To avoid serious danger during encounters with black bears in America, practice 'bear awareness.

Frequently, videos of black bears rummaging through trashcans, raiding bird feeders, and scampering around backyards in search of food are being shared on social media.

Watching these videos on your phone or device can be entertaining, but coming face-to-face with a black bear isn't a game. It can be extremely dangerous.

The International Association for Bear Research and Management has reported that black bears are thriving in 18 states across the United States, with human interactions on the rise in these states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia.

In 2022, over 46,000 incidents involving bears were reported to state agencies across the U.S., according to data from the International Association for Bear Research and Management.

Wildlife biologist Tommy Campbell from Estes Park, Colorado stated that there has been an increase in encounters with many wildlife species, particularly larger mammals, due to human encroachment on their habitats.

In North America, black bears are widely distributed among large mammals, and they are becoming accustomed to human interactions, as stated.

Campbell told Planet Chronicle Digital that the animals are less scared of humans now because they have more frequent interactions with them.

Here's what else you should know.

Reasons for the surge in black bear encounters

Lt. Aaron C. Morrow, the state game warden and information and education supervisor with the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Northeast Region in Dallas, Pennsylvania, stated that while most bears will run from a human, some that live near people can become habituated and appear indifferent.

If food is present, bears that have become accustomed to people may be attracted to backyards.

He stated that bears can be attracted to bird feeders, garbage cans, and backyard grills.

"Human-provided food-dependent bears can become problematic, causing damage and increasing the likelihood of human-bear interactions," he stated.

Lt. Morrow advised people to remove attractants to reduce the likelihood of the problem occurring.

Bear sightings in residential areas are most commonly caused by unsecured food sources, garbage cans, bird feeders, and backyard grills, he warned.

Actions to take if encountering a black bear

If you encounter a black bear, the most important thing is to maintain a safe distance and remain composed.

Also — stay out of the bear’s way.

"Lt. Morrow advised against running, as it could trigger a chase response. Instead, he recommended backing away slowly in the opposite direction and waiting for the bear to leave. He also suggested providing the bear with a clear escape route."

To scare away a bear from a safe distance, you should make loud noises, shout, or bang pots and pans together, as advised by him.

Once the bear leaves, take preventative measures.

He advised securing all food sources, including bird feeders, pet food, and garbage containers, and requested neighbors to do the same and remove any attractants.

You can also encounter a black bear while hiking or hunting.

While hiking in Shenandoah National Park, Mary Beth Skylis, a backpacker and wildlife lover from Colorado, came across three black bears on the Appalachian Train.

"Respecting them and moving along is the best way to keep safe."

"Skylis recounted how she rounded a trail bend and spotted a mama bear and two cubs halfway up a tree. Although the mama bear was displeased with her presence, she kept a watchful eye on Skylis to ensure she didn't get too close."

I made sure not to get between her and her cubs and calmly got out of her way. Animals like bears are usually just protective, not aggressive. So, I've found that respecting them and moving along is the best way to keep safe.

She also noted, "Don't stop for a selfie."

Don't tempt bears with food if you're in bear territory, as Lt. Morrow advised for the home front.

Instead, said Skylis, be mindful of the way you manage food.

"Bear-resistant containers, commonly found in areas with high bear activity, should always be used to dispose of trash," she emphasized.

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"The more disincentive they have to come for our food, the better."

Don't believe one bear myth in particular

Black bears prefer to avoid contact with humans.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises against playing dead if attacked by a predatory black bear.

The source advised fighting back aggressively against a black bear that attacks in an offensive manner, targeting the face, eyes, and nose.

The U.S. National Park Service advises another way to stay safe is to flee to a safe haven like a vehicle or structure.

The park service emphasized that if escape is not possible, one should try to fight back using any available object.

"Focus your strikes on the bear's face and snout."