Lock and Load for the 2026 New York Firearms Safety Test – Shoot for Success!

Speaking to the bear to let it know of your presence can be a useful tactic. Bears are generally shy animals and may be deterred by human voices. Making your presence known in a calm voice can prevent surprising the bear, which might provoke a defensive reaction.

Taking other approaches, such as making loud noises, could escalate the situation. Scaring a bear away by shooting in the air is not recommended; this could provoke aggression rather than deter the animal. Likewise, leaving the area may be necessary in some situations, but doing so abruptly could trigger a chase response. Standing still can sometimes be appropriate, especially with certain bear encounters where direct eye contact should be avoided, as it can be interpreted as a threat. However, calmly communicating is often the preferred first step.