Do Bears Attack Humans? & How to Survive a Bear Attack

Have you ever considered if bears consume humans? 

I definitely have. 

That’s why I did a lot of study on the subject and then decided to write an article about it.

Let’s begin by answering the question immediately Then, later I’ll explain it in greater specifics. 

What do bears eat?

humans?

In simple terms bears hunt, and eat humans during hunger. However, humans aren’t the main source of bears’ food. 

Of the eight species of bear Polar bears, grizzly and bears have the highest likelihood of likely to hunt and consume humans. 

However, it’s rare for fatal attacks to occur, and it’s a good thing that there isn’t a man-eater that truly does exist.

Do Bears Attack Humans?

Yes. Unfortunately, it’s an established fact that bears strike humans. Bears that are grizzly or Polar most deadly to humans. 

Bears are extremely clever and do not naturally hunt or attack human beings. There are many reasons the bear might strike a human.

Cub and Food Protection

The main reason a bear might be protective of its young. Bears that have cubs are incredibly risky and will do whatever to protect their young from danger. 

Both humans and animals are frequently considered to be a threat and can be sprayed with a hammer and mauled or killed.

A bear that feeds is the guardian of its food sources, and that means it is extremely dangerous for humans. With the exception of big pandas, bears are hibernating species that require energy stores in their bodies to endure in the cold winter months.

The consumption of bears during winter is designed to be able to survive that season. Any human who comes in close proximity to an eating bear is likely to be considered an imminent threat.

Starvation

They are curious creatures and while searching for food, they’ve sometimes found themselves in humans’ settlements or camping sites. 

This is the reason why there are many videos that show bears in the backyards of humans. They’re drawn to trash and pet food or any other item that looks to be a food source.

If food supplies are scarce bears will be competing with humans for food which can lead them to attack when a human is believed to be in harm’s way.

Self-Defense

The bears also are likely to defend themselves in the event that someone attempts to invade their territory. If a person approaches an animal, the bear will likely strike.

A wounded bear could be the most dangerous animal regardless of species. 

The bears that have been injured (enduring the discomfort of a wound from a gun or suffering from the pain of very old age) have turned on human beings by attacking and killing them.

Are Bears Aggressive?

Yes, there is a difference, but not always. Certain species of bears are generally not hostile towards humans, but some aren’t just aggressive but can pose a threat for humans. 

There are instances of aggression that will be intended to deflect a threat and others could be fatal. 

Of all bears that exist, the polar bears are the most aggressive and pose a serious threat to humans.

Studies of the polar bear’s attacks, signs indicate that they are the more likely to hunt human beings as prey.

Asian black bears also show aggression towards humans, since humans have invaded the bears’ habitat, leading to more frequent encounters with one the other.

Grizzly bears and American black bears usually display aggression by huffing and puffing, pawing on the ground, or false charging (whereby the bear will run toward a person and halt). They will generally not go beyond that.

The sloth bears are a frightful species that live in trees and their moody disposition can influence their aggressive behavior.

Bears are known to show aggression when they’re shocked. The old saying, safety in numbers, is applicable here.

When a group is singing, talking, or laughing alerts the bear that people are present and will usually be able to move away. Doing something sneaky, as hunters frequently do, will likely lead to an attack.

When a bear has its cubs or food nearby, it will demonstrate aggression to anyone who poses a threat.

How to Survive a Bear Attack?

Bear attacks are generally very rare, and they only occur when humans are in their territory or there are food items to attract the attention of bears. 

Being aware of the bear’s species as well as the type that could attack and the best way you should do (or to avoid) greatly increases the odds of survival.

Hold Position

Bears can make a defensive move and this could be the case if surprised. 

The bear might hop or paw at the ground or huff to pursue you. 

Don’t run away, rather be in a steady position and maintain eyes with your bear. 

Don’t turn your back towards the bear since this could make it charge.

Play Dead

If a brown or one of the grizzly bears, attack physically, while keeping your backpack on, and play dead in one of the following positions; in a fetal position, with your fingers locked behind your neck; or sitting on your stomach, flat and your arms spread with your fingers locked behind your neck, and your elbows spread out. 

Do not fight back.

Fight with All You’ve Have

If you’ve been pursued by a black bear, don’t do anything but take on the challenge with all you have. Black bears are more determined and an attack indicates that it’s planning to devour you. 

Don’t be apathetic Do everything in your capabilities for defense. 

Utilize your bear spray to attack its face, particularly its nose, then locate and throw rocks and sticks at it again making sure to target the eyes and nose.

Final Words

Bears, in general, don’t eat humans since humans aren’t the primary source of their food. Certain species, like the polar bear or the grizzly bear, have been known to attack and kill human beings, and occasionally, the human who has died is eaten by the bear.

Bears are wild animals and, like any wild animal, there are times when they show aggression. 

However, aggression towards humans isn’t the standard way to behave when humans and bears come into contact with one another. 

The behavior of aggression is displayed only in certain situations, such as protection of food sources, particularly young ones, or when a bear is frightened.

Bears can also strike humans if they fear being threatened. If there is the possibility of an attack identifying the species of bear is helpful in determining what or not to do. 

For instance, for some species of bears, dead play is a good idea, but with other species, being dead is a sure way of death.

Additionally, while it is possible to train bears to some extent, however, bears that are adults are extremely dangerous and should be handled with care, even when in the wild. 

They are big and strong They also have sharp teeth and claws that are able to easily hurt, incapacitate or kill an individual.

Thank you for taking the time to read and staying until the close. I hope that I’ve helped answer the question “do bears eat humans” and also that you’ve learned something about the bear’s nature.