Appalachia Georgia Friends of the Bears

The smallest, yet the most common species of bear, is the black bear. At the shoulder, black bears are about 3 feet high and 5-7 feet high when standing upright.  The weight of a black bear varies depending on their age, sex and time of year. Black bears can be up to 30% heavier in autumn than in spring. Adult black bears weigh between 100-600 lbs.

Fact: A person’s chance of incurring serious injury from a charging bear doubles when bullets are fired versus when bear pepper spray is used.  Those injured defending themselves with bear pepper spray experienced shorter attacks and less severe injuries than those who chose to use firearms (US Fish and Wildlife Service). Bears are actually attracted to pepper spray residue if it is sprayed on the ground or on objects. Never spray it around a tent or on yourself. When used defensively, pepper spray must be sprayed directly in the attacking bear’s eyes or nose.

Fact: Current evidence suggests that menstruation does not increase the likelihood of an attack by a black or grizzly bear, but tampons are recommended over pads. They may be disposed of by burning and then packing out the remains.  Bears are attracted to anything that smells interesting such as toothpaste, deodorant, aftershave, perfume, soap, etc.