College Student Killed in Rare Bear Attack While Hiking in NJ

[Coventina]

16. And now any male bear meeting the description will be killed.

That is, if the usual protocol is followed.



I have hiked/camped many times in bear country.

Keep your food sealed up. Make lots of noise. While on a hike, blow a whistle periodically. Bring a dog of any size.
Bears hate dogs for some reason and will avoid them, no matter the size.

If you encounter a bear watch it carefully, make no sudden moves unless it appears to be aggressive to you.
If it makes aggressive moves, yell, scream, make yourself look as big as possible by flapping your coat or getting on top of something.

DON'T RUN! That will trigger a "chase" reflex.

Worst case scenario: if the bear still attacks you, curl into a ball, protecting your head, while still making as much noise as possible.