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

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.

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

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

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

I am going to work on changing that though!

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! Our black bears in the Southeast aren't as likely to attack as the Northwestern black bears, but in case I ever run into one, it's good to know. Unfortunately, I like hiking alone and I'm also considering moving out west where it really is dangerous to do so.

Yet somehow I'm giggling at the mental image of me backing slowly away from a bear saying, 'nice bear, good bear...'

The other thing that makes me laugh is a park ranger telling hikers and campers don't let the bear have your stuff, it will only encourage it to get into other people's stuff.

Too darn bad, dude, If I come back to camp and find out a bear wants my trail bars, I am not going to try to take them back!

As far as bears chasing you - in that case you only need to run faster and further than the guy behind you. LOL Good luck to you!

To my car, If I didnt park far, and I might still not be able to make it.

Why would a bear be chasing me?

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.

I refuse to panda to you any more.