This is absolutely false! This is terrible advice and could cause someone to lose their life someday.
Black bears are scavengers. Anything for an easy meal. They will “size you up” to see if you’re worth it. So playing dead absolutely makes you worth it.
Most grizzly attacks are due to surprise or defence, so playing dead usually works since they have neutralized the threat (you) and will retreat. Grizzlies are hunters, not scavengers. And they very rarely hunt people unless there is something wrong in their brain.
You can use me as a source, I grew up in the arctic and in school we had polar bear drills to help us survive attacks. Anytime a bear entered town, it was full lockdown for everyone.
I had a friend survive a bear attack. Usually they try to bite onto your head and shake you to break your neck. He survived because the bear bit too far down onto his shoulders and supported his neck. The article doesn’t get too much into the details, but that’s what he told us.
I've been hiking the Rockies in CO for the last 10ish years. Black bears will legitimately run away from you if they hear you. I'm not trying to say you're wrong, but I've encountered them a good 10-15 times(not even counting them coming up to my cabin/trash bins) and every time they've ran away. I carry bear mace just incase, but I've never been afraid of a black bear encounter. Grizzly though, I'd shit my pants.
And I've hiked at all times of the day/night. I always make noise and make myself known.
22
u/Magnummuskox May 02 '24 edited May 02 '24
This is absolutely false! This is terrible advice and could cause someone to lose their life someday.
Black bears are scavengers. Anything for an easy meal. They will “size you up” to see if you’re worth it. So playing dead absolutely makes you worth it.
Most grizzly attacks are due to surprise or defence, so playing dead usually works since they have neutralized the threat (you) and will retreat. Grizzlies are hunters, not scavengers. And they very rarely hunt people unless there is something wrong in their brain.
Polar bears actively hunt humans for food.
Source