Unpacking a popular wellness trend
Bears rank as some of the most impressive creatures on the planet. They are also among the most potentially dangerous. Fortunately, most bears shy away from confrontation with humans. But bear attacks have been know to happen, occasionally resulting in fatalities. Therefore, knowing how to avoid an encounter with one of these animals is the best way to enjoy a hike through bear country.
But what exactly are you supposed to do if you stumble across one of these majestic beasts? Click through the following gallery and find out more about the eight different bear species of the world, and how to stay safe around one.
The North American black bear is the continent's smallest and most widely distributed bear species, found throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
North American black bears are omnivores, regularly consuming significant quantities of both plant and animal matter. These bears are the most likely species to be encountered in backcountry. However, attacks on humans are rare.
The brown bear is native to North America and Eurasia and rivals the polar bear in terms of size. The grizzly bear and Kodiak bear are two subspecies of brown bear also found on the North American continent.
Brown bears are also omnivores, with 90% of their diet derived from plants. Attacks on humans by brown bears, though widely reported, are generally rare. Grizzlies and Kodiaks can be more aggressive.
The polar bear is the largest species of bear in the world and the biggest land carnivore on the planet. The species is native to the arctic regions of Alaska, Greenland, Canada, Russia, and Norway.
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), there are between 22,000 to 31,000 polar bears left in the wild. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the polar bear as Vulnerable. Polar bears can be extremely dangerous, and regard humans as potential prey.
The Asiatic black bear, also known as the moon bear, is widespread across eastern Asia in countries that include Iran, India, China, Japan, and Russia.
Asiatic black bears are omnivorous and are well adapted to an arboreal lifestyle—the animals are perfectly at home in trees. Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, Asiatic black bears are more aggressive than their North American counterparts, a fact that belies their relatively small size.
One of the most recognized bear species, the iconic giant panda is endemic to China. Unlike other bears, pandas do not hibernate: in winter, they move to lower elevations to keep warm, while seeking out higher ground in the summer to stay cool. Attacks are rare, but, given the strength of its bite, this cute-looking creature is still dangerous if provoked.
Giant pandas feed almost exclusively on bamboo. Deforestation is threatening their habitat, and just 1,800 animals remain in the wild. As such, this rare and elusive animal is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
The spectacled bear, also known as the Andean bear, is native to the Andes Mountains in northern and western South America. Actually, it's the only living species of bear native to South America, and is also the world's last short-faced bear.
Spectacled bears are more herbivorous than most other bears, their diet consisting of cactus, bromeliad, palm hearts, and fruit. The species is generally shy and will usually retreat rather than instigate an attack. The speckled bear is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
Native to the Indian subcontinent, the sloth bear is so named for its stocky stature and long, shaggy fur and mane.
Sloth bears live on a diet of termites, ants, and fruit. Although slow and clumsy in appearance, sloth bears are one of the most aggressive of bears and will stand their ground when confronted with predators, even against tigers. The sloth bear is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
The sun bear is the smallest bear species and only found in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. As with several other bear species, it's designated as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
The sun bear is so named for its characteristic orange to cream-colored chest patch. Excellent climbers, the bears feed on ants, bees, beetles, termites, and plant material. It also has a voracious appetite for honey. Due to its shy nature, attacks by these bears are rare.
Seeing a bear in the wild is a special treat for any visitor to a national park. But while these animals generally prefer to avoid people, an encounter can be dangerous.
Trekking the wilderness is to enter the realm of the bear. Staying safe means following some basic guidelines that may help lessen the threat of danger.
In some cases, it's extremely unwise to walk in areas where bears are known to wander. This is especially so in polar regions. Remember, a polar bear is regarded as the most dangerous of the Ursidae family.
Upon arrival in a park, visitors should check with the nearest visitor center or backcountry office for the latest bear safety information.
Many parks are equipped with viewing platforms located in areas where bears tend to congregate, a river teeming with salmon, for example, or a meadow carpeted with crisp, tasty grass.
Elsewhere, always venture out in a group and stay on designated trails whenever possible. These are often waysigned with bear warning notices. And never travel at night.
To avoid surprise encounters in bear country, stay alert and make some noise. Call out, clap, sing, or talk loudly. Let bears know you're in the vicinity.
If you do see a bear, never approach, crowd, pursue, or attempt to displace the animal. Instead, remain still but slowly wave your arms. Doing so identifies you as a human and not potential prey. Above all, stay calm.
Bears sometimes bluff their way out of an encounter by charging and then turning away at the last second. Don't turn and run. Rather, talk to the animal in low tones, which won't sound threatening to the animal.
Another defensive ploy is to close ranks as a group. This way you'll all appear larger. A good tip is to move to higher ground if possible. Again, this will give the bear an impression that it's facing a much bigger animal than itself.
If you encounter a bear as a family, pick up small children immediately. Do not make any loud noises or screams. And if hiking with a dog, always keep it on a leash. Better still, leave your pet at home.
Don't be tempted to approach a cub that appears alone. Quite often young animals that look abandoned often have their mother nearby. And never get between a mom and her offspring!
Keep your eyes peeled for wild bear tracks and other fresh bear signs, things like droppings, torn-up logs, and turned-over rocks. Avoid the area or turn back if tell-tale indicators like these are present.
Do not allow a bear to access your food. Bears are thought to have the best sense of smell of any animal on earth and will home in on anything with an edible scent. It's also worth noting that most foodstuffs we consider fit for consumption are bad for bears.
Sources: (National Park Service) (Parks Canada) (IUCN) (WWF)
Different types of bears, and how to stay safe around one
Here's what to do when encountering one of these animals
LIFESTYLE Wildlife
Bears rank as some of the most impressive creatures on the planet. They are also among the most potentially dangerous. Fortunately, most bears shy away from confrontation with humans. But bear attacks have been know to happen, occasionally resulting in fatalities. Therefore, knowing how to avoid an encounter with one of these animals is the best way to enjoy a hike through bear country.
But what exactly are you supposed to do if you stumble across one of these majestic beasts? Click through the following gallery and find out more about the eight different bear species of the world, and how to stay safe around one.