What should you do if you encounter a polar bear?

Answer 1

One thing to keep in mind, there are few actual deaths from Polar Bear attacks. Even though there are many Polar Bear encounters, attacks are not common. Remember Polar Bears, and Grizzly Bears are not, one in the same bear, and should not be treated as such. The "Polar Bear Capital of the World" Churchill, Manitoba, was established in 1717. There have been only two "towns folk" killed by Polar Bears in it's history. While there have been too many encounters to have kept records. The first death was in 1968, teenagers followed the tracks of a Polar Bear through fresh snow. When they found the bear, they proceeded to throw rocks, and taunt the bear. The bear attacked them, killing one. The Polar Bear was shot, and killed. The second deathwas in 1983, a local man was sifting through the burned ruins of a local hotel, and found some fresh meat in the freezer. He took the meat, filled his pockets, and left with his loot. Unfortunately a Polar Bear in the area smelled the meat as well. The man was killed. Later the Polar Bear was tracked and shot to death. Both of these deaths were tragic, especially considering our current understanding of what triggers a Polar Bear attack. Today, most people living in the Polar Bear territories have more knowledge about the species available to them, as well as a clearer idea of the steps they can take daily to live safely, while protecting their life, and the lives of the Polar Bears.

The "Arctic Ecosystem Team Joint Venture" campaign has some tips for those who might be involved in any behaviors that would increase their chances of exposure to any Polar Bears. The first thing to do is keep your wits about you. # Always be alert. See Polar Bears before they become problems; they are unpredictable, and early detection increases the chances of a harmless outcome. # Keep a clean camp, clean or dress any game away from your camp, wash all cooking items immediately, clothing, and sleeping gear must be free of food, garbage, even the smells of food. # Be extra cautious around natural water outlets, any carcasses, or other normal areas you would expect a bear to be. # Always carry a weapon, and travel with several other people. # Never approach a bear for any reason, such as photos etc. # Do Not get between a female and her cubs. They are adorable, but deadly. # If a bear approaches you, and you have easy access to your vehicle, get in and drive away immediately. Do not think you are safe in the vehicle. Do not try to drive close to the bear for any reason. # Do not run, stand your ground. If possible, move away slowly to a safe shelter. Drop a pack, or other item of clothing, ( that's easily removed ) such as a jacket, while your retreating to distract the bear, or even keep it occupied. # Gather your group together, make yourself look big by holding jackets over your heads, hold arms out and hunch shoulders. # If the bear continues it's approach, make as much noise as possible, shout, whistle, clap, stomp your feet while still holding the jackets up, flap them while making threatening loud noises. # If you have anything flammable, now might be the time to set something on fire. A jacket or something from a backpack, keeping it between you and the bear if possible. # If the bear continues it's aggressive behavior, double check to make sure you are not in any way threatening any cubs, if you are, you need to remove yourself immediately from the area of the cubs. # If the bear does attack, and you have no means of shelter, then you must defend yourself the best you can. Running from the bear only triggers the attack instinct, and leaves your back vulnerable. # If you find you must fight, it's suggested that you try to jab or stick your thumbs/fingers in the bears eyes. Also, their nose is sensitive, a sharp two fisted blow to the nose has been known to give them pause. Also twisting, pulling, and a hard clap on their ears can be painful as well.

All of these actions are designed to help you avoid a close encounter with a Polar Bear, and hopefully to survive long enough for help to arrive if you are attacked. Polar Bears are stealth hunters and like to stalk their prey. Usually they will not attack if steps are taken to disrupt their hunt. There are those too sick or infirm to hunt, and they may be starving. These might be more willing to attack or take more risk for the easy meal left in a campsite. For more details, please see sites listed below.