Survival Guide; Polar Bears

I was referred to this edited version of a booklet issued by National Parks Canada about Polar Bears by listening to the experiences of the explorer Ranulph Fiennes in his record breaking expedition to circumnavigate the world on a Pole to Pole axis. He regularly came up against these fantastically powerful inhabitants of the Arctic and sub-Arctic Regions and had to adhere to the laws and good practices even in nasty and potentially life threatening situations. 

Approaching a bear could be considered disturbing wildlife which is an offence under the National Parks Wildlife Regulations.

Reducing the threat posed by a polar bear during an interaction may be difficult. Non-lethal deterrents cannot be depended on to ensure safety. The best way to live safely with bears is to avoid contact with them. 

Here is the official guide to doing so;

Some trail areas may be closed due to bear activity so strictly obey written and oral warnings.

If venturing out into bear territory scan all around with binoculars at regular intervals. Be vigilant! 

Watch for signs such as tracks, droppings, diggings, wildlife carcasses and polar bear dens.

Be especially careful in areas along the coast, where a polar bear may be hidden behind boulders, pressure ridges (pushed up sea ice), driftwood or vegetation. 

It is best to only travel in good daylight to increase the chance of identifying key signs of bear presence or activity.

The larger the group in your hiking or camping party the greater the chances of deterring a bear so try to avoid being separated or isolated.

They may look cuddly and playful which has always been the stereotypical representation of this great creature but never approach a bear for any reason.

Every bear defends a “critical space”, which varies with each bear and each situation: it may be a few metres or a hundred metres. Intrusion within this space is considered a threat and may provoke an attack. 

Adult polar bears will often only eat the fat of beached whales, seals and other kills, but other bears may scavenge from these carcasses. Avoid your natural curiosity if you come across such remains. It may still be a live feeding site for bears.

A bear that finds food from a human source begins to associate humans with food. This can result in the bear losing its natural tendency to avoid people and becoming persistent in its search for human food. The consequences for you and the bear can be serious. A bear that associates food with humans is more likely to injure people and these bears may have to be relocated or killed. It is also illegal to feed any wildlife in a national park.

Use sealed bags and containers or there are bear proof canisters available to buy in which to store food and rubbish. Avoid using scented soaps and cosmetics and avoid bringing strong smelling foods.

The actions of each individual either contribute to or detract from the safety of everyone else. As well as discussing your own plans and intentions for your trip do find time to devise a strategy for dealing with bears and make sure that everyone in your party understands it. 

Every encounter is different and may or may not lead to an attack. Local guides and people in the communities on the trail can provide useful guidance on bear behaviour.

Above all, stay calm whilst letting those around you aware of the situation.

Try to understand what is the bear doing? What is the bear’s behaviour?

 If you think that the bear has not actually seen you then 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. Always keep the bear in sight.

Tell tale signs that the bear knows you are there and is becoming curious include 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.

You should if this is the case help it to identify yourself as a human by waving your arms over your head and talking in low tones. Move slowly upwind so that the bear can confirm your species by getting your scent. 

If in another scenario the bear has been surprised at close range or is showing 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 you should appear non threatening by avoiding sudden movements or shouting. 

Never huff or hiss as this can cause a Polar Bear to make a charge. Avoid eye contact and above all do not run.

Polar Bears are of course natural hunters and you could find yourself being stalked with characteristic behaviour of following you or circling you, approaching directly, intently and unafraid, returning after being scared away, or appearing wounded, old or thin.

In such circumstances you should fight back using any potential weapon or deterrent, make a large sized group and emit loud noises. Any potential weapon must be considered, such as skis, poles, rocks, blocks of ice or even knives. Air horns, pistol and pen launched bear bangers may scare a bear away.

Pepper spray can be effective but does have limitations. The container and air temperature must be warm enough to atomise and it must be used at close range. Be aware of wind direction to avoid having the spray blow into your face.

In all circumstances avoid the temptation to run. 

In the worst case of a charge by a Polar Bear stand your ground and be prepared to fight. 

Focus on hitting the bear in sensitive areas, especially the face and nose if possible.

Never get or find yourself in between a female polar 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 her cubs. Your response should be to leave the area immediately, stay in a group or fight back if she attacks.

Try to leave an escape route for the bear rather than let it feel cornered.

Sighting a polar bear can be a momentous experience and if you follow the guidelines of the experts you will survive to tell your family and friends all about it when you get home.