What should you do, if you encounter a bear and have no gun or spray?
Encountering a bear without any form of protection can be a challenging and potentially dangerous situation. It's important to remember that bear behavior can vary depending on the species, the situation, and the bear's individual temperament. Here are some general guidelines to follow if you find yourself in this situation:

1. **Stay Calm:** It's crucial to remain calm and avoid panicking. Try to maintain a steady demeanor, as sudden movements or loud noises may startle or provoke the bear.

2. **Assess the Situation:** Evaluate the bear's behavior and try to determine its intentions. Some bears may be curious or simply passing through, while others may feel threatened or defensive. If the bear is unaware of your presence, quietly and slowly back away without attracting attention.

3. **Do Not Run:** Running can trigger a bear's instinct to chase, as they are naturally fast runners. Avoid turning your back on the bear and running, as this may escalate the situation. Instead, maintain a slow, sideways movement while keeping an eye on the bear.

4. **Make Yourself Known:** Speak calmly and firmly to let the bear know you are human. This can help differentiate you from prey animals. You can also raise your arms to appear larger and make yourself more visible.

5. **Create Distance:** If the bear approaches, try to create distance between you and the bear by slowly moving away. Be mindful of any obstacles or terrain that may impede your movement.

6. **Avoid Direct Eye Contact:** Direct eye contact can be seen as a challenge or a threat by bears. It's generally advisable to avoid staring directly into the bear's eyes and instead focus on your own safety while keeping an eye on the bear's movements.

7. **Use Noise and Deterrents:** If the bear continues to approach and shows signs of aggression, you can try making loud noises to deter it. Shouting, clapping, or banging objects together can startle the bear and potentially discourage it from coming closer.

8. **Play Dead (Only for Brown/Grizzly Bears):** If a brown/grizzly bear makes contact or attacks you, playing dead by lying flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck can sometimes be the best course of action. Protect your vital organs and remain still until the bear leaves the area.

9. **Fight Back (Only for Brown/Grizzly Bears):** If a brown/grizzly bear continues to attack, fighting back with any means available, such as using rocks, sticks, or your fists, may be necessary to defend yourself.

It's important to note that these guidelines are general advice, and bear encounters can be highly unpredictable. It's always recommended to educate yourself about bear safety, understand the behavior and characteristics of bears in your area, and consult local wildlife authorities for specific guidelines and recommendations.
What about black bears? And polar bears?
Are Koala bears dangerous, too?
Black bears, polar bears, and koalas are all different animals with different behaviors. Here are some of the main differences:

- **Black bears** are mostly solitary and active at night and around dawn and dusk. They are excellent climbers and can escape from threats by going up a tree. They are usually less aggressive than grizzly bears and more tolerant of people, but they can still cause injuries if provoked or threatened. They feed on a variety of plants and animals, but prefer berries, nuts, and insects.
- **Polar bears** are also mostly solitary, but they are active throughout the year. They are strong swimmers and spend over 50% of their time hunting for seals on the sea ice. They are more likely to defend themselves when threatened than black bears, especially females with cubs. They have a thick layer of fat and fur to keep them warm in the Arctic environment. They feed almost exclusively on marine mammals, such as seals and walruses.
- **Koalas** are not bears at all—they are marsupials, meaning they have a pouch to carry their young. They are mostly nocturnal and spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping in eucalyptus trees. They feed on eucalyptus leaves, which are toxic to most animals, but they have a special digestive system to cope with them. They are not very intelligent and have a small brain relative to their body size. They can be aggressive if disturbed or threatened, but they can also be affectionate if tamed or trusted.