This Bear Country Mistake Most Hikers and Campers Ignore (Gets You Killed)

The advice you grew up with about surviving a bear attack could get you killed because it depends entirely on which bear is standing in front of you. Bear encounters are rising across North America and beyond, and most people carry one rule into the backcountry: play dead. But playing dead in the wrong situation tells a predatory bear you're done fighting. In this video I break down the difference between a defensive bear and a predatory one, what to actually do in each case, what the real research says about bear spray versus firearms, and why the numbers most people quote are wrong. ⚠️ For informational purposes only. Always follow current guidance from your local wildlife agency and the National Park Service.