Houston is home to both grizzly bears and black bears. Bears are extremely sensitive to human disturbance and activity. Avoiding an encounter is the best way to protect both yourself and bears.
When on a trail make noise. Don’t surprise a bear. Call, sing, clap or talk loudly especially near streams and in areas of low visibility.
Be alert. Watch for bears or their scat and tracks, any strange smells or disturbed vegetation. Be aware of wind direction and speed. Extra caution is warranted when the wind is facing you.
Stay together. Hike and bike in groups and don’t let children wander. Larger groups (4 or more) are less likely to have a negative bear encounter.
Watch your pets. Keep your dog on a leash at all times. Dogs can provoke defensive bear behaviour.
Use officially marked trails. Travel during daylight hours. Bears are most active at dawn and dusk.
Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
If you encounter a bear stay calm. If the bear sees you, talk in a low, calm voice and then regardless if it has seen you or not. Back up slowly, never turn your back on a bear, or run. Running could trigger an attack.
Do not stare at bears they will see a direct stare as a challenge. Always give bears space, make sure it has a way to get away, and that you are not blocking access to a bear’s cubs or its food.
Usually, bears charge or attack because they are feeling threatened. Use your bear spray. If you don’t have bear spray and the bear makes contact with you – roll on your stomach, cover the back of your neck, remain still and play dead, they will lose interest and leave. Do not run.
In rare cases, a bear may see a human as prey and stalk you along a trail. In these cases, try to escape into a building, car or up a tree. If you cannot escape and the bear charges, use your bear spray, lacking that, use anything at your disposal to fight off the bear (rocks, sticks, hiking poles).