mountain biking
Cycling in bear country requires specific precautions; bikes travel fast and quietly, increasing the risk of startling a bear at close range. Never try to out-cycle a bear. Instead, make plenty of noise, carry bear spray where it is easily accessible, and dismount immediately if you encounter a bear.
Whether you are walking along a local trail, hiking in the back country, mountain biking or camping it is always important to be aware that you are in bear country, on the Sunshine Coast and elsewhere. Learning about bear behaviour and how to be bear savvy will help you enjoy recreational activities safely while keeping bears safe.
BIKING IN bEAR hABITAT
Stay alert and carry bear spray: where it is easily and quickly accessible, as on a chest holster and not in your back pack or attached to your bike.
Control your speed: When you are riding on a quiet, fast moving bike, bears may not hear nor see you approaching; this could lead to a volatile surprise encounter. Slow down in areas with thick brush, reduced visibility, or seasonal food sources like berry patches.
Make noise: Never wear headphones. Occasionally shout, “HEY BEAR!”or use a bike horn, especially when approaching blind corners, crests of hills, or riding near rushing streams.
Ride in groups: Travel with others whenever possible, and stay together. Larger groups generally afford more safety when engaged in any activity in bear country, as long as you stay together.
Avoid peak bear hours: Bears are most active at dawn, dusk, and nighttime. Limit your rides to daylight hours - when you can also see better.
IF YOU SEE A BEAR AND THE BEAR IS UNAWARE OF YOUR PRESENCE:
Stop where you are. Respect a bear’s need for space and never approach it. It’s best to quietly leave the area while keeping an eye on the bear. If you decide to continue, keep your eye on the bear for changes in position and have your bear spray at a ready. Consider an alternative return route.
If you meet a bear and the bear is aware of your presence:
If the bear lifts its head or simply changes its position without looking at you, it is likely aware of your presence.
If the bear stands on its hind legs, it is simply trying to assess its surroundings. This is not an aggressive action.
Take a deep breath, and dismount while keeping the bike between you and the bear.
Ready your bear spray.
Never turn and run.
Calmly and slowly back away, keeping a ‘soft eye’ on the bear.
Use your voice to speak calmly, “It’s okay bear.”
It’s best to now leave the area, keeping a ‘soft eye’ on the bear.
If you decide to continue, keep your eye on the bear for changes in position and have your bear spray at a ready. Consider an alternative return route.
Most often a bear encounter will remain totally benign. If a bear happens to be walking towards you, on or off the trail, is not staring directly and intently at you, shows no signs of agitation or aggression, it may simply be unafraid of and accustomed to the presence of people. Give it a friendly “Hi!” and simply let it pass. Step aside and off the trail if necessary.
if the bear approaches you or begins to follow you:
Stand behind your bike and ready your bear spray.
Speak to it in a firm voice. At this point you can make direct eye contact with the bear.
If the bear continues to follow you; stand your ground, lift your bike and hold it up to make yourself look bigger; shout firmly at the bear and be prepared to use your bear spray. Hopefully the bear will stop and/or turn around. At this point, back away slowly, keeping a ‘soft eye’ on the bear and immediately leave the area.
If the bear charges, deploy your bear spray. https://www.scbearalliance.com/bearspray
A mother bear may join her cubs up a tree in order to escape a perceived threat.
A black bear assessing its surroundings.
IF YOU MEET A MOTHER WITH CUBS WHILE ON A TRAIL Or IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD:
A mother bear will usually signal her cubs to climb a nearby tree while she remains at the base of the tree, or, she may also climb the tree and may make make whoofing, moaning and/or clacking sounds, indicating she is upset. HEAR SOUNDS
Mother and cubs may also run a short distance to get away from the area. In either case, calmly remove yourself from the situation.
There are times when you may see a cub/s on his or her own. Mother bears will sometimes leave their cubs in a safe location, in a tree or on the ground, while foraging nearby. NEVER APPROACH A CUB! Leave the area immediately.
For information on what to do if you believe you have seen an orphan cub go to: https://www.scbearalliance.com/orphan-cubs