Why You Should Reconsider Climbing A Tree To Avoid A Bear Attack

Coming face-to-face with an angry bear is understandably unsettling. When a bear aggressively charges, it is a natural reaction to allow our instincts to take over. However, there are a couple of good reasons you shouldn't. While human fight or flight instincts tend to encourage us to run or climb to safety, these are two of the biggest no-nos when in a bear attack situation. When confronted by an aggressive bear, you should never run and never attempt to climb a tree.

The reasons you should reconsider climbing a tree to avoid a bear attack or attempting to outrun an aggressive bear are simple — bears can run faster than humans and are more than capable of climbing trees. While there is a persistent myth that only black bears can climb trees, that is patently untrue, as grizzlies are also capable of climbing. Given that both of these types of bears can climb trees, doing so yourself in an attempt to escape will likely only put you in a more precarious position — being trapped in a tree with a hungry bear and no means of escape. 

Given that you shouldn't run or climb a tree to avoid a bear attack, it is important you know what to do if attacked by a bear before adventuring into bear territory. It is also important to take steps to prevent such an encounter by doing things such as making noise while hiking and knowing how to properly store your food while camping

If you happen to find yourself in an aggressive bear encounter, it is important to determine the type of bear you are facing. Given that your reaction will vary based on the type of bear, knowing how to tell the difference between a grizzly and black bear is an important skill when adventuring in bear territory. Since both types can range in color from black to brown, you should rely instead on their physical characteristics. Grizzly bears tend to have rounded ears and a concave face, as opposed to the oval ears and conical nose of a black bear. Many grizzlies also have a pronounced shoulder hump. Additionally, the rump of a black bear tends to be higher than its shoulders when it walks on all fours.

Black bears tend to be less aggressive and more easily frightened. So, if a black bear does become aggressive, try to scare it away by making yourself look as big as possible, making noise, and throwing objects in its direction. If a black bear does attack, fight back. Use whatever you can grab as a weapon. If you're carrying bear spray, such as a canister of SABRE Frontiersman, discharge it in the direction of the charging bear once it comes within 30-60 feet. 

If you are facing a grizzly bear, on the other hand, you should not attempt to fight back. Again, if the bear aggressively approaches within 30-60 feet, utilize bear spray if you have it. If the bear continues to charge — play dead! Keep your pack on, lay flat on your stomach, cover your head, and attempt to be as still and quiet as possible. Often the bear will cease its attack if it feels the threat has been eliminated. However, if the attack continues, as a last resort you should fight back.