STAY SAFE How you can - Government of Yukon
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How you can
STAY SAFE
in bear country
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2020 978-1-55362-853-8 Printed on 100% post-consumer, recycled paper. Photos by: SIBCS – Safety in Bear Country Society P. Timpany – Phil Timpany, Wildman Productions YG – Government of Yukon For additional copies, contact: Department of Environment Government of Yukon Box 2703 Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6 Phone: 867-667-5652 Toll free in Yukon: 1–800–661–0408, ext. 5652 environmentyukon@gov.yk.ca Yukon.ca
STAYING SAFE
s s s
people and bears have been interacting for thousands
1
of years, the relationship has often been based more on
fear than understanding. Studying how bears interact
with each other can teach us a lot about how they avoid
s s ss s s
respond to bears during encounters.
This booklet presents a clear approach to understanding
bears and offers practical, and possibly life-saving,
advice on how you can stay safe in bear country.
CAUTION
While there is no guarantee that the advice in this
booklet will prevent you from being harmed by a bear,
it can help you reduce your risks.
If you understand and apply these safety principles,
you can make your next trip into bear country
safer for both you and the bears.
YG Photo (K. Egli)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The information in this booklet was provided in large part
2 by the Safety in Bear Country Society and is based on their
video, Staying Safe in Bear Country. The video was developed
in collaboration with the International Association for Bear
Research and Management, with the input of many world-
renowned bear experts who have spent thousands of hours
studying bear behaviour as well as bear-human interactions
s
Our thanks to the members of the Safety in Bear Country
Society:
Andy McMullen – Chair and Executive Producer; Wildlife Safety
Consultant, Yellowknife, NWT. Andy specializes in practical
s s s
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for 13 years and also spent over 20 years working directly with
mining and tourist industries.
Stephen Herrero – Professor Emeritus, Environmental Science,
University of Calgary, Alberta. Steve has extensive experience
in teaching, research, and professional practice in wildlife ecology
s Bear Attacks:
Their Causes and Avoidance.
John Hechtel – Wildlife Biologist (retired), Alaska Department of
Fish and Game, Palmer, Alaska. John has spent many years in
s s
s s s
s s s s s
management projects.
Grant MacHutchon – Wildlife Biology Consultant, Nelson, BC.
Grant specializes in bear research and management issues,
including habitat ecology, population biology, and bear
s s s
research and management, and has worked extensively
with bears.
Phil Timpany – Wildman Productions, Whitehorse, Yukon.
s s s
production segments for BC Ministry of Forests’ Bear Aware
safety video (1993) prior to producing, directing and major
Safety in Bear Country video series. Phil has
demonstrated the effectiveness of video as an educational
tool in bear safety training courses.
ABOUT BEARS IN GENERAL
• Bears are intelligent and • Bears have better 3
curious animals. hearing than humans.
• You can run into a bear • The quest for food
in any season, including shapes every aspect
winter. of a bear’s life. They
spend much of their
• Their vision is
time searching for food
comparable to that
to support growth,
of humans.
sustain their offspring,
• Bears’ sense of smell and prepare for winter
is legendary. They often denning.
stand up to catch a
• Bear behaviour is more
scent or get a better
predictable than most
look.
people think.
• They can move much
faster than any human…
over any terrain… uphill
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or down. They’re also
very strong swimmers.
• Black Bears are much
better at climbing trees
than Grizzly Bears, but
many grizzlies are good
climbers as well.
• Mother bears, especially
Bear
grizzlies, are intensely
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den
protective of their
offspring.
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Look
scratches for hairs
KNOW YOUR BEARS
4 Black Bears Bears seldom eat plant
roots. Berry crops are
Black Bears may vary in
critical. Before berries
colour from blond to
ripen, or in years when
black and sometimes
the crop fails, Black
even grey-blue; however,
Bears will forage widely
most are black or some
for food including
shade of brown. They
human-made sources.
lack a shoulder hump,
and have shorter front Black Bears evolved
claws than grizzlies. in forested habitats
and are agile climbers.
