Bear encounter: what to do if you meet a bear on the trail

Bear on the trail: what to do, step by step

⏱ 2 min read

Meeting a bear in the mountains or forest. Below: what to do right away, what next, when to call 112 and what to avoid. The same instructions are in the free SurvivalZone.app and work without internet.

Open in the app (works offline)

First, right now

Stop and stay calm. Don't shout or make sudden movements.
Don't run. Running can trigger a chase, and a bear runs much faster than a person.
If it is tens of metres away, slowly back off the way you came, without staring at it and without turning your back.

Then

Don't approach and don't take photos. Leave the bear a way out.
Pick up small children. Keep your dog on a short lead.
A bear standing on its hind legs is usually just looking around. It does not have to mean an attack.
If a brown bear attacks at close range: lie flat on your stomach, protect your neck and head with your hands and stay still. Most bears lose interest and leave.
If you carry bear spray and know how to use it, hold it ready.
When it has gone, wait a moment and calmly return to the trail. Report the encounter to park rangers or the mountain hut.

When to call 112

A bear has injured someone, or it will not leave and is very close to people. In the mountains you can also call mountain rescue through 112.

What not to do

Never feed bears or leave food or rubbish on the trail.
Don't leave the marked trail, especially at dawn and after dusk.
Never approach a mother bear with cubs, however calm they look.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I see a bear?

Stop, stay calm and don't run. Back away slowly the way you came, without staring at it. Never approach or take photos.

Should you run from a bear?

No. Running can trigger a chase, and bears are much faster than people. Back away slowly.

What do I do if a brown bear attacks?

Lie flat on your stomach, protect your neck with your hands and stay still. According to the US National Park Service most attacks stop once the bear no longer sees a threat.

Keep it on your phone

SurvivalZone.app is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.

Open SurvivalZone.app

Thank you for reading. If this could help someone, send it to the people you care about. Getting ready takes a moment, and in a crisis every minute counts.

Coming soon: the app’s permanent address will be survivalzone.app.

Other scenarios

Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-04.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.