Facts
  • While bears have not been seen at DDRS, black bears are in many areas of Big Bend National Park, Davis Mountains and Chisos Mountains, which are adjacent to DDRS.
  • These areas offer essential components of bear habitat: food, shelter, and water.
  • Black bears do not enter true hibernation in the Big Bend area as they are awake much of the time and may periodically emerge to find food.
  • There are approximately 8-12 adult bears living in Big Bend, and biologists believe the environment has supported 25 to 30 bears.

 

Causes of Injury
  • Trauma from teeth or claws during bear attack
  • Blunt trauma or head / neck injury from falls during attack

 

Prevention
  • Keep camp area free of garbage and food waste.
  • Never feed or approach a bear (especially a cub).
  • Wash skin and clothing stained with food or food odors.
  • Do not eat, cook or keep food in sleeping areas.
  • Urinate away from camp as urine attracts wildlife.
  • While hiking, make noise by singing, talking, or wearing a bell or other noise maker.
  • Don’t hike with pets that might antagonize a bear and provoke an attack.
  • Stay away from the bear’s food supply.
  • Do not run. Move slowly and speak in a low soft voice.
  • Do not approach or offer food to bears as they may attack.
  • If attacked by a bear, fight back by hitting the snout or eyes with a rock or stick.
  • Pepper spray can be used if attacked. Fire it in short bursts with the wind to your back.

 

Planning / Packing Guide
  • Bear bell
  • Pepper Spray

 

Symptoms
  • Various injuries and wounds from teeth or claws (see Bleeding / Wounds), possible blunt trauma, and head / or neck injury.

 

First Aid
  • Stop bleeding by applying pressure to the injury or to a pressure point above the injury.
  • Clean and dress wounds. For more information see Bleeding / Wounds.
  • Seek medical attention immediately for serious injuries and wounds.

 

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