If you’re planning a relaxing vacation at a secluded cabin deep in the woods, you need to be prepared to deal with the wildlife. In some cases, this may mean bears. Although they are usually not interested in confronting humans, bears are powerful animals who can do serious physical damage and need to be carefully avoided or scared away. Here are a few tips to keep them out of your lodgings, or to deal with them if they approach.

The Vital Bear Safety Tips

1. Avoid Them

Your best defense against bears is to avoid them entirely. If you spot a bear, even a cub, do not under any circumstances try to approach it. Back away slowly from a bear which hasn’t noticed you and return to your secluded cabin or find another route to wherever you are going.

2. Store Food Correctly

If a bear does approach your cabin or camp, it’s usually because it smells food or trash. Seal all your food in airtight containers to avoid releasing attractive scents into the air and use bear-proof trash cans. Keep your food indoors if you are staying in a cabin.

3. Get Away From What It Wants

If it’s too late for proper food storage and a bear is showing interest, put some distance between yourself and the food. Given a choice between you and eating, a bear is more likely to be interested in food.

4. Be Aggressive

If a bear does approach you and backing away isn’t fast enough, resist the urge to run. Instead, act aggressive. Shout at the bear, move your arms, and try to appear as large as you can. If the bear isn’t set to attack you, this display may convince it to leave you alone.

5. When to Fight Back

If you do suffer a bear attack, the strategy depends on the species of bear. A grizzly may stop attacking you if you play dead and wait for it to lose interest. If this happens, stay down as long as you can to be sure it has actually left. However, if the attack persists or if you are facing a black bear, fighting back may make the animal retreat. Use bear spray or hit and kick the bear. Try for sensitive areas like the eyes and nose.

If there are bears around, returning to your secluded cabin is usually the best defense. American Patriot Getaways in Pigeon Forge, TN offers beautiful, remote cabins in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area of the Smoky Mountains. With a range of sizes from one-bedroom private retreats to 13-bedroom luxury accommodations, they are the perfect choice for your individual, family, or group vacation. To ask about availability, call (800) 204-5169 or get more information online.