If a polar bear starts chasing you, try to stay calm and put as much distance between you and the animal as possible. Head for a shelter or a vehicle if you see one nearby.
Make a lot of noise. If the bear keeps coming, use bear spray or flares right away. Your best shot is to keep space between you and the bear, prove you’re not easy prey, and use deterrents immediately.
This article lays out fast steps, explains why polar bears act this way, and offers straightforward ways to avoid trouble in the first place.
You’ll find out what to do the second a bear spots you, how to use deterrents, and why prevention really counts if you’re in polar bear territory.
Immediate Steps to Take If a Polar Bear Is Chasing You
Freeze for a moment and make a quick decision. Move loudly and deliberately, and grab any legal deterrent you’ve got.
Staying Calm and Controlling Panic
If a polar bear notices you, your first move is to stop panicking. Take three deep breaths to steady yourself.
Panic leads you to drop things or run, which only makes things worse. Keep your group close and talk in a steady, low voice.
Don’t turn your back or break into a run. Running just tempts the bear to chase.
If you’ve got kids or anyone who can’t move fast, put them in the middle and link arms. Get ready to use deterrents.
Open your pack or unclip gear calmly so you can reach bear spray, flares, or noise makers. Give clear commands—“Back slowly!” or “Stand firm!”—so everyone knows what to do.
Making Yourself Appear Larger and More Threatening
Stand tall and stretch your arms or gear overhead to look bigger. If the bear seems uncertain, hold up jackets, backpacks, or poles.
Move slowly and with purpose—no frantic waving, or you might trigger a charge. If you’re in a group, form a tight semicircle facing the bear.
Don’t turn your backs. Keep eye contact, but don’t stare it down aggressively.
Watch the bear’s head and body. Make loud, controlled noises: shout, bang pots, or use a flare if you have one.
Aim the noise at the bear, not the ground. If the bear keeps coming, back up slowly but stay big and loud.
Never drop to the ground or play dead when a polar bear is chasing you.
Using Bear Spray and Other Deterrents Effectively
Carry bear spray where you can grab it fast and practice using it before heading into bear country. Take off the safety tab, point downwind if you can, and aim for the bear’s face when it’s about 5–10 meters (16–33 feet) away.
Short bursts work better than one long spray. If the bear charges, wait until it’s close enough, then spray in a sweeping motion.
After spraying, back up to keep your distance and reload if you can. Flares, air horns, and loud noise makers can also slow a bear down if you use them right.
Only use firearms as a last resort, and only if you’re trained and it’s legal. Use them only if someone’s life is in immediate danger.
Keep deterrents handy so you can use them again if needed.
Understanding Polar Bear Behavior and Preventing Encounters
Polar bears are huge predators, and they might act curious, threatened, or downright predatory. You’ve got to learn how they behave, travel with others, and bring the right gear to avoid close calls.
Recognizing Predatory Bear Actions
Predatory polar bears don’t act like curious or nervous bears. If a bear walks straight at you without stopping to sniff or look around, you should treat it as a predator.
Get ready to use deterrents right away. Watch the bear’s body language—ears pinned back, head low, and focused eyes usually mean trouble.
Curious bears will stop, sniff, or circle you. Defensive bears might huff or swat or charge a short distance.
Never surprise a bear. Make noise and stay visible, especially near bluffs, shorelines, or whale carcasses.
If you spot a bear early, head for shelter like a vehicle or building. If there’s nowhere to hide, group up and get deterrents ready—bear spray, noise makers, or firearms if you know how and it’s allowed.
Traveling in Groups for Increased Safety
Traveling with others makes it less likely a polar bear will attack. Bears usually steer clear of bigger groups.
Keep everyone close and in sight so you can use deterrents without tripping over each other. Assign roles before you start moving: who keeps watch, who carries deterrents, and who checks the wind.
Make steady noise—talk, use bells, or play the radio—so you don’t sneak up on a bear.
If it’s hard to see, slow down and stick together. If a bear shows up, pull the group into a tight formation.
Put leaders upwind if you can, and keep kids or vulnerable folks in the center. Don’t split up; running off can make the bear chase.
Preparing Essential Gear for Polar Bear Country
Pack gear that keeps attractants away and gives you enough time to react. Bring bear-resistant containers for food and garbage, and stash them well away from where you sleep or cook.
Carry deterrents that actually work: a high-concentration bear spray made for big bears, an air horn, and a firearm if—and only if—you’re trained and have the right permit. Don’t just toss them in your bag; practice using each one before you go. If you ever face a bear, you’ll want muscle memory on your side.
Bring a first-aid kit, a satellite or VHF radio, and a GPS locator. You’ll need a way to call for help if things go sideways.
Check the local rules on deterrents and firearms. Wildlife agencies often have the best advice, so take it seriously.
Set up camp with a cleared perimeter. If you can, use an electric fence or a trip-wire alarm for extra peace of mind.
Keep your cooking and food storage at least 100 meters downwind from your sleeping spot. Never leave food scraps lying around—polar bears have an uncanny knack for finding them.
