As luck would have it… this video shows that the advice given on many blogs actually works! They say, that in the case of Black bears, making very loud noise can actually fend them off. I don’t know if the woman screaming knew this was an actual tactic or if she was operating on instinct. This poor bear decided that the Mercedes joy ride was a ride NOT worth taking with noise like that!
You can find many sites giving advice, and some of the advice is conflicting, so it’s really important that you do your own research, and figure out your game plan before you are ever in the situation.
However, they are all in consensus on the one thing you don’t do… ever… and that is run!
Many sites recommend to make loud noise when trying to deter a bear attack:
- Business Insider “If the bear is close and has spotted you, get big. Wave your arms around and make noise.”
- WikiHow “Noise may or may not make things worse. Small bears, including black bears, can be scared away with noise. Some people believe metallic noise scares off bears because it’s not natural and there are documented examples of bears running away from clanging metallic sounds. However, any noise may be effective if it’s going to work at all. Be aware that larger bears, including large black bears and polar bears, are often simply made more curious by noise in this situation and could well come towards the noise (i.e., you) to check it out.”
- The Gaurdian “If it is a black bear, gather together, stand tall and make lots of noise. If it’s a grizzly, remain still and calm. Properly position the bear spray in your hand.”
- National Park Service “If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. Act aggressively to intimidate the bear.”
- NJ Fish and Wildlife “To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans or using an airhorn.”
- The Manual “Stay grounded, get big, and be loud: Black bears usually tend to flee rather than fight back when faced with conflict.”
Other sites suggest not making loud noise but talking only loud enough to let the bear know you are human.
- U.S. Forest Service “Continue to face the bear and back away slowly, talking calmly to identify yourself as a human. If the bear continues to approach, try to scare it away by making yourself as large and imposing as possible by stretching your arms overhead and making loud noises.”
- BearSmart ” Identify yourself by speaking in a calm, appeasing tone.”
- WikiHow “Screaming or yelling will spook the bear into believing it is threatened. As hard as it may seem, keeping cool, calm, and collected will always be your best bet. .”
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