Wyoming’s wild landscapes, from the mountains above the Bighorn Basin to remote backcountry trails, offer some of the best outdoor adventures in the country. But with that privilege comes responsibility, especially in bear country. The Bighorn Basin and Bighorn Mountains offer some of the best outdoor adventure opportunities in the state.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is reminding residents and visitors that understanding why a bear is behaving a certain way can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy. Not all bear encounters are the same, and your response should depend on whether the bear is acting defensively or predatory. See more information on their website.
Most Bears Want Nothing to Do With You
In most situations, bears will avoid people. Many encounters end before they begin, with the bear moving away once it detects your presence.
But if a bear does not avoid you, it’s critical to quickly assess its behavior.
Defensive Bears: Protecting Space, Food, or Cubs
A defensive bear is reacting because it feels threatened or is protecting something important—its cubs, a carcass, or personal space.
Signs of Defensive Behavior:
- Moaning, woofing, or jaw popping
- Ears pinned back
- Head lowered or bowed
- Excessive drooling
- Paw swatting
- Bluff charges
How to React:
- Avoid direct eye contact
- Do not act aggressively
- Never run
- Stand your ground
- Use bear spray if the bear approaches
If contact happens:
- Drop flat on your stomach
- Interlace your fingers behind your neck
- Protect your vital areas
- Do not fight back
In a defensive attack, the goal is to convince the bear you are no longer a threat.
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Predatory Bears: A Much Different Danger
Predatory behavior is more serious because the bear is not defending anything—it may be viewing you as prey.
Signs of Predatory Behavior:
- The bear watches you for a prolonged period
- It deliberately approaches
- It appears intensely interested
- It shows no stress signals like woofing or paw swatting
How to React:
- Make yourself look as large as possible
- Stand your ground
- Yell loudly and firmly
- Throw rocks or use branches
- Fight back aggressively
- Use bear spray or a weapon if necessary
Unlike defensive attacks, you should not play dead during a predatory attack.
Bear Spray: Your Essential Safety Tool
Wyoming Game and Fish emphasizes that bear spray is one of the most effective tools for stopping aggressive or charging bears.
Bear Spray Basics:
- Effective range: 25–30 feet
- Creates a 4-foot deterrent cloud
- Uses capsaicin derived from chili peppers
- Must be EPA-registered
- Each person in a group should carry their own spray
- Keep it accessible, not buried in a pack
- Check expiration dates regularly
Important: Bear spray is not a repellent and should never be sprayed on tents, gear, or campsites.
Smart Preparation for Wyoming Adventures
Whether you’re hiking, fishing, camping, or exploring Wyoming’s backcountry, preparation matters. Knowing bear behavior, carrying the right gear, and staying calm can dramatically improve your safety.
The takeaway is simple as the National Park Service explains:
Defensive bear? Don’t challenge it.
Predatory bear? Fight for your life.
Wyoming’s outdoors remain one of the state’s greatest treasures, and with awareness and preparation, you can enjoy them safely. In bear country, knowledge isn’t just helpful, it can save your life.
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