Trail runner trips, falls, then fights off charging bear in Utah canyon, officials say
A trail runner heard what sounded like a bear in the brush as he was running through a Utah canyon, wildlife officials said.
His senses were right. Moments later, a black bear approached him, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources officials said in an emailed news release.
He backed away and tried to make himself look big — which was at least partially the right call. While the division’s guidance does suggest “(making) yourself look bigger by raising your arms and standing tall,” it also warns against backing away.
The bear “bluff charged” him twice, and as he was backing away, he tripped and fell over a log, officials said.
That’s when the bear bit him on his upper arm, officials said.
He kicked at the bear and was able to escape, then drove himself to a hospital to get medical attention for puncture wounds on his arm, officials said.
It happened sometime between 1:15 and 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, in Big Cottonwood Canyon, officials said.
Officials tracked the bear with hounds and found the adult female bear just before 10 p.m. that evening.
“Because the bear had shown aggressive behavior and injured a person,” the bear was killed per the division’s policy, officials said.
Wildlife officers and bear biologists didn’t find any cubs with the bear or in the area of the encounter, a division spokesperson said.
Big Cottonwood Canyon is about a 25-mile drive southeast from Salt Lake City.
Thousands of black bears live in Utah’s mountains and forests, so there’s always a chance hikers or other outdoor recreators might encounter one. To stay safe, officials recommend:
Standing your ground. “Never back up, lie down or play dead,” officials said. Stay calm and give the bear a chance to leave, but also be ready to use bear spray or whatever else you have as a deterrent.
Do not run away or try to climb a tree. “Black bears are excellent climbers and can run up to 35 mph — you cannot outclimb or outrun them,” officials said.
Knowing bear behavior can help you determine whether a bear is showing aggressive or threatening behavior — or simply just investigating. “If a bear stands up, grunts, moans or makes other sounds, it’s not being aggressive,” officials said. “These are the ways a bear gets a better look or smell and expresses its interest.”
Grizzlies are a different story, but “if a black bear attacks, always fight back. And never give up!” officials said. “People have successfully defended themselves with almost anything: rocks, sticks, backpacks, water bottles and even their hands and feet.”
What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are additional steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
This story was originally published August 1, 2024 at 1:53 PM with the headline "Trail runner trips, falls, then fights off charging bear in Utah canyon, officials say."
