Trail Running with Bear Spray | Don't Make Fatal Errors

Last updated on April 14th, 2021 at 05:28 pm

Trail running with bear spray might seem ridiculous, but there are some instances where it could be wise.

While bear attacks are rare, the 2017 fatal bear attack of 16 year old Patrick Cooper during an Alaskan trail race has runners on edge. This particular attack occurred during the 29th annual Robert Spurr Memorial Hill Climb race. The attack took place between Anchorage and Girdwood, Alaska. This was the first such attack in the races history, but the fact that the victim was so young shows that anyone can be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Bears are predators that we cannot fight off with our bare hands. Beautiful and majestic creatures that will catch and kill when they are threatened or hungry, and while attacks are incredibly rare we should do everything we can to leave bears alone, while also being ready to defend ourselves.

Though people do it all the time, the National Park Service highly discourages trail running deep in bear country, especially alone. Trail runners are more at risk of surprising bears which can lead to a defensive attack response. If you do, however, find yourself planning to run in an area that bears inhabit, you must be thoughtful about your preparation for the unlikely occurrence of an attack.

The following tips and information are intended to discuss what can be done to mitigate risk.

Trail Running and Bears

The beauty of running on trails is that no two are alike in the United States. Every experience will be different, and sometimes even the same trail changes with each visit. Wildlife may be prevalent on some trails, and you could be on others for hours without seeing a single creature.

National Parks With the Most Bears

In certain parts of the country, bears are more common, making it important to do your research. According to the National Park Service, almost one third of all national parks across the U.S. have bears. This map is a helpful resource for understanding which national parks have bears, what kinds of bears are there, and general information about the parks.

A Historical Overview of Fatal Bear Attacks in the Wild

A historical overview of fatal bear attacks in the wild may shed some light on when and where attacks are more likely to occur. A good majority of bear attacks occur in just a handful of national parks, and usually deep in bear country. Alaska is the state with the most fatal bear attacks.

Historically, most attacks have occurred around summertime when park visitation is high. The fewest number of attacks have occurred in the winter months when the bears are hibernating and park visitation is low.

Understanding Where Bears Like to Live

Recognizing areas where bears will likely be around is important and requires keen observation. Bears locate themselves in areas where they can eat and sleep and also be somewhat protected from sight. Areas with heavy brush, trees, bushes, and rocks are favorable bear habitats. Also be mindful of areas that have flowering and fruiting plants or bodies of water, where bears may be foraging and hunting.

While reviewing the information linked above might be a little disconcerting it is an important way to loosely familiarize yourself with where bears will be more and less likely to live. Being familiar with where you are running, and whether bears are a potential part of the landscape there is a necessary precaution. It is also extremely important to learn a bit about the types of bears since each type of bear has a different protocol for confrontations.

Know Your Bears

Three species of bears live in North America: browns bears (including grizzlies), black bears, and polar bears. These species all behave, eat, and may respond to attacks differently. This article focuses primarily on brown and black bears.

Brown Bears

There are many subspecies of brown bears, and they can be found all over the world. Grizzly bears are brown bears, but not vice versa. Brown bears are omnivorous, apex predators that eat a wide variety of foods including berries, fungi, insects, fish, and even larger mammals like moose. They can be identified in part by the humps they have around their shoulders.

If you are attacked by a brown bear, your first approach is to PLAY DEAD. This strategy is intended to indicate to the bear that you are not a threat to it. The National Park Service recommends the following in the case of a brown/grizzly bear attack:

Cover your neck and head with your arms
Lie on your stomach with legs spread
Keep any gear or packs you may have on to serve as an extra layer of protection
Try to be as still and noiseless as possible
If the bear does leave you alone and walks away, stay still for as long as possible to ensure the bear has given up on you
Only fight back as a last resort if the bear is not letting up in its attack

Black Bears

Black bears aren’t always black. They can also be cinnamon-colored, blonde, blue-grey, and white. While brown bears are the most widely distributed bears in the world, black bears are the most common species in North America. They can live in a variety of habitats from forests to mountains to beaches. They are also omnivores that eat a wide variety of plants and animals.

If a black bear attacks, YOU MUST FIGHT BACK. Playing dead does not work with this species. The National Park Service recommends punching and kicking repeatedly at the bear’s face, and to use any weapon available to hit the bear, including bear spray. Basically, this is do or die mode and anything you can do to deter the animal is worth trying.

Types of Bear Attacks

There are two main types of attacks: bluff charges and aggressive charges.

