When encountering bears, wild boars, or packs of wild dogs, don’t run, don’t scream, don’t make eye contact — instead, turn sideways and back away slowly.

31. When encountering bears, wild boars, or packs of wild dogs, don’t run, don’t scream, don’t make eye contact — instead, turn sideways and back away slowly.

Cost: No cost involved. When heading into the mountains, bring a hiking pole, hike in a group, and make noise so animals know you’re coming. The hardest part is staying put instead of running.

In plain terms: Never run — bears can sprint uphill or downhill just as fast as racehorses. Also, don’t climb trees; both black bears and brown bears are excellent climbers. Stand your ground and keep speaking to the bear in a low, calm voice. Once it stops moving, turn sideways and back away slowly. If a brown bear attacks, lie down and play dead: place your hands behind your neck and spread your legs apart. For black bear attacks, do not play dead — run toward a vehicle or building; if escape is impossible, fight back using whatever is at hand. In case of dog bites, follow the steps outlined in item 13.

Benefit: The original guidelines issued by the U.S. National Park Service on bear encounters contain six key points: “Do not run — bears can sprint uphill or downhill just as fast as racehorses.” “Stay calm; most bears have no interest in attacking and simply want to be left alone.” “Keep speaking to the bear in a low, steady voice.” “When the bear stops moving, turn sideways and back away slowly so you can keep watching it without tripping.” “Make yourself appear as large as possible.” “Do not climb trees — both grizzly bears and black bears are capable climbers.” In the event of a brown bear attack, “lie down and play dead, placing hands behind the neck and legs apart.” For black bear attacks, “do not play dead; run toward a vehicle or building, and if escape is impossible, fight back using any available object.” Dog bites should be treated according to item 13.

Evidence grade: B

Sources: US National Park Service. Staying Safe Around Bears. <https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm>; General Department of the National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention, General Office of the National Health Commission of China (NHC) (2023). Rabies Exposure Prevention and Handling Work Specifications (2023 Edition). <https://www.ndcpa.gov.cn/jbkzzx/c100014/common/content/content_1706569159854649344.html>

Notes: The Grade B rating applies solely to bear encounters. The advice regarding wild boars and packs of wild dogs — namely, “don’t run, back away slowly, and seek higher ground or obstacles for protection” — is based on anecdotal experience and is rated Grade C; no official recommendations from China’s forestry authorities or local agencies were identified for these scenarios. Never try to lure animals with food, approach them for photos, or bring dogs into mountainous areas inhabited by wild boars. In China, the primary bear species are black bears and brown bears; the decision to play dead or not depends on which species is involved.