Setting aside the fact that bears run up to 30 mph, would a human have better chances running uphill, or down?

Question

Just curious. I heard once that a bear is faster going either up or down, but I cannot remember which.

Answer 1

The front legs on a bear are too short for it to effectively run down hill. If you are on a slope and you are being chased by a bear you can usually escape if you run downhill because bears stumble and trip if they try to run downhill.

Answer 2

You can't outrun a bear. Period. Bears are way, way faster than humans, far stronger, etc. If the bear wants to catch you, it will. Contrary to what people have suggested here, bears can run down hill perfectly fine. Out-running a bear is NEVER the right thing to do. Backing away slowly (if possible) and talking to calm the bear down, letting it know you're human, are all more effective. Here's a site with some good tips:
http://www.mountainnature.com/Wildlife/Bears/BearEncounters.htm

Answer 3

Improve Your Running Technique Now!

Answer 4

a bear is far more stronger than a normal human being but of course we could device a machine we can use to run faster than a bear

Answer 5

well,i have heard,that holding your ground,dont move at all,is the best thing to do.
(he is going to catch up with you anyway)
downhill,you build up more speed,and if there are some obstructions like trees or bushes
you may be lucky.
it could be also a flat road......
i have seen once in a movie,sidney portier,chasing a grissly bear away.

Answer 6

The saying goes. You can out run him going down hill, because he has 4 legs holding him back. Where as he has 4 wheel drive going up hill.

Answer 7

anything going downhill is way faster
a person can tumble if he is running downhill cuz the speed gets too fast for a human to handy if he is already running at full speed

Answer 8

it doesnt matter as long as you can run faster than one of your friends