Grizzly bears in the lower 48 are relatively rare compared the mountains of Alaska and Western Canada where an estimated 30,000 grizzlies roam the land. 98% of America’s grizzly population and more than 70% of North America’s grizzly bear population live in Alaska and there are various camps that specialize in allowing guests to safely observe them in the wild.
When guests arrive at Bear Camp in Chinitna Bay, Alaska there is a mandatory briefing on proper grizzly bear safety conduct known as “Bear School” they must attend before entering the surrounding wilderness.
The following footage comes from a group of photographers staying at Bear Camp that had just left their campsite when they were met with a curious group of juvenile grizzly bears. The eight photographers’ Bear School education immediately kicked in and they remained calm while huddled behind their nature guide who had his bear spray ready in hand if the encounter escalated beyond playful investigation.
The young bears approached briefly approached but were turned away with verbal commands issued by the guide. The best way to stay safe in grizzly bear country is to be prepared before you enter the landscape. Learn more about grizzly bear encounter safety below.
Alaska Department of Fish & Game Grizzly Encounters Safety Guidelines:
If you see a bear, avoid it and give the bear every opportunity to avoid you. If you do encounter a bear, remain calm and try to observe what the bear is doing. Chances are good you are not in danger. Most bears are interested only in protecting food, cubs or their “personal space.” Once they feel there is no threat, they will move on. Remember the following:
If You See a Bear
- If the bear appears not to have sensed you, move away without alerting it. Keep your eyes on the bear.
- If the bear does notice you, face the bear, stand your ground and talk to it calmly. Let the bear know you are human. Talk in a normal voice. Help the bear recognize you. Try to appear larger by standing close to others in your group or wave your arms slowly above your head. Try to back away slowly, but if the bear follows, stop and hold your ground. Prepare your deterrent if you have one.
- If a bear cannot tell what you are, it may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.
- If you take the above actions and the bear continues to focus on you or approach, you should become more assertive: raise your voice, beat on pans, use noisemakers, throw rocks or sticks. Use your deterrent if you have one. Drive a bear off rather than let it follow you. If you are with others, group together to look big and stand your ground.
Surprise Encounters
- If you surprise a bear at close distance, it may feel threatened and act defensively, especially if it has cubs or food. Continue to stand your ground. If the bear moves away, walk away slowly, keeping your eyes on the bear. Increase your distance.
Never Run
- You can’t outrun a bear. Bears can run much faster than a sprinter and, like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. A charging bear might come within a few feet before running off. It’s important to stand your ground.
