How to avoid bears
There have been a few bear attacks in Japan in the summer of 2020.
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/4395babc8a3a6c21cb927ef37d50680f7f30dd38
Q: How many bear attacks were there in Japan in 2019?
Q: Why do bears attack people?
to get your food
to protect their cubs
they feel threatened (or surprised)
Answer: 157 people were attacked in Japan in 2019
Q: If we go camping, what should we do to avoid bears?
bear bell - food in container - bear spray
Bring a bear bell. Most bears will be scared away by loud noises
Keep your food in airtight containers. Bears can open normal Tupperware so twist caps are better
Bring bear spray. The smell hurts their noses so they will run away. Keep it in your tent when you sleep
You can hang food from a tree. It should be at least 4 meters above the ground and not close to the trunk of the tree.
Sleep at least 100 meters from your food and from your cooking area. It’s also best to sleep
Q: Why do many campers not hang their food?
It’s very difficult and time-consuming to do it correctly
Some areas don’t have trees with strong branches
If the bear climbs on the branch it may break
Bears can chew through your rope
Q: What should we do if we meet a bear while hiking?
If the bear doesn’t notice you, you should just walk away slowly
If the bear does notice you, don’t run away. A bear may mistake you for food and chase you. Bears are much faster than humans. Don’t make eye contact. It’s best to back away slowly. Some people recommend talking in a calm voice to show them you are human and not food.
Q: What should we do if the bear attacks us?
You should play dead. Lie on the ground face down. Put your hands behind your neck and back to protect them. Keep on your backpack. It may protect you.
The bear may try to roll you over. If it does, roll 360 degrees back on to your front.