Bear cubs don’t need your help. Safety tips for bear encounters in the state of Georgia

Sundi Rose
·3 min read

Are folks alright?

A group of residents at an Asheville North Carolina apartment complex were recently seen pulling two bear cubs out of a tree, thinking they were rescuing them from harm.

Colloquially, we’re supposed to understand the volatility of a “mama bear” and the inherent danger of disturbing her babies. But these folks promptly forgot everything they’ve ever been warned about when they thought they might get a good selfie with the babies.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission issued a warning April 18. “Even if you don’t see the mother bear, she could be nearby, and the cubs are waiting for her to return.”

Leading bear and game mammals expert and surveys supervisor Colleen Olfenbuttel went on to caution, “By trying to capture a bear cub, you may cause it to become orphaned, injured or both, as we saw occur in this incident.”

Bear Cub Harassed from N.C. Wildlife on Vimeo.

While most people do not (or rather, should not) actively remove bear cubs from a tree or their natural habitat, it does beg the question, “what should I do if I see a bear?”

According to The National Park Service you should absolutely, positively try NOT to see a bear, ever.

However if an encounter is inevitable, there are some precautions to take:

Practice polite viewing etiquette

  • Behave as if you’re a visitor in their home… because you are.

  • Respect their space - employ binoculars to keep a safe distance.

  • Keep your distance - the standard is at least 100 yards. If a bear changes its behavior suddenly, that is a signal that you are too close.

  • Leave “orphaned” or sick bears alone - unlike the above onlookers, you should assume there is a mother or other animal close by.

  • Don’t bring pets to view bears.

Tips for when you encounter a bear in the wild

  • Speak low and calmly so he knows you’re a human and not a prey animal.

  • Scoop up small children immediately and keep their voices low.

  • Make yourself as large as possible and wave your arms around in the air.

  • DO NOT RUN - you do not want to be identified as prey. Move away in a sideways motion.

  • Keep your backpack on - it can provide protection from a physical attack.

  • Purchase bear pepper spray as a precaution.

How do brown/grizzly bear attacks differ from black bear attacks?

  • Brown/grizzly bear: keep your backpack on and PLAY DEAD. Assume a face down position with your hands behind your back. Spread your legs so it’s harder for the animal to turn your body over and remain still. You shouldn’t fight back because this can sometimes increase intensity. But if the attack persists, then you should do what you have to do to escape.

  • Black bear: Contrary to the strategy for brown bears you should definitely NEVER PLAY DEAD. Concentrate on blows to the face and muzzle as that may disorient it long enough for you to escape.

Once endangered, the black bear population has been restored in Georgia and has now reached an estimated 5,100 bears statewide. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources offers a fact sheet that provides clever tips on how to deal with the animal.

Residents of the more populated cities are probably safe from a bear infestation, but the northern parts of the Georgia mountain range as well as southeastern parts of the state have a healthy smattering of black bears.

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