Understanding the Psychology of a Bear Attack

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In the United States, populations of black, brown, and grizzly bears are on the rise. (Black bears are less aggressive than brown and grizzly bears, although any can attack.) Across the world, the incidence of large carnivore attacks is on the rise. This rise has been global and independent of country or hunting methods. Bear attacks occur most commonly in areas where the density of humans is low, and that of bears is high. Most attacks involve female bears and their cubs, and human victims are usually unsuspecting and engaged in leisurely activities.

Granted, the chances of being attacked by a bear remain exceedingly rare. Nevertheless, it does offer a fascinating—although dire—scenario to ponder. According to the experts—and limited research on the subject—staying alive during a bear attack requires a presence of mind that’s difficult for humans to muster under pressure.

Injuries explained

Injury patterns of bear attacks include blows to the face, head, chest, neck, and upper extremities. Even if a person is fortunate enough to survive a bear attack, they are looking at a lengthy period of recuperation. In one case study published in The American Surgeon, a 59-year-old man hunting in Wyoming experienced a myriad of lacerations to the face, avulsion of the nose/upper lip, and various facial fractures at the paws of a grizzly bear. He also suffered extensive soft tissue and bony injuries to the upper arms. In all, he needed 53 operations during his first hospitalization, including facial reconstruction and a nose and upper lip replant to his arm.

Moreover, this man’s convalescence was complicated by pressure ulcers, bacterial infections, urinary tract infections, and acute kidney injury. The man was ultimately discharged home after extended hospitalization and the care of multidisciplinary teams.

In another case—this one involving a black bear—a 50-year-old woman from rural Pennsylvania sustained scalp avulsion; bilateral ear avulsions; and fractures to the face, ribs, and pelvis during an attack.

Discouraging an attack

The National Park Service offers plenty of advice on how to deal with an approaching bear. The most important thing is to stand your ground and not run. Instead, wave your arms and calmly talk the bear down in low tones. Never scream or imitate bear sounds, such as growling or huffing. You will want to move away sideways and slowly. It’s also a good idea to seek higher ground to appear larger to the bear.

In a move that will likely make anyone void their bladder, bears do sometimes attack and veer off at the last minute (i.e., bluff). In these cases, however difficult, you still want to hold your ground.

The vast majority of bears are uninterested in humans. Once they smell and recognize a human, they usually retreat and go on their way. Bears will, however, attack fleeing prey, and they can run as fast as thoroughbreds both uphill and downhill. Keep in mind that they also climb trees well, so, there’s no escape that way.

Another good idea is to keep your backpack on around bears because it could serve as protection. If you see a mother bear and its cubs, don’t get between them!

It’s always a good idea to travel with groups of other hikers or campers when in bear country. If you are with small children and see a bear, be sure to pick up the kids first.

During an attack

Grizzly bears are a subspecies of brown bears that live in interior regions of the United States (like Yellowstone park). Brown bears typically live on the coasts. They are both more dangerous than black bears, so if attacked, you need to react differently.

If attacked by a brown or grizzly bear, play dead. Lie flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck and spread your legs so that the bear can’t turn you over. If you fight back, the bear will increase the intensity of the attack, so save this move as a last resort. If you do have to fight back, muster all your force, and try to use an object to hit the bear in the face.

On the other hand, if attacked by a black bear, don’t play dead. Decamp to a closed vehicle or building. If this isn’t possible, fight back and direct blows to the face and muzzle of the bear.

In the rare case that a bear stalks and attacks a human or attacks a tent, this is predatorial; fighting back is necessary.

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If you are traveling by foot in the hinterlands, it’s a good idea to carry bear pepper spray, which can be used like mace.

The bigger picture

In all reality, bear attacks probably do a lot more damage to bears than they do to humans. The bad press generated by attacks, as well as fear and bias, undermine conservation efforts. Nevertheless, bear attacks do happen and should be handled in a calm and deliberate manner, however difficult this may be.

As with any potential injury, the best strategy is prevention. Preventive measures include keeping your camp clean; making noise on the trail (e.g., talking, wearing a bell); giving bears their space; never interfering with a bear’s feeding; and leaving your dog at home.