Running downhill from bears?

[GOUMFACH]

I was having a discussion with some family over christmas dinner and the subject of running from bears came up.It was stated that it is common knowledge that you can beat a bear running down a steep grade,that they cant run worth crap downhill.As far as I'm concerned they can outrun me anywhere short of a straight cliff that I jump off that would leave me dead anyway.I know there is lots on the internet about the myth that bears cant run downhill but these people seem to ignore these statements.I want to know if anyone has any real world experience with seeing bears run downhill and how much,if at all,it slows them down and if there really is any hill too steep for a bear to easily catch up to a human.

 

[Stugotsnutz]

I think it because of them being top heavy, i.e. Centre of gravity, they may have a problem going down hill. That being said, I recall seeing Yogi chasing a falling pic a nic basket down a hill, and he tumbled for a while before he caught it, could just be him and not common to all species of bear.

 

[bearkilr]

[youtube]SLMa5-n2OVc[/youtube]

 

[Bartledan]

Bears run downhill just fine. VASTLY better than we do. I've seen it a goodly number of times, even on steep enough terrain I wouldn't walk it.

 

[Raton57]

Trying to out run a bear seems like trying to avoid taxes it's going to get you after a while.

 

[Milanczar]

I have heard that rabbits have trouble going top speed in a straight line down a slope due to the proportions of the hindquarters and feet to the front but never bears.

 

[Magellann]

I'd heard that myth as well, but from the bears Ive seen I wouldn't want to try to outrun them, they can move pretty good.

 

[mbogo3]

No point running...........you'll just die tired.........Zulu's hunting lion comes to mind ,here's where a 10ft spear comes in handy with the butt under your foot embedded in the ground at an angle.We're dying together.Harold

 

[156821]

No one is out running a bear. You might get up a tree... but then again you might not. I have a pretty healthy respect for them.

 

[kodiakjack]

Grand Dad used to say:

"They'll out run ya. They'll out climb ya. They'll out swim ya. If you can't scare them off, you're gonna have to fight them off. So go prepared. "

 

[Grizzly Adams]

Bears run downhill just fine. VASTLY better than we do. I've seen it a goodly number of times, even on steep enough terrain I wouldn't walk it.

Better to just bend over and kiss your ass Good By.

Grizz

 

[Scamaniac]

When in bear country it's important to stay in pairs.... with someone you can outrun

 

[kamlooky]

Me thinks the OP and his crowd were gitt'n their arse awll druck.
Owtrun a fur in bear fashion.........

 

[GunGuy34]

Its a nonsense myth. Bears can run better then us anywhere. I did a course with bear scare, its a company that our company has hired to deal with bears during bear season. They said that its a nonsense myth. Same as the myth of bears zoning in on women with their periods.

 

[two-dogs]

after a bear-scare, I only go enclosed with repeater power now!

 

[weatherbywanderer]

I have been charged by a momma black bear.you will not out run a bear . Fortunately for me she took her ground and stopped 6 feet away!!
A good pair of underwear ruined that day.

 

[Juster]

Climbing a tree could work:

If Bear can only run at half speed downhill, he can probably still get you.
Poisoned bacon on your belt is the best bear defense system.

 

[FLHTCUI]

You only have to out run yer buddy or in the case of the you toon clip out ride your buddy.
Rob

 

[stubblejumper]

Bears may not be able to run quite as fast downhill, but they can still run faster than a human.

 

[Soulfly]

No one is out running a bear. You might get up a tree... but then again you might not. I have a pretty healthy respect for them.

Climbing a tree could work:

If Bear can only run at half speed downhill, he can probably still get you.
Poisoned bacon on your belt is the best bear defense system.

I guess if you climb a tree, they'd only be able to bite you and maybe take a swipe.. But kinda looks like they need both front arms/legs to hold their self.