Why are these creatures in crisis?  To answer this question, we need to a deeper understanding of bears.  There are two species of bears living in the contiguous United States – the black bear and the grizzly, or brown bear.  The black bear has survived very well, with 18 known subspecies comprising an estimated population of more than 700,000 – up 75% since 1993.  Nationwide, the black bear population may be healthier now than at any time since pioneers settled the frontier.  Although considered to be a “threatened” species in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, black bears are found in 40 of the 48 contiguous states.

Black bears are omnivorous.  They eat insects and vegetation, but they are also expert scavengers, and it is this ability to scavenge that creates problems in areas where nearby human habitation provides easy access to food scraps and garbage.

The black bear’s larger cousin is the brown bear, or grizzly.  Named for its “grizzled” color, grizzly bears are also omnivores; 95% of their diet consists of vegetation, such as grasses, bulbs, and roots, but they also feed on moose, caribou, and elk, as well as fish, insects, and carrion.

Both black bears and grizzly bears are involved in the destructive cycle of human contact.  They’ve become accustomed to raiding garbage bins, campsites, and backyards in search of human food.

For protection of yourself and family, consider stocking your home with Guard Alaska Bear Spray, http://laneselfdefense.com/products-page/repellants

Make an effort to show some activity around your house.  Professional criminals know that many families travel during the holidays or leave the house to attend social functions.  Leave a couple of lights on and turn up the volume on your radio before you leave the house.  This will make it more difficult for criminals to determine whether anyone is home or not.

— Do not open the door to anyone you do not know without verifying their identity. Identification cards can be slipped under the door.

— If someone wants to use your phone, offer to make the call yourself while the person waits outside.

— Never let a stranger through an apartment security entrance.

— Do not give any information to “wrong number” callers. Ask, “What number are you calling?”

— Never tell an unknown caller that you are home alone.

— Verify the identity and intent of those calling for information about you by calling the person’s agency.

— Hang up immediately if you receive unwanted calls. Do not say anything. If the calls continue, keep a record of the date, time, and content of each call. Then notify the police and the phone company.

— Keep your wallet, purse, and valuables out of view while driving. Do not leave them next to you on the seat.

— If you see another motorist in trouble, do not stop. Call the police for assistance.

— Park in well-lighted areas. Look around before you get out of your car.

— Put valuables and packages in the trunk before you arrive at your destination.

— Always lock the doors, no matter how soon you plan to return.

— When returning to your car, have the door key in hand. Look inside before you get in.

Before you park:

— Put valuables and packages in the trunk or out of sight before you arrive at your destination.

— Drive with your car doors locked and windows closed.

— Keep wallets and purses out of view while driving. Don’t leave them next to you on the seat.

— Park in a well-lighted area of the lot or ramp.

— When you can, park your car as close as possible to an exit in a ramp, or near the attendant’s office in a lot.

When parking:

— If you must leave your key with attendant, leave only your car key.

— Check parking ramp or lot for security, video cameras, regular patrols, or escort services.

After you park:

— Do not leave any valuables where they can be seen from outside the car.

— Keep your parking stub.

— Walk in the center of the ramp roadway. Display a confident and positive attitude.

— If someone tries to break into your car, honk horn repeatedly.

When returning to your car:

— If possible, return to your car with an escort or in a group.

— Have your door key in hand.

— Look around and inside your car before you unlock the door and get in.

— Once inside the car, lock your door and start your engine. Start moving the car as soon as possible after you have become situated.

— If you are being followed while driving, go to the closest police or fire station and honk your horn, or drive to an open business or gas station where you can safely call the police.

— Choose well-lighted streets at night.

— Stay alert to your surroundings; look confident and purposeful.

— Become familiar with businesses that are open late.

— If you feel uneasy, go directly to a place where there are other people.

— Walk with a friend if possible, particularly at night.

— Carry your keys and money in a pocket, not in a purse or wallet.

If you are being followed by someone in a car:

Turn around and walk quickly in the opposite direction.

Try to obtain the license plate number and a description of the car and call the police.

If you are being followed by someone on foot:

Turn around to let the person know you see them.

Immediately cross the street and walk or run toward a place where there are other people.

Call the police or get someone else to call for you.

In cases involving verbal harassment:

Ignore it and walk away.

If you are alone at a bus stop, proceed to the next stop if there are other people there.

— Think through how you usually react to crisis situations. Do you flee, freeze, or fight? Think of a few past examples to see if there is a pattern. You can change how you react by practicing a different response if needed.

— Talk to others about ways to handle confrontations and rehearse alternatives.

— There is no right or wrong way to react. Every situation is different. The best response depends on a combination of factors such as the location, the assailant, presence of weapons, your personal responses, etc.

Realize what your risks are by using risk reduction tests. You have probably thwarted attacks in the past and just didn’t realize it. Many robberies and assaults are unsuccessful. You may be a survivor of a street attack already so you did a lot correctly or you wouldn’t be here to read this page. It is not the victim’s fault that the door was unlocked or that the victim didn’t fight the the attacker with the gun — it is the fault of the ‘low life’ criminal who attacked.