Be noisy. Bear attacks on humans are uncommon. To keep them rare, make noise when hiking in bear territory. “Some people like to hike with a ‘bear bell’ on their walking sticks.” Talk loudly, too. “Bears are afraid of you,” so use that fear to reduce the chance that one will attack out of surprise.
Stand tall. If a bear gets close, don’t run—“that stimulates the animals’ predatory response.” Instead stand your ground and try to look large by raising your arms overhead. Talk to the bear, so it recognizes that you’re human.
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