are brown bears dangerous? any grizzleys in lower 48?

Question

what do you do if you come across one? what is the bear population in the US?

wow its too early for me still...i meant black bears

Answer 1

First of all brown bears, kodiak bears, and grizzly bears are the same species (Ursus arctos), just different local names.

Secondly, far more people are injured and killed by black bears (Ursus americanus) than grizzlies - and thats due to a combination of black bears being more common than grizzlies and black bears having less fear of humans. All bears are strong enough and fast enough to attack a human.

Grizzly and black bears are both dangerous animals; they should be respected but in general they will fear humans and stay clear if given the opportunity.

Blacks and grizzlies are omnivores, but polar bears are carnivores. A polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is the only wild animal that considers humans as routine prey, so they will hunt down a human just as quick as a seal!

There are about 800,000 bears of all types in North America. Most bears in the lower 48 US states are blacks, but there are a few grizzlies in Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. There are lots of both in Canada and Alaska. On average, between 10 and 40 people are attacked by bears in the US and Canada every year, with about a quarter of those attacks being fatal. Almost all grizzly attacks are territorial, but about half of black bear attacks are predatory.

The best defence against bear attacks is to avoid bears. But since thats not always possible, avoid startling them by making lots of noise and staying clear of feeding areas and above all mothers with cubs. If you do encounter a bear, you need to assess the type of bear and if it is being aggressive or not. If the bear is not agressive, its best to walk slowly away while talking to it calmly. If its a black bear being aggressive, you need to be aggressive back - make yourself look big, yell at it, and hold your ground. Fight back if you have to. For an aggressive grizzly, the "Play dead" routine using your hands and a backpack to protect your neck and head is best.

http://www.bears.org
http://www.bearsmart.com
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/bears/
http://craigheadresearch.org/index.php
http://www.udap.com/safety.htm

Answer 2

All large animals, especially carnivores, are dangerous. Bears are very dangerous large carnivores.

All of the brown bears in the lower 48 are the type called grizzly. It's most likely the difference is in diet, with less salmon being available inland than the coast of the Great Land.

The population of brownie/grizz is pretty low in the lower 48, mostly in the general area from Yellowstone north to Canada along the Rocky Mountains .

The best thing is to not come across one by surprise. Wear bells on your shoes and make noise that lets the bear know you are a human. If you come across one, try to back away slowly and let the bear know you are human but not a threat and do your best to let it go about it's business undisturbed. It is sometimes possible to "bluff" a bear into thinking you are too big of a threat for it, but if you try that and fail it won't end well for you at all.

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Blackies are similar but more of an opportunist and are believed to actually stalk humans as food on rare occaision. They are fairly widespread in the lower 48 and increasing their range and population. Unless they are cornered or protecting their cubs, it is much more likely you could scare them off than it is for a brownie, but still very dangerous.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
are brown bears dangerous? any grizzleys in lower 48?
what do you do if you come across one? what is the bear population in the US?

Answer 4

All bears are dangerous. You should never try to get near a bear no matter what kind it is.

Answer 5

Brown bears are not dangerous...my boyfriend has encountered them and they are afraid of people....