Avoiding Bear Attacks
As part of its campaign to inform the Alaskan public about polar bears, the Arctic Ecosystem Team Joint Venture offers these tips on how to avoid risky encounters with Ursus maritimus:

Be Alert. Detect bears before they are a problem. Polar bears are unpredictable, and seeing one early decreases chances of a dangerous encounter.

Keep away from food sources, keep a clean camp. Reduce food and garbage smells.

Be careful around open water leads, or mammal carcasses—places where you may encounter a bear.

Carry a weapon, travel with others, do not approach bears for photography or other reasons.

Do not get between a female and her cubs.

If a Bear Approaches
Get into a vehicle and drive away.

Do not run, stand your ground unless you can move away slowly to a safe shelter. Drop a pack or item of clothing if retreating.

Gather together in a group, make yourself look bigger by holding a jacket over your head.

If the bear approaches, shout or make noise.

If a Bear Attacks
Find safe shelter.

Defend yourself.

If you encounter a female defending cubs: get away from the bears and remove yourself as a threat to the cubs. Do not fight back.

Source: Polar Bear Poster, Arctic Ecosystem Team Joint Venture.