Bear Safety for Families

1. Prevent

• Assume bears could be anywhere.
• Travel in a group. Groups are noisier, so bears notice them sooner.
• Keep kiddos right beside you, within arm's reach.
• Don't leave food or garbage where bears can get it.
• Carry bear spray where you can reach it fast, and learn how to use it.

2. A bear far away

• Stay calm. Do not go closer.
• Back away slowly, going the other way.
• Give the bear plenty of room to leave.

3. A bear close by

• Do NOT run. Bears can run faster than people.
• Pick up small kiddos right away. Keep older kiddos right beside you.
• Stand together as a group.
• Talk calmly in a low voice. Try not to scream.
• Back away slowly, sideways if you can, keeping the bear in view.
• Get your bear spray ready.

4. If a bear charges

• Stand your ground. Do not run. Many charges are bluffs.
• Montana FWP says to use your bear spray when the bear comes within 30–60 feet.
• Use bear spray only on an aggressive or attacking bear, and follow the label. Never spray it on people, gear or the ground as a repellent.
• When the bear leaves, leave the area without running, or get into a car or building. Don't chase it.

5. If a bear makes contact

Montana FWP: if contact seems likely, go face down on the ground, cover your neck and head, and use spray in the bear's face. If you do not have bear spray, play dead if it is a grizzly bear, and fight back if it is a black bear.

National Park Service: with a grizzly or brown bear, leave your pack on, lie flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck, and stay still until the bear leaves. If the attack keeps going, fight back hard. With a black bear, do not play dead. Try to get to a car or building, or fight back, aiming at the face and muzzle. If a bear stalks you or attacks in a tent, fight back.

6. Dogs

• Keep dogs on a short leash (6 feet or less).
• A dog that runs after a bear can bring the bear back to you.

7. Teaching kiddos

Simple rules kiddos can remember:

• Stay close to a grown-up.
• Don't run. Walk and stay with your group.
• Be a big group and use a calm voice.