Going in groups and making noise, the US tips for bears

In the woods where there are bears, you have to walk in groups and not alone and make a lot of noise, talking, singing and clapping your hands. Plantigrades feel human presence and move away. You should not leave food lying around (it attracts them) and it is better to avoid bringing dogs (irritates them). These are the first tips given by American rangers on the website of the US National Park Service, the federal office that deals with the coordination of the 424 national parks.

If you meet a bear, you don't have to run away (it's faster than us), climb trees (it does it better than us) or look it in the eye (he sees it as a challenge). Instead, you have to talk to him calmly, wave your arms above your head and walk away without running and without losing sight of him.

It is possible that the bear makes a false attack to ward off the intruder: it comes on him with jumps and stops just before. We must not change our attitude: we must continue to move away calmly and not start running (it makes him nervous). In the (rare) case of an attack, you have to react with everything you have: sticks, stones, punches. U.S. experts recommend the spray for bears, but we do not ban it.

American rangers advise to inquire with park managers about the presence of plantigrades and the behavior to be followed, but do not invite people to avoid the areas where they live. "Don't let your fear hold you back: being cautious and taking the right precautions can help you stay safe while having fun around the bears."