Oregon is home to nearly 30,000 black bears, the only species of bear found in the state. Despite the name, black bears come in a wide range of colors, from gold to cinnamon to black. Strong, nimble and dexterous, these bears can run quickly, climb trees and open simple latches. They have a keen sense of smell that lets them detect food from long distances.
Black bears normally prefer to avoid humans, but sometimes their inquisitive nature and bear-sized appetites lead to encounters with humans. When this happens, it is almost always the bear who suffers most – many bears have had to be euthanized because they became too accustomed to humans and their food.
Occasionally bears wander into Metro parks. When they do, Metro staff post alerts at the park and on the park’s web page. The bears usually do not stay long, preferring less populated areas.
Even when no bear sightings have been reported, it’s possible there may be bears quietly roaming through some Metro parks, especially the larger and heavily forested ones. The following tips are always good practice for coexisting peacefully with the bears who call Oregon home.
Hiking
- Hike with at least one other person. Talk, sing or otherwise make noise once in a while to let bears know you’re there.
- Pay attention to your surroundings: Don’t wear headphones, keep an eye out for bear tracks and poop, and look around you regularly.
- Consider carrying bear spray, but first learn how to use it properly and don’t let it give you a false sense of confidence.
- Never try to feed a bear.
- Never approach a bear cub. Its mother is probably nearby.
Camping
- Keep your campsite clean and store all food in airtight, bear-proof containers and/or in your vehicle.
- Don’t leave food or scented products (candles, lotion, etc.) in your tent.
- Clean all dishes, pots and utensils promptly after use.
- Promptly dispose of garbage in park trash cans.
Fishing
- Fish with at least one other person. Make noise on occasion to let bears know you are there.
- Keep all food in sealed, bear-proof containers. Pack all your garbage out when you leave.
- Clean fish at designated locations. If you clean your fish riverside, you can drop offal (fish guts) into the river to wash away, but don’t leave anything on land.
- Don’t bury fish offal. Bears can smell it and are attracted to it.
If you see a bear
- If you see a bear, don’t approach it. Leave the area slowly and report your sighting to park staff.
- If a bear has noticed you, try to stay calm. Speak slowly and in a low tone and move your arms. This lets bears, which are near-sighted, know you are a human. They will likely leave the area.
- Do not scream or run. This could cause the bear to confuse you for prey.
- Move away slowly and sideways; this allows you to keep an eye on the bear. Moving sideways is also non-threatening to bears.
- Black bear attacks are extremely rare. Bears may display aggressive behavior, or charge at you in an attempt to scare you away. Do your best to stay calm and keep speaking in a firm voice until the bear leaves.
- If a black bear does attack, fight back. Do not play dead.