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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchNational Park Service summaries put black bears at about 30–35 mph and grizzly bears at about 35–40 mph. The U.S. Geological Survey reports polar bears can run up to 25 mph, but only for short distances before overheating. These are source-reported upper speeds, not results from a standardized test comparing all three species.
Bears are much faster than people, so never try to outrun one. The National Park Service advises: “Do not run, slowly back away.” Follow the current instructions for the park or wildlife agency where you are.
Bear running speeds by species
| Bear | Source-reported speed | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|
| American black bear | About 30–35 mph | National Park Service pages report different figures: 30 mph at Prince William Forest Park and 35 mph at North Cascades. Treat this as a range of agency-reported upper speeds, not a settled measurement. |
| Grizzly bear | About 35–40 mph | Yellowstone National Park lists this range. It is an agency-reported upper speed, not a standardized comparison with other species. |
| Polar bear | Up to 25 mph | The U.S. Geological Survey reports this speed. Polar Bears International says polar bears can run briefly but overheat quickly. |
What do these speed figures mean?
These figures are maximum or upper-speed claims published by agencies and educational organizations. They do not come from one standardized test comparing the three species, and they should not be treated as typical travel speeds or guarantees about an individual bear.
Published claims vary, especially for black bears. For example, National Park Service sources report 30 mph at Prince William Forest Park and 35 mph at North Cascades. Yellowstone National Park gives grizzlies a range of 35–40 mph. Since some reported ranges overlap, avoid assuming that every grizzly is faster than every black bear.
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For polar bears, distinguish a brief run from routine walking. The U.S. Geological Survey reports speeds up to 25 mph, while Polar Bears International notes that polar bears can gallop quickly for short distances but overheat when running.
Can a bear outrun a person?
Yes. The National Park Service says bears can run faster than 30 mph and warns visitors not to run during an encounter. Do not use a speed estimate or the terrain to decide whether you can escape; follow the local agency’s bear-safety instructions instead.
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What should you do if you encounter a bear?
Stay calm and do not run. National Park Service guidance at Prince William Forest Park says, “Do not run, slowly back away.” Follow the instructions issued by the relevant park, wildlife agency, or land manager, since guidance may depend on the situation and location.
- Before entering bear country, learn which bears live there and read the local agency’s current encounter guidance.
- Secure food and scented items according to local rules.
- If bear spray is legal and recommended where you are, carry it accessibly and use it only according to its instructions and local guidance. It is not a guarantee of safety.
FAQ
How fast can a black bear run?
National Park Service summaries report black bears at about 30–35 mph, with the exact figure varying by source.
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Yellowstone National Park lists grizzly bears at about 35–40 mph. Treat this as a source-reported upper range, not a standardized measurement for every bear.
How fast can a polar bear run?
The U.S. Geological Survey reports speeds up to 25 mph. Polar Bears International says polar bears can run briefly but overheat quickly.
Should you run from a bear?
No. The National Park Service advises people not to run and to slowly back away. Follow local wildlife-agency instructions for the encounter.
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