Why does playing dead not work on black bears?

Black bears usually flee from humans, but when they do attack the motive tends to be predatory, and playing dead doesn’t work. Neither does running away, since bears are much faster than humans.

How do you protect yourself from a black bear?

Never run away from or approach him. Make yourself look as big as possible by spreading your arms or, better yet, a coat. Make as much noise as possible by yelling, banging pots and pans or using other noisemaking devices. If the bear approaches and you have bear spray, spray the bear as he approaches.

When should you play dead with a bear?

Fact: Playing dead will work if you’re being attacked by a mother grizzly defending her cubs. But it is the wrong thing to do if you’re being attacked by a predatory bear. If a bear attacks (particularly a black bear) in an offensive manner and physical contact is made, fight for your life.

Is playing dead effective?

The idea of playing dead to avoid confrontation with a powerful combatant has been observed in vertebrate and invertebrate animal species. As an anti-predator strategy, death feigning or tonic immobility is very effective, but costly to more active neighbors.

When should you play dead?

Does standing your ground against a bear work?

Unless you’re a few footsteps from a car or cabin, you’re not going to outrun a bear. Bottom line: If you’re in the presence of a bear, you’re either going to be calmly backing away, calmly sidestepping away or standing your ground. Standing one’s ground against a 400-pound bear may sound dumb, but it works.

Should you play dead if a grizzly bear attacks?

Fact: Playing dead will work if you’re being attacked by a mother grizzly defending her cubs. But it is the wrong thing to do if you’re being attacked by a predatory bear. If a bear attacks (particularly a black bear) in an offensive manner and physical contact is made, fight for your life.

How do grizzly bears dispose of dead bear cubs?

They may be disposed of by burning and then packing out the remains. Myth #15: Play dead during an attack. Fact: Playing dead will work if you’re being attacked by a mother grizzly defending her cubs. But it is the wrong thing to do if you’re being attacked by a predatory bear.

What should you do if a black bear attacks you?

Playing dead is ALWAYS the wrong action if a black bear attacks you. Instead, fight for your life. Kick, punch, hit the bear with rocks or sticks or any improvised weapon you can find. A bear that attacks may be an extremely rare predatory bear that stalks prey or attacks from behind.

What happens if a bear attacks you in your tent?

If any bear attacks you in your tent, or stalks you and then attacks, do NOT play dead—fight back! This kind of attack is very rare, but can be serious because it often means the bear is looking for food and sees you as prey.