How Fast Can A Bear Run?
Contents
How fast a bear can run depends on the species. The three bear species native to North America are polar bears, grizzly (brown) bears and American black bears.
Grizzly bears and black bears can both sprint at about 30 to 35 mph (48 to 56 km/h) over short distances. Glacier National Park lists a top speed of 35 mph for both, and some park pages give grizzlies up to 40 mph.
Polar bears are fast in short bursts too, but they overheat quickly, so they don't run far. A bear's size, fitness and the terrain all affect its speed.
This article explains why bears run fast, how the species compare, and what to do when you see a bear. You can also compare the speed of a bear and that of a human to know which runs faster.
Why Bears Run Very Fast
Bears are mostly omnivores, and adults have few predators besides other bears and people. Speed helps them chase prey, such as elk calves, and escape threats.
Grizzly bears hunt more often than black bears, which eat mostly plants, insects and nuts. Big shoulder and leg muscles give bears a powerful burst of speed.
Bears also keep much of their muscle strength through hibernation, so they can be active soon after they leave their dens in spring.
Their long claws help them dig and grip the ground. Grizzlies have claws up to about 4 inches long, while black bears have shorter, curved claws for climbing.
How Quickly Can Black Bears Run?
Black bears can run in bursts of about 30 to 35 mph, but only for short distances. They can run uphill and downhill and are also strong climbers and swimmers.
Types of Bear and Their Speed
Here is how other types of bears compare:
Kodiak bears are a large brown bear subspecies found on the Kodiak Archipelago in Alaska. They are the same species as grizzlies and can also run fast over short distances, though no reliable top speed has been recorded for them.
Grizzly bears live in parts of the northwestern United States, Canada and Alaska. They can sprint at about 35 mph, and some park pages give up to 40 mph.
American black bears can reach about 30 to 35 mph.
Polar bears are the largest bears; adult males can weigh well over 1,000 pounds. They can run fast over short distances, but their thick fur and fat make them overheat, so they usually stalk or wait for seals instead of chasing them.
Can A Human Being Outrun A Bear?
No. Never run from a bear. The National Park Service says bears can run as fast as a racehorse, both uphill and downhill, and running can trigger a chase.
Also, don’t pretend to play dead as soon as you see a bear. The NPS advises playing dead only if a grizzly or brown bear makes contact in an attack. If a black bear attacks, fight back.
A human can't outrun a black bear or grizzly. Even the fastest sprinters top out below a bear's speed.
Is Usain Bolt Faster Than A Bear?
Usain Bolt, who holds the 100- and 200-meter world records, could not outrun a grizzly or black bear at full speed.
His top speed of about 27.8 mph (44.72 km/h) is below the 30 to 35 mph that grizzlies and black bears can reach.
What Is The Speed Of A Grizzly Bear?
Grizzly bears can run at about 35 mph (56 km/h), faster than any human sprinter. Standing on their hind legs, large grizzlies can be around 7 to 8 feet tall.
Steps To Take When You Spot a Bear?
Most bears avoid people. Talk or make noise while hiking so bears know you're there and can move away.
If you see a bear, stay calm and don't run. Speak in a calm voice so it knows you are a human, not prey.
Make yourself look as large as possible, for example by moving to higher ground, and slowly wave your arms.
If the bear isn't moving, move away slowly and sideways, keeping an eye on it. Don't turn your back and run.
Carry bear pepper spray in bear country and know how to use it. It is meant to stop a charging or aggressive bear. It's not a repellent, so never spray it on yourself or your gear.
In Summary
Bears are fast, strong and agile. Grizzly and black bears can sprint at about 30 to 35 mph, and polar bears are fast over short distances. All of them are faster than the quickest human.
Never run from a bear on a hike. Stay calm, let it know you're human, back away slowly and carry bear spray.
More sources:
https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/yell/vol14-1-2a.htm
https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/bears/faqs
Sources
- Bears, Glacier National Park, National Park Service
- Staying Safe Around Bears, National Park Service
- Bears: Frequently Asked Questions, U.S. Forest Service