Adult males weigh
Consequently, when a
about 135 kg (300 lbs)
Black Bear is threatened,
and adult females weigh
it usually seeks the
only 70 kg (150 lbs)
safety of the forest
on average. The Black
rather than stand its
Bear’s diet can be up to
90 per cent vegetation.
Unlike grizzlies, Black
1
2
Back
4
Front
3
1. Highest point of back is over hind legs.
2. In profile, muzzle is straight and long.
3. Front claws are dark, relatively short and well curved.
4. Black Bear tracks can be distinguished from a grizzly’s
tracks by the curved line made by the front toes. Their
claws leave little or no imprint in front of the toes.
Grizzly Bears Grizzly Bears evolved
in open habitats and
A grizzly’s fur can vary in
without the ability to 5
colour, from blond to red
use escape cover to
to dark brown – or even
hide from danger. As
black. Silver-tipped hairs
a result, when they
can give them a
feel threatened, they
“grizzled” appearance.
are inclined to defend
They usually have a
themselves. Today’s
prominent hump over the
grizzlies live in open
shoulder, and their front
and forested habitats.
claws are long and
In some places – such
specialized for digging.
as the Kluane Park
Adult males weigh
region – they can be
about 250 kg (550 lbs)
more abundant than
and adult females can
Black Bears.
weigh 150 kg (330 lbs),
though Yukon bears
tend to be smaller. 1
2
Back
4
Front
3
1. Highest point of back is over the shoulders.
2. In profile, the brow gives face a dished or concave look.
3. Front claws are light coloured and slightly curved.
4. Grizzly tracks can be distinguished from a Black Bear by
the comparatively straight line made by the toes. The
claw imprints are easier to see, usually 2-3 inches in front
of the toes.
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Black Black Brown Grizzly
Bear Bear
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Brown Black Blond Grizzly
Bear Bear
P. Timpany
BEARS IN YUKON
• Yukon has three bear species
Black | Grizzly | Polar Black Grizzly
Bear
• Yukon is home to about
10,000 Black Bears, and
6,000–7,000 grizzlies • The names Grizzly Bear
spread thinly from the BC and Brown Bear refer to the
border to the Arctic coast, same species.
including Herschel Island -
Qikiqtaruk. The north coastal • Colour isn’t always a positive
region is also home to Polar indication of species.
Bears.
CO-EXISTING WITH BEARS
Bears are an important part of
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the ecosystem. Without them
many other wildlife species
would decline. In order to keep
bears in the ecosystem, people
must manage their use of
A conservation officer potential bear attractants and
sets a bear trap. ensure that they use bear-safe
practices when spending time in
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bear country. Becoming “bear-
wise” gives bears and people the
best chance of coexisting.
Bear release.
Safety when near you, slow down and
roadside bear pull over where it is safe
to do so. 7
viewing
Don’t stop in the middle
The bears you see along
of the road, or close to a
roadways are usually
hill or curve. Other drivers
digging up roots or
may not see you in time
eating grasses and other
to avoid a collision.
plants that make up to
90 per cent of a Yukon
bear’s diet.
Niels Jacobsen
If you see a bear on the
roadside, consider not
stopping. If you must stop,
s s s
s
you, keep your eyes on the
road and don’t stop. If
s
Stay in your vehicle, even
when taking a photo.
At all times…
• Never feed a bear. It is dangerous, can create a
danger for other travellers, and it is illegal.
• Stay in your vehicle.
• Remain a respectful distance from the bear.
If the bear retreats or seems to ignore you…
• Take pictures, watch for a few moments, and then
move on.
• Keep your vehicle on the shoulder of the road.
If the bear approaches your vehicle…
• Put your window up and leave immediately. This
bear may have been previously fed by people and
could be dangerous.
Safety when
walking or hiking
8 • Stay alert. Keep an eye • Pay attention to wind
out for bears so you direction. If you are
can give them plenty travelling into the wind,
of room. Look for a bear may not be able
recent bear signs such to smell you.
as tracks, scats, fresh • Make noise to let bears
diggings or tree know you’re coming,
scratches. If you see any especially in thick brush,
of these be berry patches or near
especially cautious. running water.
