1. Bears
Where Are Bears Found?
There are eight species of bears in the world, and three of them can be found within North America: grizzly, black and polar. Of these, the black and grizzly bears are the most prevalent in areas where humans would be likely to hide out or look for food if a disaster strikes. It is important to note that black bears and grizzly bears can be found throughout much of Canada. Bears also live in 29 states and in a large section of Mexico. In other words, your odds of encountering a bear in the American, Mexican or Canadian wilderness are higher than you might imagine.
Discouraging Bears from Attacking
Bears will attack if they feel threatened, but humans are not their natural prey. When given the opportunity, bears are much more likely to avoid people than they are to start a fight. Therefore, you need to give bears notice that you are in the area. Some people wear bear bells, but the evidence regarding whether or not these bells are actually effective is very mixed.
You can alert bears to your presence by talking, singing or shouting, and this should make all but the most curious of these creatures head in the opposite direction. Make sure that you do not leave food accessible at your campsite because this can attract the attention of bears and many other creatures.
Surviving a Bear Attack
If you find yourself face to face with a bear, it is absolutely critical that you do not give into the urge to run. Instead, slowly and steadily walk backwards away from the creature. Black bears tend to be mostly non-confrontational, and doing this while speaking in a monotone voice can often stop the attack from happening. However, if a black bear does come after you, it will be necessary to fight back with all of your strength because this can intimidate the bear into running away. Punching, kicking, stabbing and shooting are all good methods for stopping the attack.
On the other hand, if a grizzly bear attacks, the last thing you want to do is fight back. Instead, cover your neck with your hands, block your face with your arms and roll onto your stomach. The bear will attempt to flip you over, but make sure that you keep rolling back into position. This will protect your most vital areas, and it will give you the best chance of making it through the attack alive.