What to do if you encounter a bear while hiking.
There are no grizzly bears in Arizona. The legend of the last beast being killed on Escudilla mountain in the early 20th century is recorded on a roadside plaque near the New Mexico border in northeast Arizona. However, our state is home to a robust population of black bears mostly concentrated in the woodlands of the Mogollon Rim but are also known to roam wilderness and urban areas statewide. Unlike their infamous cousins the grizzly, black bears are normally shy and will usually run when they detect approaching hikers. Black bear attacks in Arizona are rare. However, there have been enough disturbing encounters (including a fatal attack in Pinetop in June 2011) to warrant educating yourself before hiking in bear country.
January is prime birthing season for Arizona black bears and cubs begin emerging from their dens in April—right about the time hikers start heading into their territory. And, they wake up both hungry and protective, so it's not surprising that hostile encounters usually involve food or perceived threat to cubs, so it pays to do a little homework before traipsing into bear country.
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| Black bear footprint: Woodchute Mtn. |
Recently, Animal Planet sent me a complimentary review copy of their DVD Maneaters: Bears and I found that it gives a good overview of what to expect when bears attack and, more importantly, how to avoid dangerous encounters. One warning---this video is not for the kiddies. Packed with actual footage and reenactments of bear attacks, the imagery is disturbing enough to get your attention while the commentary of game and fish officials and animal behaviorists seeks to explain why the attacks happened and how they could have been prevented. It's a good way to supplement your research. In addition,
Arizona Game and Fish offers this advise if you run into a bear:
• Alter your route to avoid a bear in the distance.
• Make yourself as large and imposing as possible if the bear continues to approach. Stand upright and wave your arms, jacket or other items.
• Make loud noises, such as yelling, whistles, and banging pots and pans.
• Do not run and never play dead---fight if attacked.
• Give the bear a chance to leave the area.
• If the bear does not leave, stay calm, continue facing it, and slowly back away.
• If a bear is in your yard, scare it away from inside the house, keeping the door closed.
Hikers, take this seriously---with human encroachment, feeding by well-intended people and rampant wildfires that destroy their habitats, some bears have lost their fear of people and (worse yet) have begun to associate them with food. Pay attention and study up because should you find yourself face-to-face with Yogi, knowing how to react can save your life.
ARIZONA GAME & FISH:
BE BEAR AWARE:
GET THE ANIMAL PLANET VIDEO:
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