If a bear was chasing you, how far could you run?

kelly_e_montana

This is not a silly question, but just so everyone knows, don't run. I live in bear country and this is a big issue for hikers. Don't run.

Matt_Wilken

So apparently a bear isnt good motivation since they are faster than us. How about a skunk? How far could you run to avoid being sprayed by a skunk?

How far the skunk can run + additional 10 metres, does that answer your question?

Matt_Wilken

This is not a silly question, but just so everyone knows, don't run. I live in bear country and this is a big issue for hikers. Don't run.

What do you suggest? I know if a black bear would come running towards me I would deploy my self defense mechanism...****ting my pants

MinMin97

I've always wanted to take up target practice....this confirms it.

MaraDiaz

2 miles and a bit, assuming that was one slow-*kitten* bear. My running pace is slower than some people's walking pace!

leomom72

well, if it was my life, or the bear eating, im sure i could probably save my own @$$..i have run from things that scared me before, and when the adrenaline gets going, you can do things you never thought you could do..

MinMin97

This is not a silly question, but just so everyone knows, don't run. I live in bear country and this is a big issue for hikers. Don't run.

What do you suggest? I know if a black bear would come running towards me I would deploy my self defense mechanism...****ting my pants

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

jamers3111

Yoga has really helped my running. My 10k pace for 10 years was always around 10min/mile... with yoga I have gotten it down to 8:45

firstsip

I don't think I could bear if this situation happened.

Certainly, it makes you paws for thought.

Although, when this happens, my thoughts get a little fuzzy.

Improvised

Lol, maybe 15 ft. There's no way I could outrun a bear.
Course if there's someone with me, I would only have to run faster than them. That's not how I roll, though, I would try to distract the bear so my friend could get out of there.

And really, if a bear attacks you, you're supposed to defend yourself. If it's a momma bear, though, you're toasters.

MaraDiaz

Lol, maybe 15 ft. There's no way I could outrun a bear.
Course if there's someone with me, I would only have to run faster than them. That's not how I roll, though, I would try to distract the bear so my friend could get out of there.

And really, if a bear attacks you, you're supposed to defend yourself. If it's a momma bear, though, you're toasters.

I thought you were supposed to play dead for a day attack (which is usually a defensive attack) and fight back if it's a night attack (which is usually a predatory attack).

Now I'm all confused. I hope I never need to know either way.

Edit: And if a bear ever does charge me, I hope I'm well-armed. No assault rifle ban, please.

RECowgill

I can only go about maybe a half-mile. I'm just too heavy. I'd be forced to stop and fight him at which point I would certainly lose.

Yes, the thought of this is simply unbearable. :drinker:

kelly_e_montana

Re suggestion request: I could make you a whole list of preventing and dealing with bear encounters but they vary on what is most effective depending on whether you are dealing with a grizzly or a black bear. Also depends on if you have surprised a bear or if the bear has been stalking you as prey.

Here is a link to a how to deal with a grizzly attack (the really dangerous kind): http://www.glacier-national-park-travel-guide.com/grizzly-bear-attack.html. Yes, you can and should use bear spray IF THE BEAR CHARGES YOU. They don't stalk as much as black bears from what I hear, but they do not like surprises. Many encounters will result in the bear leaving the area if they know you are coming (from hearing you) and thus will not result in a bear attack at all.

If you are dealing with a black bear, you want the bear to know you are human. Black bear attacks are more common but less likely to cause major injury. If a bear enters your camp, make a lot of noise. If you're on a trail, talk to the bear and slowly back away from the bear (don't make eye contact). You can drop things on the ground to distract the bear (not food or your entire pack). You want the bear to know that you are not easy prey should the bear become aggressive.

The biggest things are not to hike alone and to make a lot of noise while you are hiking like clapping, shouting, bells, etc. so you don't alarm a bear (especially a sow with cubs). Store food AWAY from your sleeping areas in bear-safe containers. It really does take a lot of research to do back country hiking and camping safely.

Matt_Wilken

Re suggestion request: I could make you a whole list of preventing and dealing with bear encounters but they vary on what is most effective depending on whether you are dealing with a grizzly or a black bear. Also depends on if you have surprised a bear or if the bear has been stalking you as prey.

Here is a link to a how to deal with a grizzly attack (the really dangerous kind): http://www.glacier-national-park-travel-guide.com/grizzly-bear-attack.html. Yes, you can and should use bear spray IF THE BEAR CHARGES YOU. They don't stalk as much as black bears from what I hear, but they do not like surprises. Many encounters will result in the bear leaving the area if they know you are coming (from hearing you) and thus will not result in a bear attack at all.

If you are dealing with a black bear, you want the bear to know you are human. Black bear attacks are more common but less likely to cause major injury. If a bear enters your camp, make a lot of noise. If you're on a trail, talk to the bear and slowly back away from the bear (don't make eye contact). You can drop things on the ground to distract the bear (not food or your entire pack). You want the bear to know that you are not easy prey should the bear become aggressive.

The biggest things are not to hike alone and to make a lot of noise while you are hiking like clapping, shouting, bells, etc. so you don't alarm a bear (especially a sow with cubs). Store food AWAY from your sleeping areas in bear-safe containers. It really does take a lot of research to do back country hiking and camping safely.

Thanks for the info, will remember to not hike alone and make sure those that do come along carry the food and are slower than me. :drinker:

On a more serious note, OP I think what would be a more appropriate answer is to run from a serial killer....

Illona88

Do you have to count how soon you would fall flat on your face while running?
Because that seems to happen a lot to me.

JustJennie1

I could run pretty far however considering a bear can run 35MPH and climb trees I think I'd still be toast.

However I think the REAL answer to the question is: I only have to outrun you. :laugh:

OtiWanKenobi

I think I can do about 7 miles....but very slowly! Haven't been training like I should.

BusyRaeNOTBusty

Bears can run pretty fast...

Aren't you supposed to play dead?

jlynn8684

Not very far, sad.... I would become bear food

I am going to work on changing that though!

a_mandolin_

Not very far. I would wrestle the bear instead.