Bear Safety in Big Bend

Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable.
Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you!

 

Learn more about the bears of Big Bend

If you see a bear:

• Remain watchful.
• Do not approach a bear. Give it plenty of space.
• Do not allow the bear to approach you.
• If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) you are too close.
• Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space.
• Don't run, but slowly back away. Stand together, make yourself look big, and continue watching the bear.
• Increase the distance between you and the bear. The bear will probably do the same.

 

If a bear persistently follows or approaches you, without vocalizing, or paw swatting:

• Change your direction.
• If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground.
• If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it.
• Act aggressively to intimidate the bear.
• Act together as a group if you have companions. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground).
• Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear.
• Use a deterrent such as a stout stick.
• Don't run and don't turn away from the bear.
• Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems.

If the bear's behavior indicates that it is after your food and you are physically attacked:

• Separate yourself from the food.
• Slowly back away.

If the bear shows no interest in your food and you are physically attacked, the bear may consider you as prey:

• Fight back aggressively with any available object!
• Do not play dead!

Help protect others, report all bear incidents to a park ranger immediately. Above all, keep your distance from bears!

 

Learn more about the bears of Big Bend.