While traveling in bear country, there are certain "Bear Facts" one should be familiar with. Though bears may appear to be teddy bear like, it is important to remember they are wild animals with the ability to be both dangerous and deadly. Always treat every wild animal with respect. It is important to always stay calm. Your senses must be keen, hearing, smelling, seeing what is around you is important not only for your own safety, but for the safety of the bears. Bears, like all animals sense fear and a frightened animal is dangerous and unpredictable. Most documented attacks have happened when one gets between a bear and its food, a sow and her cubs or as the result of a surprise encounter. Normally, once a bear smells the presence of man, they head for the hills and get out of sight. This is not to say that they are not nearby watching and waiting for you to pass. When one does encounter a bear in the wild, it is important that you DO NOT RUN! Stay calm and let the bear know you are human. Waive your hands over your head so the bear can see you and talk in a loud, calm tone to the bear, do not shout or scream at the bear as they may perceive sharp shrieks as an injured animal. A bear standing on its hind legs is not being aggressive, nor is he/she ready to attack. This action is the bear getting a better look and trying to smell you, similar to you or I standing on our tiptoes to see something better. Bears have been known to make false charges. They may stomp the ground or kick up dirt and come within 10 feet of you. If this happens, stand your ground and often the bear will go away. If the bear does not go away and comes within less than 10 feet of you, lay down on your stomach and cover the back of your neck with your hands PLAY DEAD! Do not try to fight a brown bear (they are the world's largest, carnivore) if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being attacked...SURRENDER! A bear will typically break off an attack once it feels any threat has been eliminated. If the bear sees or hears you move, the attack may be renewed. In this case, PLAY DEAD AGAIN! In rare instances, particularly with black bears, an attacking bear may perceive a person as food. If the bear continues biting you long after you assume a defensive posture, it likely is a predatory attack. Fight back vigorously. Educate yourself about the area you plan to travel through. Check with Park Rangers, the Department of Fish & Game and/or the Wildlife Refuge before setting out in bear country. Obtain brochures on Bear Facts. Know what to expect, not only for your own safety, for the safety of the bears!