Photo courtesy of the
New Mexico Game & Fish Dept.

• Make noise by talking or singing while hiking to keep from surprising an unsuspecting bear.
• If a black bear is visible, but not close, alter your route so that you will move away from the area.
• Always carry Bear Pepper Spray

Signs that bear could by nearby:

• Bear Scat (very large round piles with assorted seeds, fruit,etc.)
• Rubbed, clawed trees
• Turned-over rocks, torn-up logs, disturbed soil
• Ripe Summer Fruit and Berries
• Fall Oak Groves with acorns and/or pinon nuts on the ground

If you Encounter a Bear While Hiking

• DON’T RUN!. This causes the bear to instinctually chase you down
• Stop, back away slowly
• Speak gently
• Do not make eye contact - the bear considers eye contact to be aggressive

If a bear acts aggressive, he may charge several times, snapping his jaws. Stand your ground and try to scare the bear away by using pepper spray and/or by shouting at it. Most encounters end in bluff charges. If the bear attacks, use pepper spray, rocks, sticks or your fists. Most black bears will not continue the attack  Do not play dead. An attacking black bear, unlike a territorial grizzly, wants to eat you.