While bears generally won't harm you, there are certain steps you can take to avoid having one rip your face off:

  • When hiking, carry pepper spray and keep a sharp eye out for bear evidence (such as poop larger than your boot).
  • Tightly seal off ALL food, drinks, garbage, and anything else with a scent from tree branches in tightly-wrapped double baggies.
  • If you see a bear, NEVER approach it haven't you ever seen When Animals Attack? Don't panic, and don't run. Calmly back away.
  • If the bear charges, then lie facedown on the ground, covering your neck with your hands. But whatever you do, don't fight back - the bear will interpret this to be an aggressive act, making it even angrier.

SoYouWanna know more? Check out our full-length article SYW Go Camping?