Frequently asked questions
Yes, bear spray is considered an effective deterrent, particularly in situations where a bear displays aggressive or threatening behavior. However, its effectiveness depends on proper use, the distance from the bear, wind direction, and the timing of application. Bear spray is not a substitute for preventive measures; its purpose is to reduce the risk of an encounter escalating and to help deter an approaching or attacking bear. Only sprays specifically designed for use against large carnivores, meeting applicable technical standards and supplied by authorized retailers, are recommended.
You can report an encounter with a bear directly to the emergency number – 112.
Yes, synanthropic individuals are accustomed to the presence of people and are less responsive to warning signals. Such bears may cause damage to property, enter gardens, orchards and farms, and may even endanger human health and life. Their behaviour results from long-term access to human food sources, which can in turn result from inadequate prevention. Therefore, the emphasis is on preventive measures that reduce the risk of bears appearing and, consequently, the risk of human-bear conflict.
Waste must be kept in closed, bear-resistant containers or in locked waste enclosures. It must be collected at regular intervals so that containers cannot overflow or spill. In villages where bears occur, it is essential to prevent illegal dumping and to keep public spaces clean. This minimizes the risk of bears entering built-up areas.
Bears are most active at dawn and at dusk. In summer and autumn they forage intensively in order to build up fat reserves before winter. Near human settlements they may also be active at night, when there is less disturbance. This activity increases the likelihood of an encounter wherever waste is not adequately secured.
The risk of encountering a bear is lower if you hike in a group, stick to marked trails and go out during daylight hours. In places with poor visibility and audibility – when you are walking into the wind or near running water – whistling, clapping your hands or talking loudly will help, so that the bear has a chance to react and move out of your way.
Be particularly alert in the early morning, evening and at night – but also during the day in dense vegetation or near food sources. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat and signs of bears feeding. Take particular care in dense undergrowth, in places where wild berries are abundant, and near carcasses.
At homes and other properties in wooded areas, municipal waste must be stored so that bears cannot reach it. During all outdoor activities, keep the area clean and free of attractants; clean the fireplace area, containers and dishes immediately after use. Do not leave food scraps near cottages or in the surrounding countryside – takethem with you. Fruit growing near houses should be harvested as soon as it ripens, and rotten fruit removed as quickly as possible.
When camping, avoid sites close to wildlife trails, places with an abundance of bear food, and areas where food-conditioned bears are present. Do not cook inside your tent or in its immediate vicinity, and do not keep strong-smelling foods such as meat products or open tins beside you overnight.
Encountering a bear does not necessarily mean it will attack. Bears are more likely to attack people who behave ‘actively’ during an encounter – by approaching, photographing or attempting to scare the bear away – than people who remain ‘passive’ by observing, staying quiet and backing away. Never approach a bear, even if it appears calm.
In the event of an unexpected encounter with a bear (within 100 metres), it is recommended that you increase the distance between yourself and the bear, but not by running away, as this could provoke a chase. Also avoid looking the bear directly in the eyes. The animal may percieve this as a sign of aggression.
Some signs of agitation and stress are subtle – freezing in place, a change in body posture, or unnatural yawning. Others are more obvious – huffing, moaning and teeth-clacking. A bear that rears up on its hind legs is trying to get a better view of the situation; this is not an aggressive posture.
Highly tense, aggressive displays include drooling, rapid huffing, growling and snarling with an open mouth, swiping with a paw and guttural sounds such as a roar. A bear acting in self-defence may make a bluff charge – a warning for the person to move away. If the person responds inappropriately, the charge may escalate into an attack, but in most cases it ends before any physical contact occurs.
A bear that is defending itself will usually stop attacking once the bear no longer percieves you as a threat. Fighting back could prolong the attack and increase the likelihood of serious injury. Experts recommend a passive response: lie face down, spread your legs apart, protect your head and neck with your arms and hands, and remain motionless (‘play dead’) until the bear leaves. If the bear rolls you over, return to your original position so that your stomach and other vital organs are protected against the ground.
Bear spray is considered the most effective way to drive off a charging bear or one behaving threateningly. The range of the spray should be 7–10 metres, depending on weather conditions. With the trigger fully depressed, the total discharge time is approximately six seconds or more.
If a bear is moving naturally near livestock, apiaries, orchards, campsites or camping areas, is not causing any damage, and flees when it notices a person, there is no need to contact anyone. If it is causing damage or visits the area regularly, you should contact the Intervention Team.
If a bear visits an inhabited area regularly, lingers there, searches for waste, ignores people nearby and has lost its natural wariness, you should seek a safe place (a building or vehicle) and call the emergency number 112 or the Intervention Team.