to the bear in as calm a voice as you can muster. As you may guess, it doesn't matter much what you say. Complain about your in-laws, talk about the weather. Traditionally, Dene ask the bear to leave.
The purpose of speaking is to identify yourself as human.
Observe the bear's reaction. If it shows signs of stress, such as jaw-popping, ears pinned back and a stiff-legged gait, the bear is stressed and likely acting defensively.
Slowly back away, continuing to talk. Be careful not to trip as you are walking backward. If the bear moves toward you, stop. When the bear stops, move off its path.
If it still continues walking toward you fall to the ground on your stomach. And protect your neck and face areas. If the bear tries to roll you, roll through onto your stomach again.
When the attack stops, wait for the bear to leave and leave the area. If the attack is prolonged, start fighting for your life, attacking the bear's nose and eyes with punches and kicks or whatever is at hand.
If you encounter a bear that shows no sign of stress and appears totally focused on you, stop and talk to the bear in a firm voice.
Deterrents
Walk away from its path of travel. If it continues to approach, start shouting at it, stamp your feet and appear as threatening as possible. If it attacks, fight for your life. Do not play dead.
The debate about whether or not carrying a gun in bear country is a good idea has not been resolved.
Bourget said a gun is only a good idea if the person carrying it is totally familiar with it and how to use it.
Bear spray is a good close range deterrent, but only if it is readily accessible. Carry canisters in a belt holster.
Unless trained to the purpose, dogs can be more of a danger than a help -- "Dogs are pack animals and you are the alpha male. When that dog gets into trouble it will run to you for protection," Bourget said.
Keep Fido on a leash when walking through bear country.