• Choose routes with • Loud talking or singing is
good visibility where better than using bells.
possible.
• Don’t approach a bear
• Closely supervise for a closer look or better
children and teach them photo. Use binoculars or
about safety in bear a telephoto lens.
country. For all ages,
travelling in groups of
three or more is safer.
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When viewing wildlife, keep your distance. Use binoculars, scopes or telephoto lenses.P. Timpany
9
Be especially alert near running water, which
can mask the noise of an approaching bear.
Safety when fishing
• Stay alert. Keep an eye you coming it will
out for bears so you probably leave the area.
can give them plenty • Clean your catch
of room. Look for at the shoreline or at
recent bear signs such home, not at camp.
as tracks, scats, fresh Put the guts in fast-
diggings, partly eaten moving water. Pop the
s s air bladder so the guts
trees and carcasses will sink.
that a bear may be
feeding on. If you see s s
any of these, be your clothes. Wash your
especially cautious or hands, knife and cutting
avoid the area. board after cleaning the
s
• Fish with friends.
Bears are less likely to s
approach groups. in your vehicle. If
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• Carry deterrents such food away from your
as bear spray. tent in bear-resistant
• Make noise, especially and odour-proof
when your visibility is containers.
limited. If a bear hearsParks Canada
Safety when
camping
10 • Choose a campsite
well away from
wildlife trails, spawning
streams, signs of
recent bear activity,
and bear foods such
as berry patches.
• Keep a clean camp. Bear-proof containers
• In the backcountry,
garbage should be
• Consider using electric
stored in bear-resistant
fencing around your
and odour-proof
campsite in the
containers and packed
backcountry. Portable
systems are lightweight
burn only safely
and easy to assemble.
combustible waste and
For more information
pack out all unburned
see Reducing Wildlife
items, e.g., tins.
Conflict with Electric
• In a campground, use Fencing: A beginner’s
the bear-proof garbage guide, available from
cans provided. Department of
• Where bear-proof s
storage containers Yukon.ca.
are not available, hang
food and attractants
four metres off the
Arctic Oven Tents
ground between trees.
• Don’t bring greasy,
smelly foods like
s
• Store attractants and
cook food well away
from your campsite,
downwind if possible.
Portable electric fencing.ATTRACTANTS
Not everything a bear smells is food, but all things
that smell may attract a foraging bear.
11
P. Timpany
P. Timpany
Berry patches may be inviting Strong smells don’t have to come
places to camp, but they also invite from garbage. Inedible items can
foraging bears. also be attractants.
These are some common items that may attract a
bear to your home, yard, campsite, or even to you:
• Garbage, compost • Citronella, hot tub
and recycling. covers, insulation and
petroleum products.
• Fruit trees and
berry bushes. • Gardens.
• Bird feeders and
bird seed.
• Domestic pets and
pet food.
• Barbeques, freezers, If a bear succeeds in
getting an easy meal from
s s s
improperly stored food or
and smokers. garbage, it is almost
• Backyard chickens certain to return or seek
and other livestock the same food elsewhere.
and their feed.SIBCS
DETERRENTS
There are a number of
12 tools that can help you
deter a bear, including
bear spray, non-lethal
projectiles, a variety of Bear spray should be easily
accessible – not in your pack.
noisemakers, and electric
fencing. Used properly,
deterrents can be helpful, away from you. Exercise
but they’re not 100 per caution… If discharged
cent effective. Make sure
you’re familiar with their space, bear spray can
use before you need them. affect or, in extreme
And don’t let deterrents cases, disable the user.
give you a false sense of
Even in your tent, keep
security.
bear spray close at hand.
