It is getting goofy out there - coyotes
are living in New York's Central Park and bears are showing up
in people's back yards. Are you likely to see a bear while out
hiking with your dog? No, it's not likely. it is quite a thrill
if you are fortunate enough to spot a black bear on the trail
- from a distance.
Black bear attacks are incredibly rare.
In the year 2000 a hiker was killed by a black bear in Great
Smokey National Park and it was the first deadly bear attack
in the 66-year of America's most popular national park. It was
the first EVER in the southeastern United States. In all of North
America only 43 black bear mauling deaths have ever been recorded
(through 1999).
Most problems with black bears occur
near a campground (like the above incident) where bears have
learned to forage for unprotected food. On the trail bears will
typically see you and leave the area. What should you do if you
encounter a black bear (this does not apply to the larger, meaner,
more unpredictable grizzly bear although common sense is the
rule there as well)? Experts agree on three important things:
1) Never run. A bear will outrun you,
outclimb you, outswim you. Don't look like prey.
2) Never get between a female bear and a cub who may be nearby
feeding.
3) Leave a bear an escape route.
If the bear is at least 15 feet away
and notices you make sure you keep your dog close and calm. If
a bear stands on its hind legs or comes closer it may just be
trying to get a better view or smell to evaluate the situation.
Wave your arms and make noise to scare the bear away. Most bears
will quickly leave the area.
If you encounter a black bear at close
range, stand upright and make yourself appear as large a foe
as possible. Avoid direct eye contact and speak in a calm, assertive
and assuring voiceback as you back up slowly and out of danger.
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