Aggressive bears: is there a danger for enduro riders?

A How much experts say, bears only become aggressive under certain conditions; and that when this happens it is a problem. So how should we behave in case we meet a bear on an enduro bike tour? Here is an excerpt from a recent interview on the sportoutdoor24.it ad website Alessandro de Guelmi, veterinary doctor of Arco di Trento and Val di Ledro: “The bear does not attack unless it is provoked in some way; it is a cautious and distrustful animal, especially with humans. When it meets us it usually behaves shy and fearful and prefers to avoid us. We keep our distance. If, however, we absolutely need to continue, we make a large detour. If the bear hasn’t noticed us, don’t disturb him: let’s move away slowly and then we make a lot of noise to avoid further encounters. If the bear is closer, stay calm and don’t alarm it by shouting or making sudden movements, don’t throw stones or wood at it, don’t try to drive it away with threatening gestures. We have to make him understand that we are not aggressive and leave him in control of the territory, but at the same time that we are not even prey. Meanwhile we speak loudly, but without shouting. If the bear stands up and sniffs it’s not a sign of aggression, but it’s just to better identify his surroundings: let’s not get scared. And, if appropriate, let’s go back slowly, because running may stimulate its predatory instincts. It is also important to always leave the bear an escape route”. Below is the video of the attack.