Bears remain active in
Bear spray winter. Continue carrying
Bear spray should only bear spray. Keep it
be used at close range – accessible and warm so
on an aggressive or that it doesn’t freeze.
attacking bear. Carry
Note: Bear spray should
it ready to use, not
not be applied to property
in your pack.
as a preventative
Before using it, ensure measure.
the nozzle is pointed
SIBCS
You may have to discharge your spray more
than once to repel a determined bear.MYTHS
Fed bears are tame. All bear attacks are
False. Fed bears can be more predatory. 13
dangerous than wild bears False. Bear attacks can be
because fed bears have predatory or defensive.
an expectation of getting Most life-threatening attacks
food from humans. by Black Bears are predatory
while most attacks by
Black Bears aren’t dangerous.
Grizzly Bears are defensive.
False. Black Bears can be as
much a danger to people and
Bears can’t run downhill.
property as other bears.
False. Bears are agile
Bears are slow. and can run downhill
False. Bears can run at high easily and quickly.
speeds over short distances.
Bears don’t swim.
False. Bears are excellent
long-distance swimmers.
Firearms
If you intend to carry a Transportation
s s s s
adequate – 30 caliber or explosive type deterrents
larger or a 12-gauge have regulations
s s s governing their transport
Practice until you can and use. Consult with
shoot quickly and local authorities about
accurately under stress what is allowed in your
and at close range. area.
s s
a bear attack , aim to kill.
Wounding a bear can Non-lethal
make the situation much projectiles
worse.
Use of a 12-gauge shotgun allows
Firearms should only be you the option of using non-lethal
projectiles that are designed to hurt
used as a last resort in a the bear, but not to kill it.
life-threatening situation.
As with standard ammunition, you
should be familiar with proper use.SIBCS
14
A bear that feels crowded will display aggressive behaviour.
HOW DO A bear’s body
language communicates
BEARS a great deal about its
RELATE TO mood or temperament,
as well as conveying
OTHER important signs of
BEARS? dominance or submission.
Bears spend much Most encounters between
of their time alone but bears involve caution and
they are also social avoidance, with the bears
animals and have a slowly separating. But
social structure. Large if one ignores the other’s
individuals are dominant warnings or crowds its
over smaller or newly personal space, the
independent juvenile situation can suddenly
bears. Dominant bears turn nasty.
have the best access to
preferred feeding sites
and mates.
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While each bear has a
home range, these ranges
overlap. Yet each bear
maintains and defends its
own immediate, personal
space. Depending on
seasonal food abundance,
bears may or may not
tolerate the presence
A juvenile Black Bear, low
of each other. in the social structure.HOW DO BEARS RELATE
TO HUMANS? 15
Bears may relate to humans in similar ways to how
they relate to other bears. But many bears also have
had previous experience around people and have
learned – good or bad – from each interaction.
• Bears are remarkably • A bear that has been
tolerant of people. fed – intentionally or
through poorly handled
• A bear won’t attack
attractants – may be
just because it senses
more determined
that a person is scared
to get food in another
or vulnerable.
encounter.
• Bears are generally
Luckily, the most common
cautious around
interaction is a bear
humans and will try to
avoiding a human who
avoid people if they
is not even aware of the
bear’s presence.
are surprised or feel
cornered, they may
defend themselves.
P. Timpany
Nobody likes to be surprised. If it happens,
respect the bear’s need for space.SIGNS OF Some are subtle, such as:
• a pause in activity;
16
STRESS • yawning;
Whether relating to • a stiffening stance; or
another bear or to a • a change in body
human, bears use the orientation.
same behaviours to Others are more obvious,
indicate their stress. such as:
• moaning; and
• teeth popping.
P. Timpany
High stress or aggression
is expressed by:
• salivating;
• roaring and open-mouth
jawing;
• paw swatting;
• guttural sounds; or
• a charge – which usually
stops short of contact.
A salivating bear is stressed.
P. Timpanya
This “yawning” mother bear is indicating her stress.WHAT TO DO your arms slowly. Even if
it seems unconcerned,
IF YOU never approach a bear. 17
ENCOUNTER If you crowd it, you might
provoke an aggressive
A BEAR response. Instead, back
Your best strategy is away slowly, avoiding
to avoid unwanted sudden movements and
encounters with bears, just keeping an eye on the
as most bears avoid you. bear. And don’t run: that
But in the wild, this isn’t could trigger a chase.
always possible. So what
should you do if you see a
P. Timpany
bear? Stop. Remain calm.
