At nearly 1,800 pounds, polar bears are roughly three times the size of a black bear

Fat Bear Week, the annual contest to find Katmai National Park and Preserve's chunkiest ursine resident, is nearly upon us. Brush up on the highs, lows, and shockers of this battle of the titans.

The best way to stay safe around bears? Give them their space. Here's what hikers need to know about avoiding conflict with our big, furry neighbors.

This neurotropic virus attacks the central nervous system and eventually kills its host. Are bears immune?

Bears are some of the biggest, strongest animals on earth, capable of tearing off car doors and, rarely, people's limbs. So why do we instinctively find them cuddly?

Bear spray is built to stop a charging 1,000-pound griz. So what happens when a backpacker accidentally takes a spritz of it in the face? We asked three unlucky hikers to share their experiences.

Aaron Blaise is one of the animators behind your favorite Disney films. His latest solo short, "Snow Bear," is a story about loss and isolation—and a plea for the Arctic and its denizens in the age of climate change.

For Bear Month, we teamed up with the Tooth and Claw Podcast to bring you this story of daring determination in the face of a grizzly attack.

Learn the history of bear spray and how it "shuts off" bears' ability to perceive the world around them in this interview with bear biologist and podcast host Wes Larson.

No deterrent has as good of a record in grizzly country as bear spray. But if you're counting on it to save your life, you need to know how to use it—and most hikers don't.

Check out Emma Veidt's author page.

It's time for a showdown as Jeff Larson, co-host of Tooth and Claw podcast, ranks the world's bear species. Which ones are just OK, and which is his number-one, all-time favorite animal?

Answer a few quick questions and let Backpacker tell you which of the world's bear species most closely matches your personality.

In 1957, a sloth bear in Mysore, India caused the deaths of at least 12 people and injured 24 more. In this Bear Month podcast, the hosts of Tooth and Claw delve into why—and discuss what it and similar incidents can teach us about one of the world’s lesser-known bear species.

Bears have some of the strongest stomachs in the animal world. But that doesn't mean they can eat anything with no consequences.

For the first half-century after its founding, Glacier National Park didn’t see a single fatal bear attack. On August 12, 1967, that changed when food-conditioned grizzlies killed two campers 10 miles apart. Bear biologist and host of Tooth and Claw podcast Wes Larson reflects on the legacy of the ‘Night of the Grizzlies.'

This unfortunate fatality was certainly an accident, but these three factors played into how she was killed (and how it could have been prevented).

How do you bear-proof a home? Our bear columnist begrudgingly shares his advice.

As it turns out, bear social dynamics are complex. And it's the lady bears who are really in charge.

Colorado wildlife experts weigh in on whether it's safe to vape in the backcountry.

Would you rather be stuck in the woods with a man or a bear? Here's what our resident bruin would prefer.

Years come and years go, but hikers' fascination with bears is eternal.

The family in this viral video received a lot of praise for their calm demeanor, but they shouldn't have given this bear a seat at the table.

A grizzly-curious writer decides to train as a bear guide in British Columbia, and surprises himself along the way

Starting on October 2 week, 12 of Alaska’s chubbiest bruins will face off in a bracket for the title of Fat Bear Week Champion. Here’s what you need to know about the history of the competition, the science behind bears’ fall feasting, and the tournament’s undisputed GOAT.

Our list includes a pair of doughnut thieves in Alaska, a selfie taker in Colorado, and the tripod of Orlando

All newcomers to the outdoors make mistakes. But if you need to be told “don’t sprint full speed at a mother bear,” we’re sorry, but you are beyond help.

Weed may be legal across large swaths of the U.S., but bears know no law except bear.

In 1972, Michael Ober was a ranger in Glacier National Park when he came across a backpacker who had been mauled by a black bear. What he saw carries lessons for today's hikers.

For years, backpackers hung their food to keep hungry bruins at bay. But with trails getting more crowded—and bears wising up to our tricks—many experts say it's time to ditch the bear hang once and for all.

Our readers have a personal question for our bear columnist: What's that hump on your back for?

Every winter, bears tuck into their dens for their annual beauty sleep. But what happens if they wake up early?

Elizabeth Banks’s new film is the latest in a long line of films to turn bears into deeply inaccurate movie monsters. But that’s kind of the point.

Our resident bruin answers all your questions in 'Ask A Bear.'

Staying safe in bear country is important, but you know what’s more important? Looking cool in front of your friends.

Should you climb a tree to get away from a bruin? Do bear bells really attract bears? We tackle these questions and more.

Got a burning ursine question? Ask our resident bruin expert in our 'Ask A Bear' column.

Can the most common bear deterrent work in heavy wind and sub-zero temperatures? A group of researchers set out to test it.

For many bears, winter means hibernate or die. Here's what they do to survive. Plus: how climate change puts newborn cubs in danger.

'Marking your territory' to keep bears away from your tent may seem like a smart idea. The reality: It does more harm than good.

The solo hiker used the deterrent and escaped with relatively minor injuries.

Grizzly and black bears have killed five people in North America over the last five months. Is this cause for concern?

Bear spray is a weapon, created to fend off one of the planet’s biggest predators. So you’d be surprised how many people think that they're supposed to spray it on themselves.

Bag, can, or locker? Here's what you'll need to use to keep your food safe from bears.

Strange noises outside your tent keeping you up at night? Learn to cope with your fear of bears.

Bear attacks on humans are exceedingly rare—but they do happen.

Can you eat a bear? Well, there's "can," and there's "should."

Sometimes, there's a lesson in tragedy. There certainly is here.

Bear Safety Gear for Every Scenario

Are bears dangerous? Not if you plan ahead. Learn to stay safe in bear country with these tips from researcher Tom Smith.

Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.

Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.

Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.

Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.

It’s the job of some captive bruins in Montana to destroy coolers and garbage cans—all in the name of keeping people safe in bear country.

See if you have the knowledge to ID the lower 48's bruins.

Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.

Taking a dog on a bear-frequented trail heightens your risks. Stay out of trouble with these 5 tips for hikers with canine companions.

Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.

Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.

While thousands of people flock to U.S. national parks each year in hopes of seeing a bear, spotting one out in its element is just another day in the office for some employees.

After a 30-year career managing an Alaskan wildlife sanctuary, Larry Aumiller's advice for keeping bears and people safe seems unconventional: get used to each other. Can he convince a society that still sees itself as the top of the food chain?

Mix up your bear calls with our expert suggestions.

Use seasonal clues to clinch bear sightings (or avoid encounters altogether).

Our resident bruin answers all your questions in 'Ask A Bear.'

Our resident bruin answers all your questions in 'Ask A Bear.'

How much do really know about our furry neighbors? Take our bear quiz and find out.

Yellowstone bear scientist Kerry Gunther has spent more time in grizzly country than most hikers ever will. He shares his tips for staying safe on the trail.

You've got questions. Our staff bruin has answers.

You've got questions. Our staff bruin has answers.

You've got questions. Our staff bruin has answers.

Want to get rid of your leftovers? And your car doors? And maybe your arm? Throw caution to the wind and invite a bear to dinner.

You've got questions. Our staff bruin has answers.

What does it take to research one of nature's most powerful creatures for a living? A good education and the tenacity of a mama grizzly.

Hiking where bears are present (that's more than 40 states) always requires precautions, like hanging food. But these three signals demand extra vigilance.

Could you beat a bruin in the 100-yard dash? Here's what your odds look like.

Learn how to stay safe in bear country from myth-busting scientist Tom Smith.

As she ripped the tendons out of my arm, I gasped in pain. It made her attack harder.