Things to Remember in Bear Country

If You Encounter a Bear at Home:

There are no definite rules about what to do if you meet a bear. In almost all cases, the bear will detect you first and leave the area. Unprovoked bear attacks are very rare, and have never been documented in Virginia. If you do meet a bear here are some suggestions:

  • Stay calm. If you see a bear and it has not seen you, calmly leave the area. As you move away, make noise to let the bear discover your presence.
  • Stop. Back away slowly while facing the bear.
  • Give the bear plenty of room to escape. Bears rarely attack people unless they feel cornered or provoked.
  • Do not run or make any sudden movements. Running could prompt the bear to give chase, and you cannot outrun a bear. If on a trail, step off the trail and slowly leave the area.
  • If there is a bear in your yard and it approaches you, make yourself look big and make loud noises. Remain at a safe distance and throw rocks to make the bear feel unwelcome.
  • If there is a bear in your house prop open all doors to the outside and get out of the way of the exit. Never close a bear into a room. Make noises and yell at bear to leave the house. Don't approach the bear but make sure it knows it is violating your territory.
  • If you surprise a bear speak softly. This may reassure the bear that you mean it no harm.
  • Fight back. If a black bear attacks you, fight back. Black bears have been driven away when people have fought back with rocks, sticks, binoculars and even their bare hands.

If You Encounter a Bear While Camping:

  • Do not store food, garbage, or toiletries in your tent!
  • Keep your camp clean.
  • Store your food safely. Use bear-proof containers. Metal ammunition cans ($10-20) and Bear Canisters (approximately $50-60) are easily packed and transported.
  • Keep your tent and sleeping bag free of all food smells.
  • Store the clothes you wore while cooking or eating with your food.
  • Burn all grease off grills and camp stoves.
  • Wipe table and clean eating area thoroughly.
  • Store food and coolers suspended from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet out from the tree trunk.
  • Dispose of garbage properly. Secure it with your food and then pack it out.
  • Do not burn or bury the garbage.
  • Sleep away from food areas. Move some distance away from your cooking area or food-storage site.
  • Store toiletries with your food; the smell of toiletries may attract bears.

Scents and use of perfume or cologne is sometimes an attractant to bears.

A Bear Outside Your Tent:

If you hear a bear or other animal outside your tent make sure it is aware that there is a human inside by using a firm monotone voice. Turn on a flashlight or lantern. If the bear enters the tent fight back and yell. Many bears have been driven off this way.

If You Encounter a Bear While Hiking:

  • Hiking at dawn or dusk may increase your chances of meeting a bear.
  • Use extra caution in places where hearing or visibility is limited, such as brushy areas, near streams, where trails round a bend and on windy days.
  • Reduce your chances of surprising a bear on the trail by making noise, talking or singing.
  • Make sure children are close to you or within your sight at all times.
  • Leave your dog at home or have it on a leash.