Assess the situation.
Does the bear know you’re
there? If not, move away
quietly, watching for any
Wave arms slowly. Talk calmly.
change in its behaviour.
Be careful not to startle it.
Shouting at a grizzly that
P. Timpany
is unaware of you could
provoke an attack. Make a
wide detour and try to
leave undetected. If you
see young bears on the
ground or in a tree, or you
Back
hear bear vocalizations, away
be extremely cautious and slowly.
go back the way you came, A bear’s usual
as quietly as possible. response to
detecting a person is to
If the bear becomes
move away. Let it leave.
aware of your presence,
If you must proceed,
stay calm, and in a
do so cautiously, making
non-threatening way, let
noise as you go.
it know you’re a human.
Talk to it in a low,
respectful voice. WaveWHAT TO DO IF A BEAR
18
APPROACHES
If a bear starts to Remember: climbing a
approach, you’re in a tree is no guarantee of
more serious situation. safety. If you’re with
Stop and remain calm. others, group together.
Get ready to use any Keep your pack on – it
deterrent you may be may protect your back
carrying. Don’t run and neck.
away – unless there is This is when you need
a safe place so close, to assess the bear’s
you’re absolutely certain behaviour and determine
you can reach it before why it is approaching.
the bear can get to you.
Defensive
P. Timpany
It may be reacting defensively,
perceiving you as a threat – to itself,
its cubs, its mate or its food.
Whatever the cause, a defensive
bear will likely appear agitated
or stressed.
The closer you are when a bear
becomes aware of you, the more
Bluff charges can stop inches likely it will react in a defensive
short of you or veer off manner – and the less time you’ll
beside you.
have to react.
Though most defensive interactions
with bears stop short of contact, they do sometimes result
in attacks.
With grizzlies, defensive attacks almost always stem from
surprising a bear at close range – when it’s on a carcass –
or protecting its young. On the rare occasion when a
Black Bear attacks defensively, it usually involves a mother
defending her young.Non-defensive
A bear may approach
and take an interest in 19
you for non-defensive
reasons as well. It could
SIBCS
just be curious. It might
be after your food or
testing its dominance. In
the rarest case, it might
be predatory – seeing you
as potential prey. All of
these non-defensive
approaches can appear This hesitant bear is
merely curious…
similar and shouldn’t be
confused with defensive
behaviours.
P. Timpany
A curious bear will
have a slow, hesitant
approach with ears
cocked forward, and
head and nose raised to
investigate what you
are. Food-conditioned
bears may be bold and
come right into your
camp or home looking
for food. Sometimes …while this bear is intent,
a bear may approach predatory.
you deliberately to test
its dominance.
In contrast to these, a predatory bear will be intensely
focused on you – as a potential meal. With its head up and
ears erect, its approach is confident and persistent.
Predatory bears – especially ones that have been food-
conditioned – have been known to break into structures
and attack people. Despite all the media attention,
predatory attacks are extremely rare.NOW WHAT DO YOU DO?
20 If you think a bear is reacting DEFENSIVELY, your
goal is to avoid being seen as a threat. Talk to the bear,
and let it know you mean no harm. A defensive bear is
stressed by your presence. When it no longer feels
threatened, it may simply retreat.
A defensive bear might also approach you – or even
charge. If it does, stand your ground! Facing a defensive
bear can be terrifying, but it’s your best strategy: most
defensive charges stop short. Don’t shout or throw
anything. Once it knows there’s nothing to fear, the bear
should calm down and stop its approach. When it’s no
longer advancing, start slowly moving away – still
reassuring it in a calm voice.
If the defensive bear advances again, stop and stand
your ground once more! If the bear seems intent on
attack, use your deterrent.