Bluff charges are exactly that, a bluff. They are meant to scare you. The bear makes itself look bigger by puffing out its chest or standing on its hind legs. Do not run away in the case of a bluff charge- rather, back away slowly and speak calmly to the bear. In an aggressive charge, you may see the bear with its ears pulled back, yawning and pounding its feet. This indicates that the animal is stressed or scared. If you feel an aggressive charge is coming, utilize the techniques described above depending on the type of bear.

If you encounter a bear and it is clear that you surprised it (it did not see you coming), do not run away or try to fight it. Instead, slowly back away and try to observe its behavior. If it charges you, only fight it if it’s a black bear. If it’s a brown bear, play dead unless the attack doesn’t let up. Then, fight for your life.

Decide Whether Bear Spray Is Worth Carrying

Deciding whether or not to carry bear spray can be dependent on a number of factors. First and foremost, some parks do not allow the carry or use of bear spray. It is always valuable to consult with the local wildlife authorities on what to do, as they have the clearest understanding of the bears in the area.

It is also worth keeping in mind that it is NEVER a guarantee that bear spray will deter an attack from any bear although it may help fend of the bear, and it may bring you peace of mind on your run. Weighing all other factors, including understanding the area you a running in, the types of bears you may encounter, the time of year, and so on, will help you to be best prepared for an attack, or help tilt the odds in avoiding one altogether. Bear spray, in this sense, is just a bonus form of defense that may or may not be accessible at the time of attack.

The most important thing to NOT DO in the case of a bear attack is run away. You may be a good runner, but you won’t outrun the bear, and you won’t out climb it if the idea of hopping up a tree comes to mind.

What Type of Bear Spray to Take With You On Your Run and How to Use it

The National Park Services advises that you should purchase only EPA-approved bear spray. Personal pepper spray is not an effective deterrent, or even the same formula, as spray specifically designed to ward off bears. Furthermore, bear spray functions differently because it shoots out of the device in a cloud, whereas personal pepper spray shoots in a straight line.

Here are tips from the National Park Service on how to use bear spray:

Hold the bear spray canister in a chest holder or belt specifically designed for it, such as this. Having easy access to the spray is critical in a moment where you may not be able to think clearly.
Understand when to use the spray. The NPS advises that when the bear is charging within 60 feet, it is time to pull the trigger.
Be sure you know how to activate the spray and release it in the appropriate manner. Practice prior to the real thing by purchasing a dummy bear spray canister that is inert. Know how to pull it out of its holder and how to release the substance. Aiming slightly downward, spray in a cloud formation toward the bear, minding how wind and precipitation may affect the trajectory. Also expect to spray the substance multiple times in order to be effective.

Bear Spray Options

Don’t just take our word for the best options when selecting bear spray for your run. Products are constantly being improved and innovations can lead to better safety and effectiveness. Certain sprays may be more effective against a certain species of bear, so again, please do your research beyond just reading this!

Below is a sample selection of currently available options that are well regarded:

Frontiersman Bear Spray is a widely respected bear spray option. This product is accepted by both the EPA and Health Canada. Spray distance: up to 35 feet
Counter Assault Bear Deterrent is another well reviewed option that is frequently selected. Spray distance: up to 32 feet
Guard Alaska Bear Spray can be shipped to all of the contiguous states and is a very effective, albeit less frequently used option. Spray distance: up to 20 feet

Other Than Bear Spray

There are other ways to put the odds in your favor of avoiding a bear attack, aside from the National Park Service recommendation of not trail running in bear country.

Run in groups, which will make more noise and increase the odds of someone spotting a bear before surprising it. If you are running alone, be sure to tell people where you are going and when.
Make a lot of noise, and do it often. Talk loudly, either with your running partner or alone. Be even louder when you are by moving water. The NPS advises that yelling, talking loudly, and clapping are more effective than wearing bear bells, which may only warn bears when you are too close and it is too late.
Try not to run when bears are typically foraging or hunting. Dawn, dusk, and nighttime are usually when the bears are out doing these activities.
Do not wear headphones when trail running in bear country. You need to be aware of your surroundings.
Bring a cell phone with you in case you need to make an emergency call and are lucky enough to get service.
Bring a small first aid kit in case something happens.

Conclusion

There is inherent risk when doing anything in the wild, and that includes trail running. Bears and other wildlife can pose a threat if you are not careful or if you are just unlucky. Being prepared gives you the best possible chance of making it out alive in the very unlikely circumstance that you come face to face with a grizzly. When going on a run in the back-country, bring the resources you need to protect yourself.

Always remember, the WORST thing you could do when you encounter a bear in the wild is run. Prey runs, and you are not prey. Stop in your tracks, try to remain calm, and remember what you learned in your preparation.

We have done our best to research and reference relevant sources, but we highly recommend continuing to educate yourself on trail safety through the National Park Service and other wildlife education resources.

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