Hiker Killed in A Suspected Encounter With Grizzly Bear: How to Stay Safe When Meeting These Fluffy Creatures?

In an unfortunate incident, a hiker has been killed in a suspected encounter with a grizzly bear in Paradise Valley in Montana, north of Yellowstone National Park. Authorities were alarmed when a man went missing while hiking earlier this week.

Understanding bear behavior is important in creating a safe environment for both people and bears. These fluffy creatures are usually misinterpreted by humans, who see them as ferocious beasts. But experts said that interpreting bear behavior involves understanding their postures and vocalization in terms of what they fear.

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Hiker Killed in A Suspected Encounter With Grizzly Bear: How to Stay Safe When Meeting These Fluffy Creatures?

Suspected Grizzly Bear Attack in Montana

Craig Clouatre, 40, from Livingston, went hiking on Wednesday morning with a friend to possibly hunt for antlers. But he did not return that day, so he was reported missing, prompting for a search that began that night. They looked for him on Six Mile Creek, which is 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of his home, US News reported.

Park County Sheriff Brad Bichler said that the two hikers split up at some point, but only one of them returned to their vehicle. Clouatre did not return, so his friend called the authorities for help to look for him.

The mountain where the man died rises steeply above the Yellowstone River as it passes through Paradise Valley. These high elevations are known to be home to bears and other animals, although it is rare to hear deadly encounters between humans and wild animals.

The victim frequented this area to hike and ice climb in winter. State wildlife officials released no further information regarding the incident except that they are now working to return the man's body home to his family.

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Understanding Bear Behavior

According to the website Bear Smart, bears are often misunderstood. They said that these fluffy creatures' behavior is more predictable than humans. Bears are typically shy, retiring animals that have little desire to interact with humans unless they are forced to be around them to be near a food source.

More so, they are not ferocious beasts and are not mean or malicious. Like many animals and humans, they have a "critical space" where they defend themselves. They will be forced to defend their space if someone enters it.

Although black and grizzly bears share common traits, they differ in how they react to perceived threats. Each species has developed its strategy to survive. For instance, black bears are usually less aggressive and more tolerant of people as many of them live near human settlements. On the other hand, grizzly bears prefer to stay away from humans.

Keeping Safe From Bears During Hiking

Just the name of bears already incites fear in hikers. Here are some tips from the British Columbia BC Parks website that everyone should remember when hiking:

Before Hiking

Pack bear spray
Check information of bear populations in the area
Look for signages or warnings about bears in the area.

During Camping/Hiking

Lock away in metal bear-proof containers any human and pet food, garbage, dirty camp stoves, recyclables, toiletry, and same items.
Make noise, like clapping or singing, especially near streams and areas of low visibility to not surprise bears.
Always be alert for bear tracks or scat.
Stay together with the group.
Keep pets on leash.
Only use officially marked trails and only travel in the daylight since bears are most active at dawn and dusk.

During Encounter With A Bear

Stay calm
Back up slowly
Do not stare directly at the bear
Give the bear some space
Do not run
Use bear spray if it approaches
Play dead if attacked by brown or grizzly bears
Do not play dead and try to escape to a secure place when attacked by black bears