Stumbling upon a bear in its natural habitat can be a harrowing experience—and knowing what to do in that moment is critical. To help you stay safe and avoid making things worse, former Navy SEAL Clint Emerson shares practical, no-nonsense survival strategies. Here's what you need to know to handle the encounter wisely.
Former Navy SEAL Clint Emerson Knows A Thing Or Two
The reality is, bears often feel unsure about humans at first. However, if they perceive danger, that uncertainty quickly vanishes. That's when Clint Emerson’s expertise becomes valuable.
A former Navy SEAL, Emerson is well-versed in dealing with intense situations—and he shares some clever strategies for surviving a face-to-face meeting with a bear.
America Has Three Types Of Bears
In the United States, there are three main types of bears you might run into: black bears, brown bears, and polar bears. Polar bears tend to stick to icy, far-off areas, while black and brown bears are much more frequently spotted in forests and mountainous regions.
Regardless of how common these encounters are, coming face-to-face with a bear is always intense—and can easily become hazardous.
Adult Black Bears Can Weigh Up To 551 Pounds
Black bears may not be the biggest species out there, but they're still impressively large. Grown males usually weigh between 126 and 551 pounds and can stretch up to six feet long. Females are a bit lighter, ranging from 90 to 375 pounds—but they're still quite hefty!
Even with their intimidating build, black bears mostly stick to a vegetarian menu, favoring fruits, nuts, and other plant-based meals.
Black Bears Are Less Likely To Attack
Writing about black bears, Emerson said, "If you run into a black bear on a mountain trail, be grateful for your good fortune. Compared to polar bears and brown bears, black bears are much less likely to attack."
That being said, it's important to remember that they will attack if they think a person poses a threat.
Brown Bears Are A Bit More Erratic
Where brown bears tend not to attack unless provoked, black bears are a bit more erratic in face-to-face interactions with humans. First off, they're not vegetarian. Both species of brown bears, the "brown bears" and grizzly bears, are omnivores, enjoying both meat and plant life.
And if that wasn't enough to make them a bit scarier, they're also huge.
"Brown Bears" Weigh Up To 1,300 Pounds
"Brown Bears" are considered large bears. And it's no wonder, as they can weigh up to a staggering 1,300 pounds. Grizzly bears, on the other hand, are a bit smaller and only weigh up to 700.
But what a grizzly lacks in weight they make up for in size. Standing on their hind legs, they reach over six feet tall.
A Brown Bear Won't Attack Unless Provoked
Even with their imposing form and super long claws, brown bears, both browns and grizzlies, tend to keep to themselves and won't attack unless provoked. That being said, they are known to be more aggressive then their vegetarian counterpart, the black bear.
But both of those bears have nothing on the polar bear.
Their Claws Can Reach Up To 3.9 Inches Long
Both of these brown bear species are not only enormous in size, but they also have distinctive traits that make them animals you'd rather not come across in the wild.
One such feature is their long, curved claws—both brown bears and grizzlies can have claws that measure up to 3.9 inches along the curve.
Polar Bears Can Weigh Up To 1,500 Pounds
Unlike the black and brown bears, polar bears are found in the Arctic Circle, so the northern-most part of Alaska. To keep warm, this massive 1,500-pound creature hunts for its meals.
To keep big and warm in the cold arctic climate, polar bears tend to go after seals and other marine animals.
Humans Are Looked At As A Source Of Food
As one can imagine, the polar bear doesn't come into human contact nearly as much as a black or brown bear.
Because of this, where a brown and black bear might leave a person alone, a polar bear is very likely to attack, looking at them as a food source and nothing more.
Polar Bears Will Hunt And Track Humans
Emerson wrote about polar bears in his book, discussing their relationship with humans. He wrote, "Polar bears are always hungry. And unlike black and brown bears, polar bears will actively track and hunt down humans across their arctic terrain."
"Their massive height and heft make them formidable opponents..."[Polar bears are] capable of disemboweling prey with a single swipe of their claws,"
Attacks Aren't Common, But Encounters Are Increasing
With three species of bears roaming the United States, it's important to understand what to do if contact is made. Luckily, attacks aren't frequent, with only eight bear-related fatalities happening in Yellowstone from 1872 to 2016.
But interactions are becoming more frequent with conservationists trying to grow bear populations and save their habitats.
There Is No Harm In Playing Dead
However, bears are wild animals, and in certain situations, they may charge at a person. As counterintuitive as it sounds, the most effective way to avoid a serious attack is to lie down and play dead.
Doing this can convince the bear that the threat has passed and that "the job is done."
Weapons Can Be Anything-- A Rock, Sticks, Or Fists
Emerson explains that if a bear has someone pinned down, fighting back is usually the last resort. In his book, he advises, "Use whatever you can—knife, sticks, rocks, even your fists."
With any luck, using these tools to defend yourself will be enough to drive the bear away.
Lay On The Stomach With Hands Behind The Neck
Simply playing dead isn't sufficient—there’s a specific position you need to take to reduce the risk of serious injury during a bear encounter.
Emerson advises in his book: "Lie face down to shield your vital organs, and cross your hands over the back of your neck to protect your arteries."
Listen To The Experts!
In his book, Emerson discusses the strategy of playing dead and why many experts consider it a reliable method for surviving a bear attack. He wrote, "If the bear attacks, most experts agree this is the time to lie down and play dead."
The goal, he explained, is “to convince the bear that it has neutralized the threat you represented.”
All Wild Animals Aren't Created Equal
Whether you're out hiking, camping, or just walking through your neighborhood, seeing a wild animal in its natural habitat can be an incredible experience.
