If you’ve been in this business long enough, you might know someone who has had a bear charge at them. Seeing a bear run is one of the few things that’ll get anyone to admit they were scared, and with good reason too. On top of being apex predators, these beasts are fast — really fast. Just how fast can a bear run? Watch the video below and read on to find out.

How Fast Can a Bear Run: The Unexpected Speed of a Bear 

Bears may look lumbering and heavy, but don’t let that fool you. These animals are capable of incredible bursts of speed, making them a force to be reckoned with. Whether you’re dealing with the mighty grizzly or the black bear, it’s essential to know just how quickly they can cover ground. 

How Fast Can a Bear Run, Exactly? 

To break it down, both grizzly bears and black bears can run up to 35 miles per hour (mph). That’s faster than the average human sprinter, who typically maxes out around 20-25 mph at their peak! For context, most people can only run about 6.5–8 mph on average. This means that a bear can run 4–5 times faster than most people, so you should never attempt to outrun a bear. 

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What’s even more remarkable is the bear’s ability to sustain this speed across short distances, particularly when chasing down prey — or, in more nerve-wracking moments, when defending itself. While these top speeds are typically maintained for brief periods, they’re more than enough to close a gap quickly. 

Bears in the Wild: Why Do They Run? 

So why would a bear run, and when might you encounter one at top speed? 

In most cases, bears run to either chase prey or to flee perceived danger. Despite their powerful stature, bears often prefer to avoid conflict with humans and other animals, meaning that most bear charges are “bluff charges” designed to scare off perceived threats. But when a bear decides to commit, their speed is a crucial advantage. 

Another common reason for a bear to break into a sprint is if it feels cornered or if its cubs are threatened. We sat down with bear expert Kim Titchener back in 2022, and her advice on assessing and reacting to any bear scenario still stands true today. In these situations, it’s critical to stay calm and know how to respond — never run away!

Bear Encounters: Stay Safe 

With all this talk of speed, it’s important to remember that bears typically don’t see humans as prey. Encounters are rare, and most bears would rather avoid you altogether. However, if you do happen to cross paths with a bear, here are some tips: 

• Don’t run: Remember, a bear can easily outrun you. 

• Remain Calm: Speak in calm, low tones and don’t make any sudden movements. 

• Back away slowly: If the bear isn’t charging, don’t turn your back — just slowly back away. 

• If the bear begins to approach you, make yourself look larger: Stand tall, wave your arms, and make noise. 

• If none of the above works, use bear spray: It’s your best defense in an aggressive encounter. 

How Fast Can a Bear Run: Nature’s Surprising Athlete 

We often see bears as slow and lumbering creatures in movies, but their real-world speed and agility make them formidable predators and survivors. 

So, the next time you’re out in bear country, remember — these incredible creatures are faster than you think! 

Read about how to identify bear scat on iSportsmanUSA.