AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/scout-grizzly-play-dead

A brown or grizzly bear attacks you on the trail, not in your tent. What does NPS say to do?

Leave your pack on and play dead. Tent or stalking attacks are different.

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  1. Climb the nearest tree
  2. Leave your pack on and play dead ✔
  3. Run downhill fast

Why: NPS says lie flat on your stomach, hands clasped behind your neck, legs spread, and stay still until the bear leaves. If the attack keeps going, fight back hard at the face.

Huh, didn't know that: NPS says fighting back usually makes a brown or grizzly bear attack more intense.

The dad joke
What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear.
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References

Answer: Leave your pack on and play dead. NPS says lie flat on your stomach, hands clasped behind your neck, legs spread, and stay still until the bear leaves. If the attack keeps going, fight back hard at the face.

  1. Staying Safe Around Bears (National Park Service) www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm
    If you are attacked by a brown/grizzly bear, leave your pack on and PLAY DEAD.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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Test yourself in the game

Outdoors & CampingA black bear attacks you. Should you play dead?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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