- Grizzly bears will also usually move along if they sense a human nearby. Try to make your presence known as often as possible when you travel through grizzly territory. Human noises work best, so try to keep a conversation going, or shout “Hey, bear! Coming through!” if you see signs of a bear in your vicinity.
- When surprised, grizzlies attack more often than black bears, but the same “threat” mentality applies. Back away, speaking in a strong but soothing voice, showing the bear that you mean it no harm.
- As with black bears, don’t make eye contact, don’t turn your back, and don’t run. Climb a nearby tree if possible—grizzlies are not as good at climbing as black bears, so your safety factor increases greatly once you’re out of reach.
- Grizzlies will often bluff attack, meaning they’ll charge, but stop before swiping at you. In this case, hold your ground.
- If a grizzly swats you or knocks you down, playing dead is your best option. It’s a grizzly after all, and fighting back would be pathetic and sad. Only do this as a last resort.
- When playing dead, try to shield your torso with a backpack, and cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Grizzlies rarely attack humans with predatory motives. But if it happens … just try to think happy thoughts.
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