MEETING A POLAR BEAR IN THE WILD 

 

Photo Copyright Joel Garlich-Miller, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

 

 See below for great video of wild polar bear at the window of a cabin!

 

If you live near, or visit, polar bear country, you must exercise extreme caution with these bears. They are very large, powerful animals, and they are wild bears.

 

Remember, as with other kinds of bears:

> If a polar bear stands up on his hind legs, this is not a signal of aggression; all bears will stand up tall to get a better look and sniff the wind

> If a polar bear walks toward you and stops frequently, he is being curious about you

> If you live in polar bear country, or rent a cabin, be careful even when you are inside - watch this YouTube video - this is becoming a nuisance bear because he in curiously trying to get inside the cabin.

 

Video submitted by ALEKSANDER ILJASOV

Taken at Svalbard, Norway

 

As with other kinds of bears, these are do's and don'ts:

> Let the bear know you are a human by talking low

> Don't run or the bear will think you are prey and react by chasing and catching you

> Always leave the bear an escape route - bears don't like to feel trapped

> Try not to surprise the bear or startle him; he may react by chasing

> Never leave food out where a bear can smell it or reach it

> Never get between a mother bear and her cubs

> If you are with other people, group together to look larger to the bear

> Never travel in bear country alone

> Keep an eye out often, 360 degrees

> Never camp on or near a bear trail

 

Polar Bears Near a Town in Alaska

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Alaska Image Library

 

 

As with other types of bears, these are signs of aggression:

> Jaw-popping or teeth-clicking

> Huffing, snorting, hissing

> Swatting the ground, throwing objects, or stomping

> Staring directly at your eyes for a long time with lowered head

> Appears to be continually following you or stalking you

> Returns repeatedly after running away

 

Anyone entering any type of bear territory should be armed with knowledge of the bear, the lay of the land, and what to do in a bear encounter.