Wisconsin Hunter's Safety Practice Exam

What is the recommended action if you see a bear while hunting?

1. Run away quickly to a safe place

2. Remain still and wait for it to leave

3. Remain calm, back away slowly, and avoid eye contact

4. Make loud noises to scare it off

The correct answer is: Remain calm, back away slowly, and avoid eye contact

When encountering a bear while hunting, remaining calm and backing away slowly while avoiding eye contact is the appropriate action. This response recognizes that bears can be unpredictable and that making sudden movements may provoke them. By backing away slowly, you are giving the bear the space it needs, which can help reduce the chance of a confrontation. Avoiding eye contact is important because direct eye contact may be interpreted by the bear as a challenge or threat. This approach reflects an understanding of bear behavior, recognizing that many bear encounters can end without incident if people remain calm and allow the bear to feel unthreatened. While making loud noises or running might seem like good ideas to some, these actions can actually escalate the situation and increase the likelihood of aggression from the bear.