Your chances of encountering a bear obviously vary from place to place, and getting attacked remains remote, but possible scenario.

When that happens, you must have the tools you need, mentally and physically to avoid the bear or ward it off.

Some basic advice: Don’t hike alone. Whenever possible you should hike in groups, 90% of people injured by bears in Yellowstone National Park were alone or with only one other hiking partner.

Avoid hiking at dawn, dusk, or at night, times that bears are out in warm weather months. You’re just as likely to come upon a bear as it is to come upon you.

You might think it’s not too smart to yell “Hey, Bear!” or sing “The Star Spangled Banner” on the trail but, actually, bears don’t like noise and it’s actually a pretty good strategy, especially when traveling near babbling brooks or other settings where normal hiking noises might be muffled.

If the bear follows you quietly, ears erect, and its attention is clearly directed at you, it is likely in predatory mode and not acting defensively. Make yourself appear larger, louder, and threatening.

Groups should stay together to look like a bigger threat. A bear that is initially curious or testing you may become predatory if you appear meek. A deterrent like pepper spray, at least, or other items of personal defense will become very handy. Pepper spray is most effective at close range, say 5-10 feet.

If the bear attacks, don’t run. You can’t outrun a black bear. Don’t climb a tree unless you’re a squirrel, you’re not 10 years old anymore, it takes longer than you think, and your pursuer is a very good climber. Use your deterrent and fight for your life, because that’s what’s at stake.

You also should not play dead. Bears will feed on carrion like deer carcasses, so why pretend to be one? If you do, however, keep your backpack on, lie face down and clasp your hands over the back of your neck with your elbows protecting the sides of your face. A bear that’s just protecting its cubs may decide you’re no longer a threat.

According to most government agencies, bear attacks are very rare – since 1900, North America has averaged less than one a year.

Because something is rare, however, does not mean it is impossible and if there is a possibility, you should, at least, be basically prepared.

To learn more about bears and how to interact with them, check out Doom and Bloom.