Venturing into bear country can be thrilling, but it pays to be prepared. While bumping into one of these magnificent creatures is rare—France’s Réseau Ours Brun counted 64 bears (including 16 cubs) in the Pyrenees during 2020—knowing how to react could mean the difference between a memorable wildlife moment and a genuine scare.
Situations and Solutions
Most of the time, bears will steer clear of us. A regional study by DREAL Occitanie found that in 78% of encounters, brown bears simply walked away when they spotted humans. Still, it’s wise to make noise on the trail—chat loudly, clap your hands or sing a cheerful tune—to avoid unexpected encounters. Keep an eye on the ground for paw prints or droppings; they’re your clues that a bear might be nearby.
If you do find yourself face-to-face with a bear that hasn’t run off, stay calm. I remember on a family hike in the Vosges spotting fresh tracks and thinking, “Right, time to talk.” Slowly raise your arms—no sudden movements—to appear larger and assure the bear you’re not prey. Speaking in a steady, reassuring tone (“Hello there, I don’t mean any harm, I’m leaving now”) helps defuse tension, as stress or shouting can come across as aggression.
Should the bear stand on its hind legs or snuffle the air, it’s simply gathering information. Back away slowly, maintaining eye contact without staring aggressively. If it starts to charge—often a bluff to scare you off—reach for your bear spray (a proven deterrent recommended by wildlife experts). And if that isn’t an option and the bear makes contact, drop to the ground on your stomach, hands protecting your neck, and play dead until it loses interest.
Campsites and Seasons
At camp, food security is your best ally. Bears are opportunistic; they’ll investigate tents hoping for a snack. On a solo trip in the Canadian Rockies, I learned to stash all edible items in bear-resistant lockers and hang scented objects high from a tree. If a bear ventures into your site, use a firm, loud voice—“Go away!”—and be ready to deploy bear spray if it approaches too closely.
Season matters too. Early summer bears are often lean after hibernation and more inclined to avoid humans. But come autumn, hungry bears fattening up for winter can be unpredictable. Veterinarian and wildlife documentarian Themo Anargyros warns that older bears, pressed out of prime feeding grounds by younger rivals, may react aggressively as they scramble for calories. This was tragically underscored by the case of Timothy Treadwell, who lost his life to a grizzly in Alaska just before the bear entered hibernation.
Finally, the most perilous scenario is encountering a mother with cubs. Mama bears will vigorously defend their young. If you spot cubs, give the entire family a wide berth—do not attempt to photograph or approach them. Respecting their space is the surest way to stay safe.
With a few simple precautions—making noise, stashing food properly, carrying bear spray and understanding seasonal behaviour—you can savour the beauty of bear country without unnecessary risk. And remember: most bears would rather be left alone as much as you’d prefer to leave them undisturbed.
I’m Jules, passionate about current events and travel. Curious about the world, I explore trends, analyze events, and share my discoveries. Through my insights and stories, I take you across the globe to fuel your curiosity and thirst for adventure.
