What’s the best way to avoid surprising a bear while hiking?

Talk or sing, especially in low-visibility areas

Hike silently so you can hear bears first

Talk or sing, especially in low-visibility areas

Carry a whistle and blow it constantly

You see a bear on or near the trail. What’s your first move?

Back away slowly while speaking calmly

Approach slowly to take a photo

Back away slowly while speaking calmly

Throw food to distract the bear

Which statement about running or climbing is correct?

Never run or try to climb a tree; bears can do both

Run downhill—bears can’t follow

Climb a tree to be safe from black bears

Never run or try to climb a tree; bears can do both

Where should you carry bear spray while hiking?

On a belt or chest holster where you can reach it fast

In the car—spray isn’t needed on trails

When a bear charges, when should you begin spraying?

When it’s roughly 30–60 feet away to create a cloud

At any distance you can see the bear

Only after the bear makes contact

When it’s roughly 30–60 feet away to create a cloud

Wait until the wind is at your back

Spray it on your clothes ahead of time

If a black bear makes physical contact (attacks), what should you do?

Fight back aggressively, targeting the face

If a grizzly/brown bear makes a defensive attack (e.g., you surprised a sow with cubs), what’s recommended?

Play dead with your pack on and protect your neck

Scream and wave your arms wildly

Best practice for food and scented items in bear country?

Store food/scented items in bear-resistant lockers or containers; keep a clean camp; never burn trash

Keep coolers under the picnic table

Store food/scented items in bear-resistant lockers or containers; keep a clean camp; never burn trash

Hang all food from your tent ridge line

Leave sealed cans in your car with windows cracked

Cook and eat inside your tent to avoid odors outdoors

What’s the safest policy for dogs in bear country?

Keep dogs leashed and under control at all times (or leave them home)

Let dogs run off leash so they can warn you early

Keep dogs leashed and under control at all times (or leave them home)

Feed dogs outside so bears avoid your tent

Have them chase wildlife away from camp

Do bear bells work well?

No—human voices work better; bells are of limited value

Yes—bells are the most effective alert

No—human voices work better; bells are of limited value

Test Your Bear Safety Knowledge With These 12 Questions

Think you know bear safety? It’s kind of an important one. After all, different rules apply to different bears and situations: Is it a black bear or grizzly bear? Are there cubs present? Is the bear bluff charging? Did you leave food in your van in Yosemite National Park (that’s a big no no)? Plus there are a lot of myths out there that range from nonsense to just plain dangerous.

So brush up on your bear safety knowledge with our handy quiz (see all of our quizzes here), then challenge your friends!

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Bear Safety Quiz

Author

Josh McDarris

Josh is a producer and writer based in Ogden, UT. When he's not out exploring the world, he loves talking movies, tech, and travel. He is the founder and senior editor of the pop culture site NerdNet