British Columbia’s Whistler is a known hot spot for black bear sightings. There’s a population of over 50 black bears around the ski resort, and rides on the Whistler Village Gondola often present tourists with views of the animals throughout the year. In the summer, Whistler Blackcomb offers tours specifically designed around spotting the animals. But their frequency can lead to some problems.
Deadly black bear attacks are not common. Since 1900, only around 61 people have been killed by the animals. But when attacks do happen they can lead to serious injury or worse, and encounters with the animals should always be avoided as much as possible. Approaching the bear and growling at it, like this person in Whistler Village, is never a good idea.
Wildlife in general should always be given plenty of space. With black bears, a general guideline is around 100 yards (300 feet). If you wind up face to face with a black bear, you should speak to it in a soft voice and back away slowly, working to give it enough room to escape. Do not approach the animal, like this guy does. Do not growl at the animal, like this guy does. Respect and understand that it is wildlife and it will attack if it feels threatened.
Parks Canada Guidelines on Bear Encounters:
Keep calm. Think ahead; your brain is your best defence against a bear attack. Plan how to respond if you encounter a bear.
Don’t run. Bears can easily outrun you. By running you may trigger an attack. Make yourself less vulnerable. Pick up small children and stay in a group.
Give the bear space. Back away slowly and talk in a soft voice. Do not approach the bear or make direct eye contact.
Leave the area or make a wide detour. If you cannot leave, wait until the bear moves out of the way and ensure that it has an escape route.
The bear may approach you or rear up on its hind legs. Bears are often curious. If one stands on its hind legs, it is most likely trying to catch your scent; this is not necessarily a sign of aggression. Back away slowly and talk in a soft voice.
Do not drop objects, clothing or food to distract the bear. If the bear receives food, it will have been rewarded for its aggressive behaviour, thereby increasing the likelihood that it will repeat that behaviour again.
Watch for aggressive behaviors. A bear may display aggression by swinging its head from side to side; making vocalizations such as huffs, snorts, whoops, or moans; displaying teeth or claws; jaw popping; swatting at the ground; staring with eye contact; panting; or laying its ears back. These behaviors usually indicate that the bear is stressed, acting defensively and asking for more space. Attacks rarely follow. This is the most common kind of black bear aggressive encounter.
