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As bears are huge and very manly animals, most people assume they’re slow, but this is not the case. Bears are big, it’s true and they’re very muscular. They use their strong muscular bodies to push forward at outstanding speeds.
In this article, we’ll explore the course of actions you should follow to avoid or escape a bear encounter and whether you can outrun any type of bear.
What Should You Do During A Bear Encounter On A Bike?
If you’re on foot, bear encounters can be dangerous. Avoiding a bear attack when biking depends on the point that you must stay tall and proud. Usually, bears won’t be able to catch up if you pedal fast.
Mountain bikers are a high chance of bear encounters as they move down a trail. There are some dos and don’ts when it comes to facing bears on the trail or forest on a bike, but here are some tips you should always have in mind to keep yourself safe.
Slow Down
Bears often respond defensively when they are startled. Many incidents have been reported where bikers were gravely injured by bears in self-defense. Therefore, being careful and slowing down in areas with poor sight spans is the best course of action.
Carry Bear Spray
Bikers should carry bear spray on them while riding on mountain trails in an active bear country. If you ride in groups, all bikers must have bear spray in case a they come across someone in trouble.
Bear spray can be used on other animals like cougars as well. You can easily use bear spray by removing the safety clip. Hold the can in both hands and extend your arms in willingness. Use 2-3 bursts when the bear is 10 m away. You can also aim for the ground in front of the bear and then use the following burst higher again.
You should consider the wind direction and adjust accordingly. Do not use the contents because only one application will be required. Spray multiple times if the bear proceeds to approach you. This time you should aim for the face. Once the bear retreats or is busy cleaning, leave the area as soon as possible. Do not run or ride too quickly, it’s best to approach a safe distance.
Make Noise
Mountain bikers don’t create much noise, enhancing the chances of a sudden encounter with a bear. Therefore, you should make noises periodically in an area with more bear sightings. You can either use a bear bell or shout on your own. The human voice is more influential than a bear bell, as bears do not relate bells with humans.
Look Up
Keep looking ahead and be vigilant. You should also keep an eye on a bear activity like tracks and feeding sites (especially beery bushes). You should avoid riding in areas with abundant bear food sources, like berry patches m. Moreover, you should not ride with headphones on. It makes hearing or noticing attacking animals in the surrounding area less possible.
Don’t Ride Alone
Riding with a group of riders will create more noise and you will be able to respond to a rider in crisis.
Don’t Ride At Dusk Or Dawn
Many species of bear are more vigorous at dusk and dawn. The likelihood of a actual contact with a bear increases.
Can You Outrun a Bear?
People are usually asking, is it possible to outrun a bear? So, you can’t outrun a bear. Even though bears are huge they are fast, starting from 20-35 mph based on the bear species.
According to research, curious bears can move through many grounds in a short amount of time, so if you encounter one while on a run, your best bet is to stop. Bears can be very dangerous animals, so it’s significant to understand how to stay safe during a bear encounter. You should act consequently based on the type of bear you encounter.
If you are in close quarters with a bear, you should stop riding and assess the situation. When on a bike, you’re moving quickly and have less time to react in contrast to someone walking. Therefore, it is more likely to incite a charge from a defensive bear. If a bear charges you in a defensive, non-predatory condition, it is usually a bluff. Even so, this can be a frightening experience. You shouldn’t make any eye contact and move away slowly.
Can A Biker Outrun a Bear?
Bears can run 20-35 mph based on the species. Most people ride their bikes with a speed limit between 15-22 miles per hour. Bears are big animals, but they move swiftly. They can be even faster than most people on bikes. However, the numbers above concerning riding speed are for long stretches. If you were to bike away, you can escape the bear chase– but only for a brief duration.
If your bike, particularly an e-bike, is fast enough, you can outrun a bear. If you are extra careful and follow the above-mentioned advice and tip, you will be able to avoid any bear encounters. Even though you can outrun a bear if you ride fast enough you shouldn’t take any chances. Don’t run away from a bear, as it will only aggravate it or make it think you’re prey.
Conclusion
Humans can’t outrun a bear, as they can move pretty fast. If you encounter a bear while hiking or camping, it is crucial to understand the proper bear protocol to react to avoid being attacked.
The best suggestion is to back away as slowly as possible. You should try getting out of the situation without the bear detecting you.