But it's crucial to keep in mind that not all wildlife is safe to approach. Certain animals—like bears—can become highly dangerous if startled or threatened.
Bears Have A Few "Attack Tells"
Like many creatures, bears tend to become aggressive only when they feel threatened or trapped. The upside is that they usually display warning signals before attacking.
Signs that a bear is gearing up for an attack include lowering its head, flattening its ears, paw stomping, and emitting a deep growl—all clear indicators that it's on edge and may strike.
Bear Numbers Are Steadily Increasing
In his book 100 Deadly Skills: Survival Edition, Emerson discussed the rising frequency of bear sightings. He said, "Human-bear interactions have become increasingly frequent, as various regulations and conservation efforts have swelled the bear population across North America. Black bear sightings [are] particularly on the rise."
And while it's amazing that conservation efforts are working to protect these creatures, people need to know how to protect themselves.
People Are More Like To Get Injured By Mundane Tasks
The good news is that attacks are very rare. In his book, Emerson wrote, "Fortunately, bear attacks are very rare in general. You have a one in 2.1 million chance of being mauled, which means that almost any routine daily activity has a greater chance of killing you."
If that number doesn't put a person's mind at ease, he also wrote about ways to avoid bears.
Avoid Noisy Streams
While Emerson explains that "activities such as bow-hunting for elk in the mountains of Montana or backpacking in the Yellowstone range will significantly increase your risk of a lethal attack," there are ways to avoid "bear country."
For example, staying away from noisy streams where bears like to hunt is a great way to stay safe.
There Is Safety In Numbers
In addition to staying away from noisy bodies of water, also remember that there is safety in numbers! While hiking alone can be relaxing, it's a better idea to travel with some friends in bear country and make a lot of noise.
This is because silence will make a bear think a person is sneaking into their territory, prompting them to attack.
Food = Bears
For those who love to camp, keep in mind that food attracts not only humans but bears, too. It's important to put food away at the end of the day, storing it in a bear locker.
Emerson touches on this point in his book, explaining how it's a crucial strategy for keeping bears away.
There Are A Few Ways To Safely Store Food
In his book, Emerson discusses cleaning up food while camping, writing, "Bears have a formidable sense of smell. So when you're stopped for the night, follow the common-sense strategies of double-bagging and hanging your food."
"Place food, cookware, and utensils at least 100 feet from your tent, and never set up camp near bear scat or tracks."
Keep In Mind Scented Products And Clothes
Food isn't the only thing people need to be conscious of before going to sleep in the wilderness. Clothing and any scented products are also things to keep in mind.
According to Emerson, "Store any scented products (toothpaste, soap) with food and cooking supplies. Do not sleep in the same clothing you cooked in, as food scents may remain on [the] fibers."
Emerson Recommends Bear Spray
Knowing how to secure food, clothing, and other scented items is very important. But when it comes to carrying a form of protection, Emerson highly recommends bear spray. Made of red pepper oil, if the spray is used correctly, it will deter an aggressive bear from attacking.
Better yet, the effects of the spray won't harm the bear in the long run.
A Bear Should Be Within 40 Feet Of The Person To Use The Spray
In his book, Emerson discussed how to properly use bear spray. He wrote, "Wave your arms around and make noise. Often this strategy will make bears stop in their tracks and run off.
"[But] if the bear charges you, this is the moment to use the bear spray... Dispense the bear spray when the bear is within 40 feet."
If A Bear Fake Charges, Stand Still
Before dispersing the red pepper oil spray on the animal, though, a bear might do a fake charge. In this instance, they're testing a person, seeing if they're actually a treat.
While scary, Emerson urges people to stand perfectly still, as the bear might walk away from the encounter and leave them alone.
Playing Dead Works 75% Of The Time
When playing dead, there is another position that is known to work, too. According to Emerson, "[You could also] curl into the fetal position, covering the back of your neck with your hands."
As it turns out, playing dead when face-to-face with an aggressive bear has a 75% success rate.
Running Is Never A Good Option
The thing with coming face-to-face with a bear is that a person's fight or flight instincts will kick in. And, for a majority of people, they aren't going to fight a bear.
While running away might seem like a great option, there is no outrunning an animal that can sprint at a solid 30 miles per hour.
Walk Backwards And To The Side
Running might seem like a good idea, but the movement will only kick-start a bear's predatory reflexes. They will begin the chase the runner. Instead, Emerson explains that walking, not running, is the best course of action.
And not just any kind of walking but walking backward and to the side, never losing sight of the bear.
When In Doubt, Fight
In his book, Emerson says, "Never turn your back on a bear, and never try to run...Instead [of running], slowly walk away sideways, keeping an eye on the animal so that you can monitor its movements."
Keep in mind that a bear is wild and, therefore, a wild card. When worst comes to worst, the best course of action is to fight.
There Are Many Methods To Keep In Mind
Of course, with the wild nature of a bear, people need to be prepared for any circumstance. Whether playing dead, using bear spray, or securing food, it's vital to know how to protect oneself and deter a bear from coming close.
That being said, Emerson does believe in one of these methods more than the others.
The Best Tool: Bear Spray
In his book, Emerson explains how bear spray is the best tool in warding off a bear attack. He wrote, "Some say that playing dead is more likely to work with the [grizzly bear], claiming that the [black bears'] less frequent attacks are more likely to be offensive."
"But all agree that pepper spray is the single best deterrent. One so effective that it has been used successfully by children under the age of ten."