How Not to Become a Bear Snack
- Taits Trails
- May 18
- 5 min read
Everybody wants to see a bear… until you see a bear. Big and fluffy (and completely uninterested in you)… but you can’t help but feel that panic start to take over, the urge to turn and run overpowers your common sense. What’s the right thing to do?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
This could happen anytime, wandering through Canmore, climbing a mountain in Kananaskis, or trekking through Banff, Yoho, or Kootenay National Park, bear encounters are a part of life!! Sorry, a part of hiking… especially in bear country. However, the good news is that typically, they want nothing to do with you!
Though it’s still usually good to know what to do. Here is your own personal guide to avoiding a bear encounter—and safely handling one if it happens.
First, let’s go over the kinds of bears you will find out here. There are two kinds of bears found in the Canadian Rocky Mountains: black bears and grizzly bears. Both of which typically try to avoid humans. They will especially avoid you if you’re being noisy and staying aware. It’s much more common to see signs of bears in the area than it is to see the actual bear itself. Some signs of bears include scat, claw marks on trees, footprints or torn open logs on the ground.
Prevention is key, before you hit the trail, but also while you are on the trail. Carry bear spray always!! Even the smallest trail could have a bear on it; they don’t have guidelines on where to go, they go where they want, and that could be on your trail. Keep your bear spray easily accessible, this is to be used only when the bear is in close range and approaching in a threatening manner. Making noise is always smart, if you’re with a group, singing, chatting, bear bells, clapping occasionally—these are all great ways to make any wildlife aware that you’re around and to scare them off. Surprising an animal like a bear is not good; you want them to know you’re coming. Travelling in groups is always a good idea, when possible, as solo hikers are statistically more likely to surprise a bear. Finally, sticking to the trails that are there for you, don’t go off-trail. Trails are designed to avoid prime bear habitat, such as bushes of berries that attract bears. Taking these steps will lower the chances of coming across a bear in an unsafe manner and coming across it unprepared.
Now, this isn’t always going to guarantee a bearless hike, so what do you do if you see a bear?
Step 1: Stop and Stay Calm
Three key things to remember: don’t run, don’t scream and don’t take a selfie (yet…)
Step 2: Assess the Situation
Is the bear:
- Far away and unaware of your presence? --> Back away slowly, don’t go running, flailing your arms like a headless chicken, continue facing the bear and back away.
- Far away, but is aware that you’re there? --> Speak in a calm voice, saying “Hey Bear” is a
common thing, let it know you’re human and back away slowly.
- Close by and surprised? --> Stop moving. Avoid direct eye contact. Let the bear decide on
What is its next move?.
Step 3: Back Away Slowly
When a bear is near, backing away slowly or moving slowly to the side is always the best option; never run away. Keep your eyes on the bear, but don’t make direct eye contact (direct eye contact can come across as aggressive)
What do you do if it charges? Bears (especially Grizzlies) are known for their bluff charge—they run at you but veer off away from you, hold your ground and use your bear spray if it gets within 10-15 feet of you. When using your bear spray, it’s key to aim slightly downwards as this will create a cloud between the bear and you. It works for both grizzlies and black bears. Don’t wait until the bear is on top of you to spray… I hope this one is a given for you all.
Now, I’m sure you’ve all heard some “pro tips” to save you in the case of a bear encounter, so let’s go over some of our bear myths that are commonly thought to work. Climbing trees will save you… false. Both kinds of bears can climb like champs, especially black bears. Playing dead works every time…false. It is only recommended for grizzly defensive attacks, not black bears or predatory behaviours. Bear bells are enough… they are a bonus, but using your voice is a better way to deter the bears. Finally, bears are out to eat you… And false! Most of them are minding their business and want to be left alone.
So, what are the things you shouldn’t be doing?
- Don’t run! This can trigger the bear to chase you, which we definitely don’t want.
- Don’t approach for a better photo! The goal is to get away in one piece, which can be
perceived as threatening.
- Don’t scream or throw things unless you’re being charged aggressively
You would be surprised by how many hikers return from grizzly sightings more amazed than afraid. Bears are quite spectacular creatures—they’re strong, intelligent, curious and highly misunderstood. Seeing one safely in the wild is something you’ll never forget.
At Tait’s Trails, we guide hikes through bear country every day—from half-day science walks to full-day summits—and our trained guides are all trained and equipped to keep you safe, informed and of course inspired. We carry bear spray, read the landscape for signs and teach you how to respect the wildlife that resides in these forests.
If you’re interested in booking a guided hike in the Canadian Rockies, check out our guided hike options!
For more information on bear encounters, you can visit these links:
Everyone wants to see a bear—until you do. But now you know what to expect, how to prepare, and what to do, you’re already ahead of the pack (pun intended). Bears aren’t out to get you, but respecting their space and understanding their behaviour can make all the difference between a memorable moment and one that can become dangerous. Whether you’re hiking solo, with friends or joining us at Tait’s Trails, remember confidence in bear country comes from knowledge, preparation, and a bit of healthy respect for the wild.
So get out there, make some noise, stay alert, and don’t forget your bear spray. The mountains are waiting—and so are we!
--> Want more safety tips, trail updates, and stories from the Rockies? Follow us on Instagram @TaitsTrails and join the adventure. We’ll see you there!
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