Bears often communicate their discomfort at being too close to one another by snapping small branches. Shake or snap! If you cannot change your route to avoid a bear, try shaking leafy branches, snapping small downed limbs with your feet, and talking in a loud but low tone. Momentarily hold your ground, then keep backing away and talking softly. The bear may also suddenly rush forward and stop as a "bluffing" tactic to intimidate you to leave. Most bears will leave when they see or hear you. Use extra caution when traveling into the wind and near streams, as these factors can limit the bear's ability to hear or smell you.Ī bear stands up (photo) to better identify what you are, not to threaten you.Ĭalmly back away! If you see a bear, dismount and calmly back out of the area while talking loudly in a soothing voice to make it aware you are there and are moving away. Talk! While some cyclists may use bells for noise, talking carries better, and bells may arouse a bear's curiosity. The measures listed below are generally effective and are your best bet for minimizing trouble. Because bears behave differently under different circumstances, there are no precise rules about what to do if you encounter a bear. Wild bears rarely attack unless threatened or provoked. Throw Stuff! If the lion behaves aggressively, throw stones, branches, water bottles or whatever you can grab without crouching or turning your back.įight back if attacked! People have successfully fought back with rocks, jackets, sticks and bare hands. Because a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and facing the attacking animal. One mountain biker in Colorado successfully warded off a mountain lion by raising his bike over his head. Talk calmly, yet firmly to it.ĭo not crouch or bend over! A person squatting or bending over looks a lot like four-legged prey so do what you can to appear larger. Stay calm! Stay calm when you come upon a lion. Back away from the animal slowly, only if you can do so safely. Attempting to flee may stimulate a lion's instinct to chase and attack. Stop! If you encounter a mountain lion, STOP! Do not attempt to ride or run away. Experts suggest you take the following actions to avoid these creatures and minimize the likelihood of an attack if you DO come across one: These big cats are also known as pumas, cougars, catamounts and panthers. So, leave bear-baiting and crocodile wrestling to the nuts on television who get paid a bazillion dollars to risk life and limb! Smaller animals, such as coyotes, wolves and wild dogs can be extremely dangerous, too, if they're traveling in a pack. Even normally docile animals, such as bull elks in rut and deer bucks in fall can be very aggressive. No matter how innocent an animal appears, give him as wide a berth as possible. And, if you spot a baby alone, it's highly likely that Momma's close by and she's sure to be extremely protective. Be especially cautious around animals with their young. Know that twilight, night and dawn are when most animals are likely to be active, although encounters can occur at any time. If a cougar or bear hears you coming, it's likely to flee, which is best for you and the animal. So, to prevent startling animals make noise by talking, singing or shouting. Keep in mind that most animals want to avoid you as much as you want to avoid them. General precautions: When an area is inhabited by large predators (ask locals before riding there), it's best not to ride alone. While attacks are extremely rare, it's best to be prepared. Whether you're mountain biking, road riding in remote areas or camping, there's a chance you'll encounter wild animals, such as mountain lions, bears or snakes.