If you’re heading out into the wilderness for some nature-like fun (not my bag, but hey, to each his own), you may come across a bear at some point. You are in their habitat, after all. And while this is scarier than the release of Gigli, there are certain steps you can take to protect yourself and your family, since most black bears are not interested in people and can usually be scared away. Take a look:

1. Stand up as tall as you can

2. Hold out your arms to appear bigger (if you’re wearing a jacket and have the time, open it up)

3. Speak in a loud, deep voice (what you choose to say is up to you, though I imagine explicatives might be part of the package)

4. Back up slowly

If this doesn’t work and the bear starts charging at you, you should actually fight back – and hard. Try to hit him in the nose, which is a bear’s main sensory organ. However…DON’T RUN! Running will torment the bear, and heavens knows, he can outrun you.

Keep in mind, this advice is all true for black bears, not brown grizzlies (which are found west of the Rockies). If you come across a grizzly, it’s best to play dead.

Hey, I’d rather play dead than become dead, wouldn’t you?

Source: Parents magazine

Post from: Healthbolt