11/30/2025
How to Safely Survive a Grizzly Bear Encounter
Encountering a grizzly bear in the wild is one of the most adrenaline-inducing experiences a hiker or camper can face.
While the instinct to run is primal, it is also the most dangerous reaction you can have. Surviving a grizzly encounter requires a counter-intuitive mix of calm, assertiveness, and submission, depending entirely on the bear's behavior.
This guide outlines how to identify a grizzly, how to de-escalate an encounter, and what to do if the bear attacks.
1. Identification: Is it a Grizzly?
Before reacting, you must know what you are dealing with. Strategies for black bears (fighting back) can be fatal with grizzlies.
Look for these distinct features:
*Shoulder Hump:
The most telling sign. Grizzlies have a pronounced muscular hump on their shoulders.
*Face Shape:
Grizzlies have a "dished" or concave facial profile, whereas black bears have a straighter nose profile.
*Ears:
Grizzly ears are short and rounded; black bear ears are taller and more pointed.
*Claws:
If you are close enough to see them, grizzly claws are long (2-4 inches) and light-colored, designed for digging.
2. The Encounter: De-escalation
Most grizzly encounters end peacefully if the human acts correctly. The bear is likely just as surprised as you are.
If the Bear Has Not Seen You
*Quiet Retreat:
Do not make a sound. Slowly back away, keeping your eyes on the bear but avoiding direct eye contact.
*Wind Direction:
Try to move downwind so your scent does not carry toward the bear, which might startle it.
*Leave the Area:
Once you are at a safe distance, leave the area immediately. Do not return for photos.
If the Bear Has Seen You
*Stop Moving:
Do not run. Running triggers a predator's chase instinct. You cannot outrun a bear (they can reach speeds of 35 mph / 56 kph).
*Identify Yourself:
Speak to the bear in a calm, low, and monotone voice. Say things like, "Hey bear, I'm just leaving, good bear." This helps the bear identify you as a human and not a prey animal.
*Do Not Make Eye Contact:
In the animal kingdom, direct eye contact is a challenge. Look at the bear's chest or feet.
*Back Away Slowly:
If the bear is stationary, slowly back away while facing it. If the bear follows you, stop and hold your ground.
3. Reading the Behavior: Defensive vs. Predatory
Your survival strategy depends on why the bear is approaching you.
Defensive Behavior (Most Common)
A defensive bear is stressed. It may be protecting cubs, a food source (carcass), or its personal space.
*Signs:
Huffing, woofing, clacking jaws, salivating, ears pinned back, or "bluff charging" (running at you and stopping short).
*Action:
Continue to stand your ground and talk calmly. Do not run. Ready your bear spray.
Predatory Behavior (Rare)
A predatory bear is hunting. It is not stressed; it is focused.
*Signs:
Silent approach, head up, ears erect, following you persistently, eyes locked on you.
*Action:
Shift your strategy. Make yourself look big. Yell aggressively. Stomp your feet. Let the bear know you will be a difficult meal.
4. The Attack: What to Do
If the bear makes physical contact, your reaction must be immediate.
If attacked by a Defensive Grizzly (Surprise/Cubs): PLAY DEAD
*Drop to the ground:
Lie flat on your stomach.
*Protect your neck:
Clasp your hands strictly behind your neck.
This protects your vital arteries and spine.
*Spread your legs:
Keep your legs wide apart to make it difficult for the bear to flip you over.
*Keep your pack on:
Your backpack provides vital armor for your back.
*Stay silent:
Do not scream. The goal is to convince the bear you are no longer a threat. Once the bear stops attacking, lie still for several minutes until you are certain it has left the area.
*If the attack persists (or is Predatory):
FIGHT BACK
If a grizzly continues to attack you while you are playing dead (e.g., it begins to eat you), or if the bear stalked you silently (predatory), you must switch tactics.
*Fight for your life:
Use anything available—rocks, sticks, a knife, or your fists.
*Target sensitive areas:
Strike the eyes and the nose repeatedly.
5. The Ultimate Tool: Bear Spray
Bear spray is statistically more effective than fi****ms in deterring bear attacks.
*Readiness:
Keep it in a holster on your belt or chest, never inside your backpack. You will have seconds to react.
*Deployment:
Remove the safety clip. Aim slightly downward in front of the charging bear to create a cloud it must run through.
*Timing:
Spray when the bear is about 30-60 feet (10-20 meters) away. Spray in 1-2 second bursts.
Summary Checklist
*Never Run.
*Talk Calmly.
*Back Away Slowly.
*Use Bear Spray.
*Play Dead (if contact is made by a defensive grizzly).