Face-to-Face with an Aggressive Black Bear in Maine? Here’s What to Do

In addition to outdoor activities and natural beauty, the state of Maine is also known for its wildlife.

According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the state is home to 56 species of wild mammals.

One animal that's truly a sight to behold is the black bear.

What to Do If You See a Black Bear in Maine?

While it's one of the more sought-after mammals in Maine when it comes to viewing and photographing, the National Park Service says you should never intentionally get close to a bear.

The Park Service says that each bear will react differently, and you cannot predict how it will react if you get too close.

But let's say you do encounter a bear and it becomes aggressive.

What would you do? What should you do?

This is what the experts tell us.

Bear spray

Carrying this is recommended if you're going to be in areas that are known to have bears present.

However, it's important to look into any park regulations regarding bear spray if you're visiting a Maine state park.

Also, it's important to keep the spray readily accessible. You may not have time to search for it if it's tucked away in a backpack.

What to do if an aggressive black bear approaches you in Maine:

• Try to make yourself look bigger. You can do this by raising your arms.
• Repeat "Hey, bear." Start to back away.

What to do if a black bear is following you in Maine:

• If you're part of a group, stay together. Don't split up.
• Do not run. Continue to back away.

What to do if a black bear continues to follow you in Maine:

• You must stand your ground. If you're part of a group, continue to stay together.
• Try to intimidate the bear. Try again to make yourself look bigger. Wave your arms, shout, or clap.
  Bang a stick if you have one.
• If you have bear spray, prepare to use it.

What to do if a black bear charges you in Maine:

• Don't run. Continue to stand your ground.
• Stay calm.
• Dispense the bear spray in a circular motion.

What to do if a black bear makes contact with you in Maine:

• You have no choice. You have to fight back.
• Strike the bear with anything you have. It might be a knife, a walking stick, or even a pair of
  binoculars.

READ MORE: Did You Know These 25 Animals Are on Maine’s Endangered Species List?

That's what wildlife officials say you should do if you encounter an aggressive black bear.

I hope you never get to the point where you have to fight for your safety, or even your life.

But Maine has the largest population of black bears in the eastern U.S., so you never know.

Remember, it's important to respect a bear's personal space. You don't want to be in a dangerous situation, especially when it could have been avoided.