Handling an encounter

Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site

PDF document: Safety in polar bear country (PDF, 330 KB)

Polar bears are the largest land carnivore in North America. An adult male typically weighs 300 to 450 kilograms, stretching three metres from nose to tail. They are strong, fast, agile on land or ice and are expert swimmers and divers. Their sense of smell is exceptional, and their eyesight comparable to a human’s. Polar bears are naturally curious, but not fearless as they have been labelled. They are shy and prefer to avoid confrontations with humans and other polar bears. Their primary prey is the ringed seal but they will also prey on birds, eggs, small mammals and even humans. They also scavenge anything from beached whales to human garbage. In the heat of summer, polar bears may appear slow and docile, but they are capable of moving swiftly and with purpose.

Before your trip, discuss possible plans of action for dealing with bears in a variety of circumstances and be sure everyone understands. The actions of each individual either contribute to or detract from the safety of everyone else. Stay calm and assess the situation. What is the bear doing? What is the bear's behaviour?

If a bear does not know you are there:

• Quietly back away and leave the area either in the direction you came, or make a wide detour around the bear. Do not run, move quickly or make motions that might attract the bear’s attention. 
• Stay downwind, so the bear cannot smell you and detect your presence.
• Keep the bear in sight at all times.

If a bear knows you are there and it shows signs of being curious, such as:

• Moving slowly with frequent stops
• Standing on hind legs and sniffing the air
• Holding its head high with ears forward or to the side
• Moving its head from side to side, or
• Trying to catch your scent by circling downwind and approaching from behind

then:

• Help it to identify you as a human by waving your arms over your head and talking in low tones, and
• Move slowly upwind of the bear so it can get your scent.

If the bear has been surprised at close range or shows signs of being agitated or threatened, such as:

• Huffing, panting, hissing, growling or jaw-snapping,
• Stamping its feet,
• Staring directly at a person, or
• Lowering its head with ears laid back,

then:

• Act non-threatening. Do not shout or make sudden movements, which might provoke the bear. Never huff or hiss as this can cause a polar bear to charge,
• Avoid direct eye contact,
• Back away slowly. DO NOT RUN,
• Be prepared to use deterrents.

If the bear shows signs of stalking or hunting you, such as:

• Following you or circling you,
• Approaching directly, intently and unafraid,
• Returning after being scared away,
• Appears wounded, old or thin,

then:

• Fight back! Use any potential weapon, group together and make loud noises,
• DO NOT RUN,
• Be prepared to use deterrents.

If a bear charges:

Stand your ground and be prepared to fight! Focus on hitting the bear in sensitive areas, especially the face and nose. Bluff charges are rare.

Never get between a bear and her cubs.

If a female with cubs is surprised at close range or separated from her cubs she will likely attack to defend them.

• Leave the area immediately.
• Stay with your group.
• Fight back if she attacks.
• Always leave an escape route for the bear.
• Carry deterrents and know how to use them.

In case of an attack

Please follow this emergency check list:

1. STAY CALM and call for help by radio or satellite phone. (Get contact numbers during your orientation to the park.)

2. Report location and time of incident.

3. Report number of people involved.

4. Report extent of injuries and property damage.

5. Check that all people in the group are accounted for.

6. Report numbers and last locations of all polar bears involved in the incident.

7. Report reason for the attack if known (Female protecting cubs, surprise, defending food source, etc.).

8. Report description of bears (male or female, size, markings, etc.).

9. Stand by to provide additional information to rescuers.

Commercial deterrents:

• Noisemakers including air horns, pistol and pen-launched bear bangers may scare a bear away.
• Pepper spray is effective against polar bears, but has some limitations. It must be warm enough to atomize and it must be used at close range. Also be aware of wind direction to avoid having the spray blow into your face.
• Know how and when to use these deterrents and practice beforehand.
• Note that pepper spray and firearm banger ammunition are dangerous goods and cannot be transported by public carriers as part of your carry-on or checked baggage.

For more information:

Location: Parks Canada
Box 127
Churchill, MB R0B 0E0
Phone number: 204-675-8863
Email address: manitoba@pc.gc.ca

Location: Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship
Box 70
Churchill, MB R0B 0E0
Phone number: 204-675-8897
Email address: mgi@gov.mb.ca
Website: https://www.gov.mb.ca/fish-wildlife/polar_bears/index.html 

Location: Town of Churchill
Box 459
Churchill, MB R0B 0E0
Phone number: 204-675-8871
Email address: townofchurchill@churchill.ca

Location: Chamber of Commerce
Box 271
Churchill, MB R0B 0E0
Phone number: 204-675-2022
Email address: churchillchamber@mts.net