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Never Run From A Charging Bear In Alaska

bear
Image by @scenicbearviewing via Instagram

Alaska is wild. Bears roam its vast landscapes. When a bear charges, never run. It’s a bluff. Trust me. Here’s why.

The Bluff Charge

bear
Image by @scenicbearviewing via Instagram

Bears have a natural chase instinct. When they charge, they want you to run. Stand your ground. They will likely stop.

Stay Safe with Guides

bear
Image by @scenicbearviewing via Instagram

Guides know bear behavior. They keep you safe. At Scenic Bear Viewing, we don’t get closer than 50 yards. Experience matters here.

Years of Expertise

bear
Image by @scenicbearviewing via Instagram

We’ve guided for over ten years. We’ve faced many bluff charges. Training prepares us. Safety is our priority.

Coexistence with Bears

bear
Image by @scenicbearviewing via Instagram

Bears in this area see humans daily. We don’t feed or hunt them. We leave no trace. Protection for bears is essential.

Prime Example

bear
Image by @scenicbearviewing via Instagram

You can see in this photos above, how as the guide starts running towards the bear. The guide is seen as predator instead of prey and the bear starts turning its bluff charge and angle away from the guide.

Why Not Run?

bear
Image by @scenicbearviewing via Instagram

Running triggers the bear’s chase instinct. Stand firm. Show you’re not prey. It’s safer for both you and the bear.

How Close is Too Close?

bear
Image by @scenicbearviewing via Instagram

Stay at least 50 yards away. Bears are unpredictable. Distance keeps you safe. Respect their space.

What Should You Do?

bear
Image by @scenicbearviewing via Instagram

Stand your ground. Make yourself look bigger. Speak calmly. Show the bear you’re not a threat. This usually stops the charge.

Conclusion

bear
Image by @scenicbearviewing via Instagram

Alaska’s wilderness is breathtaking. Bears are part of it. Respect them. Don’t run from a charging bear. Stay safe. Enjoy the beauty.

What types of bears are there?

Black Bear Image via Depositphotos.

There are eight species of bears: American black bear, brown bear, polar bear, Asiatic black bear, Andean bear, panda bear, sloth bear, and sun bear. Each has unique traits and habitats.

What do bears eat?

Black Bear walking along a hill. Black Bear Image via Depositphotos.

Bears have varied diets. Most are omnivores, eating both plants and animals. They consume fruits, nuts, leaves, fish, insects, and small mammals. Polar bears mainly eat seals.

Where do bears live?

Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in the autumn forest. Wildlife scene from nature. Black Bear Image via Depositphotos.

Bears are found in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. They inhabit diverse environments from forests and mountains to tundras and coastal areas, depending on the species.

How long do bears live?

Asian Black Bear Image via Depositphotos

Bears in the wild can live up to 25 years, with some species living even longer. Captive bears tend to have longer lifespans due to consistent food and medical care.

Are bears dangerous to humans?

North American Grizzly Bear in snow at spring in Western Canada. Image via Depositphotos.

Bears can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. Most bear attacks occur because the bear feels cornered or is protecting its cubs. Generally, bears avoid human interaction.

How big do bears get?

kodiak bear
Kodiak bear. Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service from Anchorage, United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Bear sizes vary by species. The polar bear is the largest, with males weighing up to 1,500 pounds. The smallest is the sun bear, which weighs between 60 to 150 pounds.

Do bears hibernate?

kodiak bear
Kodiak bear walking across Dog Salmon Creek. David Menke, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Most bears hibernate during winter, except for the polar bear. Hibernation helps them survive when food is scarce. Their body temperature drops, and their metabolism slows down significantly.

Can bears climb trees?

kodiak bear
Kodiak Bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi) in Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, United States. Yathin S Krishnappa, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Many bear species can climb trees. American black bears are particularly good climbers. This ability helps them escape predators, find food, and sometimes even sleep in tree branches.

What is the main threat to bears?

American Black Bear. Image via Depositphotos.

The main threats to bears are habitat loss and poaching. Deforestation, human encroachment, and climate change impact their natural habitats, while illegal hunting targets them for fur and body parts.

How do bears communicate?

Black Bear Image via Depositphotos.

Bears communicate through vocalizations, body language, and scent markings. They growl, snort, and bark to express themselves. Scent marking helps them establish territory and find mates.

How do bears care for their young?

Three Black Bears feeding in a grassy meadow. Black Bear Image via Depositphotos.

Female bears, or sows, are very protective of their cubs. They nurse them for several months and teach them survival skills. Cubs stay with their mother for up to two years.

Are bears solitary animals?

Grizzly Bear. Image via Depositphotos.

Most bear species are solitary, except for mothers with cubs. They typically avoid each other except during mating season. However, they may gather in groups if food is abundant, like during salmon runs.

How fast can bears run?

Asian Black Bear Image via Depositphotos

Despite their size, bears can run surprisingly fast. Brown bears can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. This speed helps them hunt and escape danger.

What adaptations help polar bears survive in the Arctic?

Black Bear Image via Depositphotos.

Polar bears have thick fur and a layer of blubber to insulate against the cold. Their large paws help them swim and walk on ice. They also have keen senses for hunting seals.

How do bears influence their ecosystems?

Injured Black bear. Image via depositphotos

Bears play a crucial role in their ecosystems. As apex predators and scavengers, they help control populations of other animals. Their foraging habits also aid in seed dispersal, promoting forest growth.

Following In Animal News

Screenshot from: “Bear sits next to man” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: jprocdaddy

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