Black Bear Attacks
Introduction
Black bears are dangerous and they do kill people. All black bears you encounter are capable of aggressive behavior. Black bears are more curious and adaptable than other bears. Black bears quickly become accustomed to human activity, which causes them to develop aggressive food-seeking habits, making them more dangerous. Black bears have also been known to stalk people. If a black bear is hunting you, it will not show signs of fear and will likely approach you directly or follow while circling to determine if it wants to make you it’s prey. All black bears will defend territory, especially if it’s food source is near by. It is impossible to say how large an area a bear will consider it’s personal space. It may range from a few feet to a couple hundred yards. Finally, all female (sow) bears will aggressively act to protect their cubs.
Black bears do, in fact, kill humans.
Check out what a professional hunting guide says about black bears:
Never Trust a Black
Bear
"Hunters are arguably the best educated about the dangers associated with bear
encounters, but invariably talk turns to grizzlies or Alaskan brown bears when
the word "danger" comes up. Seldom will hunters talk about black bears being
anything more than a "simple" nuisance. Nothing could be further from the truth.
. . Another fallacy about black bears is that they'll leave you alone if you
play dead. In truth, black bears normally kill for food; when you play dead you
only make the job of killing easier. . ."
Below are some basic precautions and safety tips to keep in mind while you are in bear country. There are also stories of recent attacks on people by black bears. Included on this site are a few of the more hair-raising encounters with nuisance black bears . For more information check out our links for further research on black bear attacks.
Safety Tips while in Bear Country
· Be alert at all times
· Respect all bears- you never know which one is going to be dangerous
· Never approach a bear for any reason.
· Photographs should be taken from a safe distance with a telephoto lens.
· Never feed bears or other wildlife.
· Have a plan of action for dealing with bears and be sure everyone understands it.
· If you are traveling with children make sure you know where they are at all times.
· Safety is everyone's responsibility - it is not a job that can be delegated to someone else and then forgotten about. The actions of each individual affect the safety of everyone else.
· While in bear country restrict food to cooking and storage areas.
· Do not take any food into your tent, not even a stick of gum.
· Keep a clean camp. Wash kitchen utensils after each meal.
· Grease is especially attractive to bears. Wipe off the stove, tables, counters and barbecues. Dump greasy dishwater into a pit away from camp, and treat with lime or bleach to mask odors. Burn excess grease in a hot fire, reuse it right away, or store it in an airtight container.
· Produce few food wastes. If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers, then use them as soon as possible.
· Eliminate or reduce food odors. The smell of some food, such as bacon or fish, may attract bears. Freeze-dried foods are relatively odorless.
· Wear a hat or kerchief while cooking so your hair does not accumulate odors. Do not sleep in clothes worn while cooking. Store them with your food, away from your tent.
· Tent campers can store food in an airtight cooler, a plastic bear proof container, a plastic-lined duffel bag, or a heavy plastic bag at least 100 meters away from camp, suspended at least four meters off the ground (if possible).
· Other attractants such as dish detergent, toothpaste, etc. should be stored in the same manner as food.
· In camps with more permanent facilities, store food inside locking steel trunks or in sealed metal drums. If the camp has a refrigerator or freezer, fit them with locks and secure them at night.
Also contact The Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine or The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.