outdoor activities
Whether you are walking along a local trail, hiking in the back country, mountain biking or camping it is always important to be aware that you are in bear country here on the Sunshine Coast. By being bear aware and learning about bear behaviour you can safely enjoy these recreational activities and keep our bears safe as well.
Do you know what these Bear Postures and Vocalizations Mean?
Bears posture and vocalize towards people in a very similar manner to the way they communicate with other bears. Unfortunately for bears people often misread the bears’ communication attempts.
Black bears have a unique communication system that involves vocalizations and body posture. When nervous or feeling stressed, bears may “pop” their jaws, purse their lips, snort, blow or huff loudly, or swat the ground or a tree and/or may lunge or “bluff charge” toward you in an attempt to get you to leave by rushing toward you then stopping, snorting and slapping the ground.
These behaviours are the bear’s method of communicating that you are too close, not signs of aggression or imminent attack.
Going for a hike in bear habitat
Our bears are most active in the early morning and evening and during the night. Be mindful if you are out during these hours.
Do not wear headphones. Be aware of your surroundings.
Ideally travel in pairs or a group and talk loudly or occasionally call out, ‘Hey Bear!’ You can also clap your hands loudly
Always leash your dog. Seventy-five percent of unwanted encounters with a bear result from the bear being chased by a dog with the dog returning to the owner - bear following close behind.
Be aware of bear signs such as tree markings, bear scat, day beds, disturbed brush.
Always respect our bears need for space. Never approach a bear – enjoy them from afar.
Always carry bear spray and know when and how to use it.
Going MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING IN bEAR hABITAT
You are usually moving quite quickly on your bike so our bears may not hear you approaching.
To avoid surprising a bear call out on occasion, “HEY BEAR!” or ring your bike bell if you have one.
Carry bear spray on your bike and not in your back pack.
IF YOU SEE A BEAR AND THE BEAR IS UNAWARE OF YOUR PRESENCE:
Stop where you are. Never approach a bear. Quietly leave the area. Respect our bears need for space and enjoy them from afar.
If you meet a bear and the bear is aware of your presence:
Take a deep breath, calmly put your arms out by your sides (this identifies you as human).
At this point the bear may stand on his/her hind legs in order to get a better vantage point to see if he/she is in any danger.
This is not an aggressive display it is an attempt to survey and assess his/her surroundings.
Never turn and run. Calmly and slowly start backing away from the bear.
Use your voice to speak in a calm, firm manner (“it’s okay bear I am leaving”).
Leave the area immediately.
Most often the bear will have also left the area at this time.
if the bear approaches you or begins to follow you:
Wave your arms above your head and continue to say in a calm voice, “Hey Bear.”
If the bear continues to follow you; stand your ground, make yourself look bigger, yell at the bear and prepare to use your bear spray. The bear may stop and turn around. Back away and immediately leave the area.
If the bear is preparing to charge ready your bear spray. https://www.scbearalliance.com/bearspray
IF YOU MEET A MOTHER WITH CUBS WHILE ON A TRAIL Or IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD:
The mother will usually signal her cubs to climb a nearby tree while she remains at the base of that tree, or she may also climb the tree with her cubs. Mum may make a moaning sound indicating she is upset.
Mum and the cubs may also run a short distance to get away from the area. In either case, you should calmly remove yourself from the situation.
There are times when you may see a cub/s on his or her own. Mother bears will sometimes leave their cubs in a safe location (in a tree or on the ground) while away foraging. NEVER APPROACH A CUB! Leave the area immediately.
For information on what to do if you believe you have seen an orphan cub go to: https://www.scbearalliance.com/orphan-cubs