Bears in GA are hungrier and more aggressive right now. Don’t play dead, follow these tips

Credit: Pete Nuij / Unsplash

As summer winds down and camping season ramps up, more people are heading outdoors and Georgia’s bears are starting to think about heading in.

According to the World Population Review, Georgia is home to an estimated 4,100 to 5,100 black bears and sightings are likely to rise as they prepare for their winter slumber. As bears enter hyperphagia, what The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ experts at the BearWise site call their “power-eating time,” their appetites are “biologically programmed to go into hyperdrive.”

During this phase they are singularly focused on finding food to put on a thick layer of fat before hibernation, so they can be more protective of food sources and quite oblivious to anything that is not food-related.

Most bears are shy and avoid humans, but a bear that is searching for food around campsites can become bold or even dangerous.

• Stay calm. Don’t run or panic; chances are, the bear noticed you first.
• Stand your ground. Make yourself look large. Wave your arms, speak in a firm voice.
• Do NOT approach. Never try to get closer for photos or to scare it away.
• Slowly back away. Move away while facing the bear and keeping it in sight.

If the bear approaches you

If a bear feels nervous it will clack its teeth together, moan, blow, huff, stomp the ground or possibly stand on its hind legs to get a better look.

If you witness a bear doing any of those things, there are a few strategies to try:

• Make noise. Clap, yell, or bang pots to let the bear know you’re not prey.
• Stay in groups. If you’re with others, stick together to look intimidating.
• Do NOT drop your backpack or food. These items protect you and discourage the bear from seeing humans as easy sources of food.

If a bear acts aggressively, charges, chases or follows

When a bear is particularly agitated or fearful, they may bluff charge, meaning they run toward you and then stop before reaching you. These are precursors to more aggressive behavior, but if it escalates, take action.

• Stand your ground, even during bluff charges. They mostly want to scare you.
• Use bear spray, if you have it.
• Fight back using any available object, if attacked. Throw rocks, sticks, or use your fists and aim for the face and muzzle.
• Never play dead. They often retreat if they believe their prey isn’t an easy target.

Be proactive while outdoors

Bears learn quickly and Bearwise cautions, “allowing them to find anything that smells or tastes like food teaches bears to approach homes and people looking for more.”

To keep your campsite safe:

• Store food in bear-proof containers or hang it at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from tree trunks.
• Never keep food, toiletries, or trash in your tent.
• Clean up immediately after cooking. Dispose of scraps in sealed trash bins.
• Maintain a clean camp: Bears have an incredible sense of smell — anything from gum wrappers to toothpaste can attract them.

Georgia’s bears aren’t out to cause trouble, but with more people and wildlife crossing paths as the seasons change, a little preparation goes a long way.

For up-to-date information, practical tips, and sighting reports, the Georgia DNR suggests reviewing the Bearwise Basics for Home and Outdoors.

Do you have any bear stories with happy endings? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.