Myth: People traveling in bear country are often attacked.

Bear attacks are extremely rare. Although there are hundreds of human-bear encounters in North America every year, only a very few result in personal injury. Most bears will actually retreat before you are even aware of their presence. It is still important, however, to stay alert.

Myth: All mother bears attack to defend their cubs.

The female black bear only rarely will attack defensively and is most likely to try and warn you off or escape and collect her cubs later. Female grizzlies can be much more aggressive in defense of their cubs. As a general rule: it is best to stay away from all cubs even if they are by themselves. The mother is probably nearby.

Myth: A bear that rears on its hind legs is getting ready to attack.

A bear standing on its hind legs is usually trying to catch your scent or get a better look at you. Bears rarely attack and when they do they attack on all fours.

Bears rarely attack and when they do they attack on all fours.

Myth: Bears that wander into inhabited areas such as campsites, rural towns, or cottage communities are dangerous. It is often necessary, if unfortunate, to kill these bears.

It is nearly impossible for a bear to make its daily excursions without walking through someone's property. Bears may travel hundreds of miles in their search for food. If you have stored your food and garbage properly, the bear will likely move on. Remember, problem bears aren't born they're made. If bears are hanging around, something is attracting them.

Removing the attraction will usually solve the problem.

Humans and bears: we can live together.

For more information about Bear Safe and other research and education activities concerning bears, please contact:

Chris Morgan
Insight Wildlife Management, Inc.
Bellingham, Washington, USA
Website: www.insightwildlife.com
Email: chrismorgan@insightwildlife.com

In Tennessee:
Appalachian Bear Center
P.O. Box 364
Townsend, TN 37882
www.appbears.org

To make a charitable donation or find out about WSPA's global bear protection campaigns, please contact:

WSPA USA
Lincoln Plaza
89 South Street, Suite 201
Boston, MA 02111
Telephone: 800-883-9772