SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hike-grizzly-response

What should you do if a grizzly bear charges and contacts you?

Play dead: lie flat on your stomach, hands behind your neck.

Start playing free

  1. Run away
  2. Climb a tree
  3. Lie flat on your stomach and protect your neck ✔

Why: For a brown or grizzly bear attack, leave your pack on and play dead. Lie flat, clasp your hands behind your neck, and stay still until the bear leaves.

Huh, didn't know that: Spreading your legs makes it harder for the bear to turn you over.

The dad joke
Why did the grizzly bear skip dessert? He was already stuffed.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Lie flat on your stomach and protect your neck. For a brown or grizzly bear attack, leave your pack on and play dead. Lie flat, clasp your hands behind your neck, and stay still until the bear leaves.

  1. NPS: Bear Attacks www.nps.gov/articles/bearattacks.htm
    Cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. Lay flat on your stomach, and spread your legs apart.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. NPS: Staying Safe Around Bears www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm
    Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Outdoors & CampingIf a black bear attacks you, what does the Park Service say to do?Outdoors & CampingWhat is bear spray for?Outdoors & CampingWhy should you make noise while hiking in bear country?

That's stuff everyone should know.