Map shows the US states with the most bear attacks

There have been fatal bear attacks on hikers, hunters and campers in the wilderness of North America.

But which US states have the highest number of bear deaths?

According to the research findings collected, there were ten fatal bear attacks in Montana Glacier National Park between 1967 and 1998. All of the attacks involved a brown bear.

The state of Wyoming is another hotspot where most of the fatal bear attacks in the country occur. Yellowstone National Park has seen eight incidents, including attacks in 2015 and 2011. Similar to the Montana incidents, all of the deaths in Yellowstone were caused by brown bears.

Northwest Wyoming is a hotspot for bear attacks because the region includes the Bridge-Teton National Forest, where two fatal bear attacks have occurred, and the Shoshone National Forest, where one attack occurred. In May, a 35-year-old Massachusetts man was attacked and seriously injured on Signal Mountain Summit Road in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming when two grizzly bears surprised him.

There are also several hotspots for bear attacks in Alaska, with 18 cases recorded there. Between 2000 and 2017, there were a total of 10 fatal attacks there.

Polar bears, black bears and brown bears are the three species most frequently involved in fatal attacks in North America. The three groups of bears have been responsible for over 180 deaths since records began.

Bear attacks are more common in the summer because the animals hibernate during the winter months. The likelihood of dangerous incidents is highest in August and lowest in February.

Among those killed or seriously injured are campers, joggers, researchers and children. Although such incidents are very rare, experts say it is still important to take simple measures to protect yourself.

What should you do if you see a bear?

If you encounter a bear in the wild, there are a few precautions you should take for your own safety. Always be aware of your surroundings when exploring habitats where bears roam. If you come face to face with the mammal, keep your distance and don’t surprise it.

You can help protect bears by avoiding encounters with them, but if you do encounter one, make noise and let the bears know you are nearby. Most bears will avoid humans if they hear them approaching their habitat. They may call, sing, or be loud to scare them away.

Linda Masterson, communications director for the national BearWise program, said, “Keep your earplugs out and be aware of your surroundings. Try not to hike alone and make noise occasionally so bears know you’re there and can avoid you. Keep your camp so clean your mother would give you a gold star. Never keep food or other foul-smelling items in your tent.

“Feeding bears or allowing them near your food or supplies will not only ruin your trip, but it will also teach the bear a dangerous lesson. Feeding bears or approaching them is dangerous to both people and bears.

“Respecting bears, giving them space, and never feeding or approaching bears is the best way to protect people and keep bears wild. Bears are amazing wild animals; it’s up to people to keep them that way.”

Jaime Sajecki, director of the Black Bear Project, said, “Never run from a bear. Do not approach a bear, walk away quietly and leave the area. If a black bear approaches you, make yourself big, make loud noises, clap your hands and continue to back away.”

It is also important to remain aware of your surroundings and make an extra effort to be visible when you are in an area with known bear activity.

Be on the lookout for bear tracks, scat, or torn logs. If the tracks are fresh, it is important to leave the area.

If you have a dog with you, keep it on a leash or leave it at home when traveling to an area with high bear activity, as dogs can provoke bears.

Remember to always use the official hiking trails and travel in groups of at least four people.

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