Do Bears Eat Humans? (The Truth About Bear Attacks) - Misfit Animals

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Why Do Bears Attack Humans?

Bears attack humans for a number of reasons, but they usually won’t as long as they’re left alone.

Reasons why bears may attack people are:

  1. Cub protection
  2. Starvation
  3. Self-defense

One reason is if they’re protecting their cubs, which can occur when a human disturbs or gets too close to the bear’s offspring.

Another reason bears attack humans are due to hunger and curiosity. They may investigate an unattended picnic basket that smells good.

If you do spot a bear in its natural habitat, and it hasn’t spotted you yet, leave quietly and slowly so as not to draw attention towards yourself. Don’t run. Whether out of fear or curiosity, bears will chase after running prey.

Bears Are Very Protective of Their Cubs

Bears are typically shy animals that try to avoid contact with humans. However, if they feel their cubs are in danger, they will become very aggressive and may attack.

brown bear and cubs

A Starving Bear Is Dangerous

Bears are not naturally inclined to eat human flesh, but they may do so if there is no other food available.

Bears typically don’t eat humans, as we’re not part of their natural diet[1]. Bears are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of the easiest food source available to them.

This means that they’ll mostly prey on animals that are smaller than themselves, as well as insects, fruits, vegetables, and other plants.

Grizzly Bear eating plants

Self-Defense

Bears will, as many other predators, attack when they’re attacked. They’ll stand their ground, defending themselves.

However, you should act according to the bear. When encountering a black bear, stand your ground. For brown bears or grizzlies, back away slowly.

Brown bear

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