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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/scout-black-bear-fight-back

A black bear attacks you. Should you play dead?

No, escape if you can, or fight back.

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  1. Yes, lie flat and still
  2. Yes, but cover your ears
  3. No, escape or fight back ✔

Why: With black bears, NPS says do not play dead. Get to a car or building if you can. If not, fight back, aiming kicks and blows at the face and muzzle.

Huh, didn't know that: NPS says both grizzlies and black bears can climb trees, so climbing is not an escape.

The dad joke
Why don't bears wear shoes? They have bear feet.
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References

Answer: No, escape or fight back. With black bears, NPS says do not play dead. Get to a car or building if you can. If not, fight back, aiming kicks and blows at the face and muzzle.

  1. Staying Safe Around Bears (National Park Service) www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm
    If you are attacked by a black bear, DO NOT PLAY DEAD.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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Test yourself in the game

Outdoors & CampingA brown or grizzly bear attacks you on the trail, not in your tent. What does NPS say to do?Outdoors & CampingAny kind of bear attacks you inside your tent. What does NPS say to do?Outdoors & CampingShould you spray bear spray on your tent or clothes to keep bears away?

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