Become
Bear
Aware
Wildlife is part of living in and around the Farmington Valley. And as we all know, the black bears thrive around our homes. Which is not always as welcome as they may want. The "simple" reality is that we need to learn how to live with them, not fight against it or be scared. But be knowledgeable. So we welcome our being bear aware section.
If You Encounter a Bear
In a building, around a corner, in a dumpster
- Ensure the bear has an open path to leave—avoid trapping or cornering it.
- Keep doors open as you slowly back away.
- Never confine the bear inside a room or enclosed space.
In your backyard
- From a safe distance, create loud noises by shouting or banging objects like pots and pans to deter the bear.
- Once the bear leaves, eliminate potential attractants such as garbage, bird seed, or pet food.
- Encourage neighbors to remove any attractants that may draw bears to the area.
- Always check your yard for bears before letting your dog outside.
In the woods
- If you spot a bear before it notices you, remain still, keep your distance, and quietly appreciate the moment. Then, slowly retreat in the opposite direction.
- If the bear is aware of your presence, avoid running, as it may provoke a chase. Instead, back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to depart.
If A Bear Becomes Aggressive
Approaches you
- Stay firm and do not retreat.
- Only step back once the bear halts its approach.
- Appear larger by raising your arms, spreading your jacket, or positioning yourself on a higher surface like a rock or stump.
- Loudly call out “Hey bear!” to assert your presence.
- Retrieve your bear spray, hold it ready, and remove the safety latch.
Follows you
- Hold your ground and do not retreat.
- Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms, spreading your jacket, or standing on an elevated surface like a rock or stump.
- Only step back once the bear halts its approach.
- Deter the black bear by looking bigger and creating noise—wave your arms, shout, clap, or bang a stick.
- Stay close to others and remain together.
Continues to follow you
- Stay firm, hold your ground, and stick together.
- Make yourself appear larger and create loud noises—wave your arms, shout, clap, or bang a stick to intimidate the black bear.
- Be ready to defend yourself or deploy bear spray if necessary.
Charges you
- Hold your ground and stay firm.
- Stay calm and composed.
- If you have bear spray, aim and spray it directly at the bear.
Makes contact with you
- Defend yourself using anything available—knife, sticks, rocks, binoculars, backpack, or even by kicking.
- Never play dead.
Video by V. Thorne Moors
