Upon sighting a bear, experts say the best thing to do is to remain calm and leave the area to allow the bear to move along on its own. If a bear is encountered at close range, experts offer these safety tips:
- Do not turn and run, as that might elicit a chase response in the bear.
- Stand and face the bear, holding out your arms or jacket to appear as large as possible.
- Try to retreat slowly, but don't turn your back on the bear or block the bear’s escape route.
- If you cannot leave the area, make loud noises that could make the bear flee, such as yelling or banging on pots or pans.
Finally, anyone whose outdoor activities increase the chances of a bear encounter can carry bear spray with them. In the unlikely event a bear charges to attack, you should aggressively fight back against the bear, according to the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Do not attempt to “play dead” during a black bear attack, the agency says. For more information on how you can live responsibly with bears, visit BearWise.
Report a Nuisance Black Bear
Black Bear Project Leader: Wildlife Biologist Matt Hensley (918) 260-3920
South East
Wildlife Technician Aaron Dossey: (918)-260-3920
Wildlife Technician Tres Phipps: (918)-527-9921
North East
Senior Biologist J.D. Ridge: 918-617-1113
Senior Biologist Curt Allen: 918-260-8959
Wildlife Biologist Colby Farquhar: 918-316-2281
Central
Senior Biologist Matt Mattoida: 918-629-4625
Wildlife Biologist John Carter: 405-823-8383
Wildlife Biologist Jay Rouk: 918-759-1816
Wildlife Biologist Cameron Gammill: 405-823-8714
Northwest
Senior Biologist Eddie Wilson: 580-334-0343
Wildlife Biologist Wes Storer: 806-339-5175
Regional Supervisor Scott Parry: 580-334-3345
Game Warden Mike Baker: 580-651-9135
Southwest
Wildlife Biologist Chris Robinson: 580-595-0347
Oklahoma City Metro
Wildlife Biologist Dallas Barber: 405-385-1791
Senior Biologist Jerrod Davis: 405-590-2583
Nuisance bears may also be reported to any local Game Warden.