Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Staying Healthy on the Road
Swedish Bears Swedish Bears
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Staying Healthy on the Road Medical info, e.g. malaria, vaccinations, travel medical tips, medical insurance, where to find a doctor.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Like Tree2Likes

Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 25 Jun 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Stockholm Sweden
Posts: 8
Taken from this site: Rovdjurscentret De 5 Stora - Bear/dangerous
Quote:
Is the bear dangerous?

The bear, utterly seldom, goes near a human being. Most of the meetings between a bear and a human , never come about really and are not noticed by the human since the bear goes out of the way long time before we can see him.

Still, the bear can be the most dangerous, or perhaps the least not dangerous of the big predators (Human beings then excluded). Mostly, the bear is a peaceful animal. Real attacks from bears at different places in Europe have been documented by one of the following 5 situations:

• When a dog has irritated a bear and then returned to its owner.
• When someone has come too close to the bears location of hibernation.
• When a bear has been wounded or threatened.
• When a person has come too close to a female with cubs.
• When someone has come too close to a bears prey.

The Rovdjurscenter has collected evidence from all of the occasions where a bear has attacked a human being during the period 1995 - 2007. In total, 18 persons were attacked, of which 16 were wounded and 2 were killed (2004 and 2007). The evidence comes from interviews with the wounded victims.

PARTICULARLY THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE seems to have a decisive influence on the "rate of dangerousness" of the bear. Apart from the above cited special situations, the bear can rather be considered not to be dangerous for human beings in all age groups. Moreover, in similar situations, the bear signals loud and clearly with "demonstrations of power" that he does not want the human to come closer but rather that the human being backs away.

Hunters have sometimes, when sneaking through the forest, by mistake, come too close to a bear with a prey or a female with young cubs. In reflex, the bear then often starts a pretense of an attack. This is merely a demonstration of power.

People that talk, shout, whistle or make noises with their berry buckets seldom are lucky to see a wild bear in the forests.

It is believed, that, during the period 1750 - 1962 in total 27 persons have been killed by bears in the Nordic countries. In most cases, the bear had been shot and wounded prior to the incident. Also, many of these people did not die by the wounds inflicted by the bear, but rather by the infections that arose in the wounds. Today, most of them could have survived after treatment with antibiotics. In autumn 2004, a hunter was killed, outside of Jokkmokk in the province of Norrbotten by a female bear. The hunter had wounded the bear, most probably after that his dog had chased the bear out of its place of hibernation. Prior to that, since 1902 when a hunter in Jämtland was attacked by a shot wounded bear, no killings by bears were reported. In Finland, in summer 1998 a jogging person was killed by a bear with a one year old cub, that he had surprised in the forest.

In many zoo's people can go in into the corrals, where lynxes, wolverines and wolves live. This is even possible in corrals with large wolf families. But in corrals with bears even the keepers hesitate to go in...

Trying to run away from a bear is not a good idea. The bear can run very fast on short distances.
The fastest human sprinter in the world would finish 30 meters short of a bear, when running a 100 m distance.

Finally, let's put the danger coming from meeting a bear in relation to other situations in the daily life in the forests. The number of people that, during hunts, get killed by accidental shots has amounted to an average of 2 - 3 persons a year during the recent 10 years. Moreover, it is far more dangerous to drive a car to the area of hunting, than the hunting itself. Roe deer cause one to two accidents a day in the small province of Sörmland only. Per annum, the number of people killed in traffic accidents in Sweden, amounts to approx. 540.

WHEN MAKING YOURSELF NOTICEABLE in due time, by talking, shouting, singing or making some kind of mechanical noise, you will most probably never see a bear in the forests. And neither will you see any other big predator.

Should you meet a bear in the forest

1. Stay put and enjoy a moment the favour, reserved to very few people, of having such luck to see a wild bear free going around.
2. Then, let him notice that you are there. Talk to him as you would do to a bigger dog, but in a normal and friendly tone of voice, cough a little and clear your throat. If the bear does not seem to hear you, clap your hands.
3. Then return backwards quietly, without turning around. Don't go closer!
4. Don't run. The bear can run much faster! Don't climb a tree. The bear can climb too and much faster and effective. Should the bear keep following you, drop some of your possessions on the ground, one after another. E.g. clothing. Then, the bear often stops to smell and examine.
5. Should you be so unlucky as to get attacked, experts mean that you should lie down in the foetal position, with your face towards the ground and protect your neck with your hands, having your arms sideways along your head.

A WEAPON DOES NOT PROVIDE SAFETY, rather a mistaken feeling of security. History proves, that in a stressful situation, where a bear starts to attack it becomes utterly difficult to place a deadly direct hit! Better to start firing a shot in the air above the bear; it may well have a frightening effect and make the bear to leave. Wounded bears are extremely dangerous! A tragic case that occurred in 2004 in Jokkmokk is a clear example of that.

CUBS ARE VERY SELDOM ABANDONED BY THEIR MOTHER. Should you see cubs, or a newly killed prey, leave the place in a calm and quiet pace and return the way you came from.

Try to understand the bear's behaviour. When a bear rises upon its hind legs it may be that he wants to check upon what he smells. He may not have seen or heard you. When arising upon the hind legs there is no question of threatening behaviour. On the contrary, when the bear perceives that he has a human being in front of him, he usually turns around and starts galloping away. But a bear that snorts or barks, without leaving the site can be an irritated bear; she may have cubs or a newly conquered prey close by. The bear then wants the human to leave the place, and it may well be a good idea to follow that advice.

Many people in the USA and Canada carry "bear spray" with them, when walking in the forests. It contains a type of (strong) tear gas and has been said to be very effective. In Sweden however, the possession of such a spray is forbidden.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 25 Jun 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 374
It seems bears and wildlife in general is far more common in North America. I have seen 10 bears in the last 4-5 weeks a number on main highways.

Sent from my GT-I9305T using Tapatalk 2
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 25 Jun 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Stockholm Sweden
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by craig.iedema View Post
It seems bears and wildlife in general is far more common in North America. I have seen 10 bears in the last 4-5 weeks a number on main highways.
I get the same impression. Over there the bears even seem to fall out of the trees



Never seen a bear or any other predator while on the road in Sweden. Mooses on the other hand. They stand and wait behind a bush besides the road and when you are close enough they jump out in front of you.
Mooses are not friendly
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2

Tags
bears, camping, sweden

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Hello from a Swedish 17 year old! waga95 Welcome to HU 5 12 Jul 2012 04:34

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:44.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top