A wildlife expert shares tips on what to do if you come face to face with a bear, as well as ways to be bear smart and prevent encounters in the first place, while enjoying the outdoors. 

Whether you're going hiking or camping, there is a possibility of encountering different wildlife in Manitoba, including black bears. For example, upon entering a provincial park, you'll notice many signs that say, "Be Bear Smart."

Janine Wilmot, who is a Human-Wildlife Conflict Biologist, shares a few tips when entering bear country.  

Bear prevention tips

A common misconception is that wearing bear bells are enough. 

When it comes to bear bells, Wilmot says, "They're not a tool we'd recommend to use as a deterrent. They're not loud enough. Some better noise-making deterrents to carry would include things like a whistle, an airhorn, or pebbles in a canister."

The motivation for bears is to fill their bellies, rather than being naturally super aggressive. 

"Bears are basically eating machines. They only have a few months to cram in all the calories they need for the year, and that's why they're very motivated by their appetite."

Bears have a keen sense of smell and want to constantly feed. If they smell food by people, that may attract them to your area.

"Some things to keep you safe would be, make sure that you're securing any attractants, so if you're eating out in bear country, make sure you put the food away as soon as you're done eating it. Store it where bears can't access it."

Wilmot suggests, "When you are travelling through bear country, it's better to travel in a group than on your own. When you're in a group you're more of a visual deterrent. Also, you're more likely to be talking, laughing, and making noise."

Campers and hiking enthusiasts may believe that having a dog along can be enough, however, that may not be the case. 

"There are pros and cons to bringing your pet with you into bear country. There have been situations where off-leash dogs cause problems. Dogs like to explore and if they sniff out an animal such as a bear, start barking at it and getting it agitated, the bear can become defensive and it might decide to charge the dog. There've been a number of situations where the dog gets scared, goes running back to its owner, and the bear transfers its aggression to the owner."

Wilmot simply suggests keeping your dog on a leash. 

"A really great tool to have on you when you're heading into bear country is bear spray or bear deterrent spray. This is a last resort. If all your safety precautions have failed and a bear is approaching you, that is a tool you would want on your person. Keep it nice and handy, on your belt or in a harness on your chest."

What to do if you encounter a bear

Although it's rare, it's best to be ready if you do encounter a bear, especially considering the Manitoba woman who ran into a bear this past Monday. 

"Step one is always to stop, remain calm, and assess the situation. If it's off in the distance and it hasn't noticed your presence, it's really easy to leave the area, keeping an eye on the bear as you leave."

Seeing a bear face to face can be a panic-inducing situation, but it's important to read the signs the bear is presenting.

"If you encounter a bear and you're at closer range, and you see it's showing signs that it's feeling threatened by your presence as it'll be acting defensively (swatting at the ground, excessively salivating, popping its jaw) that means you're too close. It can decide to charge you with a bluff charge. In this situation, you want to reassure it that you're not a threat. Talking to it calmly as you slowly try and back away to diffuse the situation."

"A more dangerous situation, that is extremely rare, but if a black bear were to persistently stalk you and approach you, then you would want to reassure it that you are a threat. Making lots of noise, appearing loud and large, being aggressive and using your noise-making deterrents."

Wilmot says more tips can be found on their website.

 

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