Quick Answer
When kids encounter a bear, they should remain calm, stay close to an adult, and back away slowly while keeping the bear in their line of sight.
Preparing Kids for a Bear Encounter
Teach kids to understand and respect bear behavior, and to identify potential bear habitats. When hiking or exploring, remind them to stay on designated trails, avoid sudden movements, and keep trash and food secure. Encourage kids to tell an adult immediately if they see a bear or any signs of bear activity.
Responding to a Bear Sighting
If a bear is spotted, kids should stay calm and not run. They should walk backwards slowly, keeping the bear in their line of sight, while maintaining a safe distance (at least 100 yards). If the bear appears aggressive or approaches, kids should try to slowly and calmly leave the area without making sudden movements.
What to Do in a Bear Encounter
In the event of a close encounter, kids should try to remain calm, speak in a calm voice, and avoid direct eye contact. If a bear approaches, kids should try to intimidate it by making loud noises, such as yelling or banging pots and pans. If a bear makes physical contact or charges, kids should fight back using any available objects, aiming for the bear’s face and eyes.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.