An encounter is considered an attack
only if the bear contacts you. P. TimpanyFinally, if a DEFENSIVE bear attacks, wait as 21
long as you can before it strikes you, then fall straight to
the ground, face down, with your legs spread slightly.
s
s s
s
defensive bear no longer thinks you’re a threat, it will
stop attacking. Lie still and wait for the bear to leave.
Moving too soon may provoke another assault.
A defensive bear
attacks to remove a
threat. In a defensive
SIBCS
attack… play dead.
Protect your face and vital organs.Whatever its motivation, when a NON-DEFENSIVE
bear moves toward you, it will show little stress and
22 your response needs to be assertive: Stay calm and talk
s
may simply want to continue on its path.
If the bear follows and stays focused on you, you’re in a
dangerous situation: it’s time to become aggressive.
Shout! Stare the bear in the eye. Make yourself appear
as large and threatening as possible. Let it know you’ll
s
towards the bear. Stand on a rock or log. Threaten the
bear with anything you can. And use your deterrent.
If a NON-DEFENSIVE bear attacks
all your might. Use any weapon within reach. At this
point, you’re dealing with a predatory bear intent on
eating you. Be as aggressive as possible, concentrating
on the bear’s face, eyes and nose. Don’t give up! You
SIBCS
SIBCS
A
predatory Stand on
bear is intent on a log to make
yourself
eating you. In a predatory appear larger.
attack, fight back!Remember If it is a DEFENSIVE
APPROACH:
If you come across a (bear will appear stressed or
bear that isn’t aware 23
agitated and may vocalize)
of your presence:
Try to appear non-threatening.
• Try to move away
without getting its Talk in a calm voice.
attention. When the bear stops
advancing, start slowly
moving away.
When you encounter
a bear that already If it keeps coming closer, stand
knows you’re there: your ground, keep talking,
and use your deterrent.
• Identify yourself
as human by If the bear attacks, fall on the
talking and waving ground and play dead.
your arms. When the attack stops, lie still
• Move away without and wait for the bear to leave.
running.
or
If the bear starts
to approach:
If a bear APPROACHES you
• Stand your ground. NON-DEFENSIVELY:
• Stay calm. (bear will be intent on you with
head and ears up)
• Prepare to use your
deterrent. Talk in a firm voice.
• Determine what Move out of the bear’s path.
kind of approach If it follows you, stop and
the bear is making. stand your ground. Shout and
act aggressively. Try to
intimidate the bear and use
your deterrent.
If it attacks, fight for your life!ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
24 Government of Yukon brochures
Into the
Yukon wilderness
What you need to know to travel safely
and gently through the Yukon wilderness
INCLUDES
• Wilderness safety
• Bear safety
• Leave-no-trace checklist
• First Nations lands
Available on DVD and in digital format
• Staying Safe in Bear Country
• Living in Bear Country
• Working in Bear Country
These productions can be
purchased at some book
and souvenir stores or ordered
from:
Margo Supplies Ltd. –
margosupplies.com
Magic Lantern Media –
magiclanternmedia.com
Websites
• Yukon.ca/stay-safe-bear-country
• Yukon.ca/grizzly-bear
• Yukon.ca/american-black-bearGrizzly Bear Black Bear
25
Front
Back
For free distribution only. | Yukon.caREPORT
DANGEROUS
WILDLIFE
ENCOUNTERS
1-800-661-0525 • Yukon.ca/TIPP
24 hour • Anonymous • Rewards available
When to call the TIPP line:
• dangerous or aggressive s s
wildlife encounters wildlife
• winter bear activity • deposit of harmful
substances in lakes,
s
season streams and on the
ground
• exceeding bag limits
• littering
If you see someone you suspect is violating wildlife or
environmental laws, don’t confront them. That’s our job.
Watch carefully and record the facts:
• date and time
• location
• number of people involved
• description of the people
• description of the vehicle and licence plate number
• details of the violation or activity
When you reach a phone call the TIPP line and report the
details of the offence. You’ll be helping the wildlife
conservation effort and you may be eligible for a cash
reward.You can also read
