Grizzly bears are much bigger than other bears. Adult males typically weigh between 300-800 pounds, while females are usually smaller in size, weighing between 200-450 pounds. Some adult males can even stand eight feet tall on their hind legs! Where Do Grizzly Bears Live? Preventing an encounter with a grizzly is the best way to stay safe. If you know there are grizzlies in the area, take extra precautions. Here are some other tips.

Unbelievable Bear Attacks And Interactions Caught On 15 Unbelievable Bear Attacks And Interactions Caught On

It can be a terrifying experience to encounter one of these infamous predators. But whatever you do, never run from any bear. You won’t escape by running; you’ll make things worse. Running triggers their predator-prey instinct. This can make the bear even more aggressive, and you could end up in a deadly situation. If you carry a gun and don’t have any other options, you can try to use it. Theoretically, a gun can kill a grizzly bear, but it will not be easy. When 600 pounds of angry bear is charging at you, making a kill shot can be near impossible.

You’ll put yourself in the best position to stay safe by keeping your distance. The grizzly might not notice you; if they do, the distance can make you appear non-threatening. If you’re close to the grizzly bear, it’s an entirely different story. An agitated grizzly may pop its jaws and pound the ground with its paws. It may also lunge toward you in a bluff charge. Do not use your pepper spray unless the bear is within twenty-five feet. If the bear charges, aim the nozzle of the spray just above the bear’s head and give a sustained blast.

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Nothing has changed over the past 20 years,” Herrero told me by phone from his home in Calgary. “Bear spray is the most effective deterrent in bear encounters.” Herrero, 76, explains that when a 500lb beast is charging you at 30 mph, a bullet is very small and can easily miss or injure rather than stop a bear. On the other hand, bear spray has a 20ft spread at a 25ft range. (Practice using bear spray before going into bear country.) First, ensure you know what type of bear you’re dealing with. Grizzly bears can be identified by their distinctive shoulder hump and long claws. Their claws can be up to four inches long, and the hump is a muscle that helps the bear dig. Their power also helps them slash prey. A grizzly bear mother and her cub walk near Pelican Creek in the Yellowstone national park in Wyoming. Photograph: Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty Images

What are the chances of you running into a grizzly bear? Well, it depends on where you live. Grizzly bears live in Canada, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Washington. They may even be in parts of southern Colorado. When a grizzly bear sees you and begins approaching, escaping is no longer an option. You’ll have to stand your ground and remain calm. Talk in a soft, monotone voice, and slowly wave your arms. This helps the bear know you’re human and not prey. Bear spray is one of the only effective weapons against a grizzly bear. But it would be best if you only used it as a last resort. For instance, use bear spray if the animal charges.