Quick Answer
Stand your ground, make yourself look as big as possible, and prepare to use bear spray if the bear continues to charge. This stance can deter the bear from attacking, but be prepared for the bear to still contact you. If a bear does make contact, aim for its face and eyes.
Staying Calm and Assertive
When a bear charges unexpectedly, it’s crucial to remain calm and assertive. Avoid panicking, as this can trigger the bear’s hunting instinct. Instead, stand your ground and make yourself look as big as possible by spreading your arms and opening your jacket. This non-threatening posture can help deter the bear from attacking.
Using Bear Spray Effectively
If the bear continues to charge, prepare to use bear spray. Make sure the wind is not blowing towards you and that the bear is within spraying distance, typically 6-8 meters (20-25 feet). When spraying, aim for the bear’s face and eyes, as this can cause temporary blindness and disorientation. Spray in short, 1-2 second bursts to avoid wasting the spray.
Defending Yourself if Contact Occurs
If the bear makes contact, aim for its face and eyes with any available objects, such as sticks, rocks, or your fists. Avoid punching or kicking the bear’s chest or abdomen, as this can cause injury to yourself or the bear. Instead, target the bear’s sensitive areas, including its eyes, nose, and mouth. This can help distract the bear and create an opportunity for escape.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.