If attacked by a bear, should you play dead or run like crazy?

(Ping Zhu)

How to Survive a Grizzly Attack (from our friends at artofmanliness.com):

1. Carry bear pepper spray. Experts recommend that hikers in bear country carry this with them; it is a highly concentrated capsaicin spray that creates a large cloud. This stuff will usually stop a bear in its tracks.

2. Don't run. When you run, the bear thinks you're prey and will continue chasing you, so stand your ground. And don't think you can out-run a bear. Bears can reach speeds of 30mph. Unless you're an Olympic sprinter, don't bother.

3. Drop to the ground in the fetal position and cover the back of your neck with your hands. If you don't have pepper spray or the bear continues to charge even after the spray, this is your next best defence.

4. Play dead. Grizzlies will stop attacking when they feel there's no longer a threat. If they think you're dead, they won't think you're threatening. Once the bear is done tossing you around and leaves, continue to play dead. Grizzlies are known for waiting around to see if their victim will get back up.

Gary Valan

It depends on the species and why the bear is attacking.

Grizzly bears generally attack to defend territory and cubs. The best course of action if attacked by a grizzly bear is to play dead. After all, a dead person is no longer a threat.

Black bears are shy and timid. They do not attack humans to defend territory. Nor do mother black bears attack to defend cubs. In general, if a black bear attacks, it's to eat you. The best course of action is then to fight back. After all, you're not worth fighting over, as black bears are constantly going for easy food. They would rather consume and save calories than expend any more than absolutely necessary.

In some instances, what appears to be an attack by a black bear isn't an attack. For example, sometimes black bears will do what is called a 'bluff charge', in which a bear will run toward a person and then stop or veer away within a few feet. Being the target of a bluff charge can be a disconcerting experience, as the charging bear will be huffing and clacking its jaw or teeth while doing it.

But a bluff charge is just what it is: a bluff. Bears will usually do this when they don't want to leave the area (because of abundant food) but want you to leave. Simply stand your ground and talk softly to calm the bear down. Then walk away.

By the way, there is zero evidence that running from a black bear incites any chase instinct. Again, black bears don't like to do too much to get food because it wouldn't be worth it.

Ryan Robbins

This is an edited answer from If attacked by a bear, should you play dead or run like crazy? which originally appeared on Quora: The best answer to any question. Ask a question, get a great answer. Learn from experts and get insider knowledge. You can follow Quora on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.