If you spend any time in the wild and more and more, even in suburban and rural areas, chances are you will hear about or even have an encounter with a bear.

Each Spring, for example, up and down the East Coast, stories dot local newspapers about winter bird feeders destroyed by voracious bears becoming active.

If you find yourself encountering a bear, there are a few practical things you must do to remain safe.

Avoid getting between a mother bear and her cubs. Do not run if encountered, slowly back away. Do not make eye contact with a bear – it shows aggression. Through it all, remain calm. Remember, the bears most of us will encounter, black bears, are very curious creatures, but fearful of humans.

The video on the next page shows how curious bears are as well as how remaining calm can get you through an encounter with one!

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