Would you know what to do if you encountered a bear in the outdoors? Would you know the difference between a defensive or predatory encounter? We are here to help keep you educated, so you can explore safely! 

Disclaimer that the information we’re provided you today, as well as the information from Bear Safety & More Inc and RecSafe with Wildlife (as we partnered with Kim Titchener), cannot guarantee that animal encounters can be prevented. This information is intended as a guide to help reduce the likelihood of an encounter and provide education in the occurrence of an encounter.  

What to Know: 

• Animals are around us 

• Know where to store your food – bear-safe garbage bins, bear locker, or in your vehicle (front country camping) and know if your site has it available 

*There are two types of bear encounters: Defensive and Non-Defensive (Predatory) encounters.* 

Defensive Bear Encounters - caused by surprising a bear at close range, if cubs are present, or if the bear is feeding 

• Bears are clearly stressed, aggressive, huffing/jaw popping, salivating/foaming, hunched up, showing signs of discomfort 

• If the bear attacks, the number one reaction from you is to deploy bear spray. If that’s not possible, lie face down and protect your neck, spread your legs (to brace yourself into the ground), and play dead. Wait until the bear is gone before getting up! Make sure once you begin to move again you know which direction the bear has travelled to avoid another encounter 

Non-Defensive (Predatory) Bear Encounters 

• This encounter is rare and more common with black bears and solo hikers (95% of grizzly bear encounters are defensive and not predatory!) 

Thank you to Mounts Store for supporting today’s podcast! www.mountsstore.com to check them out. 

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore