What To Do If There’s A Bear Outside Where You’re Sleeping
Waking up to the sound or sight of a bear outside your tent, cabin, or home is always unsettling. Whether you're deep in the woods or living near bear country, it's important to know how to react in the moment. The goal is to stay safe, avoid escalating the situation, and help the bear move on without putting yourself in harm’s way. Here’s a breakdown of what to do, step by step.
Stay Put and Stay Calm
Don't step outside. Don’t run. Don’t yell. Your safest move is to stay inside and resist the urge to confront the bear. It might just be passing through, and stressing it out unnecessarily will only make things worse. Sudden noises, movement, or lights could make it feel either threatened or curious. Take a deep breath, get your bearings, and give the bear a chance to leave on its own before drawing any attention to yourself.
Take a Look, But Don't Make Yourself Seen
If it's safe to do so, take a careful look through a window, peephole, or tent flap to see what the bear is doing. You want to know if it's just sniffing around or if it’s actively trying to get in. Don’t shine a flashlight or use your phone screen near the opening, and avoid sudden movement that might catch the bear’s eye. This is about gathering information, not engaging.
Secure the Inside of Your Space
If you're in a cabin or home, make sure all windows and doors are shut and locked. If you're in a tent, double-check zippers and keep your gear zipped up and secure. Don’t leave out food or scented items like toothpaste near entry points. If you’re able to move food into a sealed container or bear canister inside the space, do it carefully without drawing attention.
Make Your Presence Known If the Bear Sticks Around
If the bear isn't leaving after several minutes and seems too interested, it might be time to let it know you’re inside. From a safe place (like an upper-floor window, balcony, or through a closed door), use a firm, loud voice or bang pots together to show it humans are nearby. This works best if the bear hasn’t noticed you yet. Avoid doing this from a tent unless absolutely necessary.
Call for Help
If you're in a cabin or home and the bear is showing no signs of leaving, call your local wildlife agency or non-emergency police line. Many places with bear activity have responders trained to handle these situations. Stay on the line if possible and follow their instructions. This is especially important if the bear seems sick, aggressive, or is trying to break in.
Don't Try to Scare It Off in Person
No matter what, don’t go outside to confront or scare the bear off yourself. Bears can move fast, and their behavior isn’t always predictable. A bear might charge, stand its ground, or panic. You could trigger a dangerous response without meaning to. No photo or campsite gear is worth that risk. Wait it out and let the bear decide to leave on its own. This is especially relevant if you're in a tent. Waiting for a long time might feel scary or nerve-wracking, but it's worth the tension to avoid getting yourself hurt.
Most of the time, a bear wandering near your space is just curious, not looking for trouble. How you respond can make all the difference in how the situation plays out. Stay calm, stay put, and only act when it's safe and smart to do so. With the right approach, you can protect yourself and help the bear move on without harm coming to either of you.