Does Playing Dead Work On Bears? This Is What You Don’t Know!

Do you love camping? If yes, this article is for you! Camping is fun, especially with friends, but it comes with risks such as insect bites, bad weather and wild animals.

One of those risks is bears. Not every country has wild bears, so this article is for people who camp or hike where bears live.

Bears can seriously injure or even kill people, although attacks are rare. A common piece of advice is to play dead if a bear attacks. However, does playing dead work on bears? Let us find out!

Does playing dead work on bears? Sometimes. The National Park Service says to play dead if a brown or grizzly bear attacks you, because these attacks are usually defensive. Do not play dead with a black bear: try to escape, and fight back if you can't. And if any bear stalks you or attacks you in your tent, fight back.

Black bears and grizzly bears behave differently, so the right response depends on the type of bear and the kind of attack.

Today, I will tell you what to do when you see a bear. Always check the local bear advice for the park or area you visit, because recommendations can vary. If you are ready, let us go!

Do Bears Leave You Alone If You Play Dead?

A brown or grizzly bear will often leave once it no longer sees you as a threat. That's why the National Park Service's bear safety guide says to play dead during a grizzly attack.

Lie flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck, keep your pack on, and spread your legs so the bear can't easily turn you over. Stay still until the bear leaves the area.

Grizzly attacks are usually defensive: the bear is protecting itself, its cubs or its food. If the attack continues, though, fight back hard and aim for the bear's face.

Black bears, on the other hand, usually avoid people, and attacks are rare. If a black bear does attack, do not play dead. Try to get to a car or building, and if you can't, fight back with anything you have, aiming at the face and muzzle.

A bear that stalks you or attacks you in your tent may see you as food. In that case, never play dead with any kind of bear: fight back!

If you camp or hike in bear country, carry bear spray and learn how to use it. The NPS says to choose an EPA-approved spray made specifically to stop aggressive bears. You can check out the best bear spray we have found from Amazon here!

What Should You Do When You See A Bear?

Once a bear notices you, a few steps can help keep the situation from getting worse. These tips follow the National Park Service's guidance.

First, identify yourself by talking calmly so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal. Stand still and slowly wave your arms. A bear may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look; a standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.

Second, stay calm. Most bears don't want to attack; they usually just want to be left alone. Bears may react defensively by woofing, yawning, salivating, growling, snapping their jaws, or laying their ears back. Keep talking to the bear in low tones.

Third, pick up small children immediately.

Fourth, hike and travel in groups. Groups are noisier and smellier than a single person, so bears usually notice them from farther away. Groups also look more intimidating to bears.

Do not run, and do not climb a tree. Bears can run as fast as a racehorse, and both grizzlies and black bears can climb.

Other tips: make yourself look as large as possible, don't let the bear get your food, and don't drop your pack. If the bear is not moving, move away slowly and sideways, or take a detour. Be especially careful around a mother bear with cubs.

Final Words

Playing dead can work with brown or grizzly bears that attack defensively, but it is the wrong choice with black bears and with any bear that stalks you or attacks you in your tent. Carry bear spray, follow the tips above, and check the local guidance before you head out.

Sources

• Staying Safe Around Bears, U.S. National Park Service