If you ask five burly fellows how to fight a bear, you’re going to get five different answers. Still, there are specific strategies that you should be aware of in the event that you go toe-to-toe with a bear. (The most effective strategy may vary by situation and by bear.)

LEARN

Bears are nature’s college students: they’ll eat anything, and they have no shame in scavenging. When they wander into a campsite, they generally aren’t looking to rumble—they’re hoping to find a backpack full of Clif Bars. Many bears will be just as eager to avoid you as you are to avoid them. That said, like college students, some bears are just jerks.

PREVENT

There’s probably an old proverb that says the easiest way to win a bear fight is not to fight at all. To keep a bear from taking interest in your campsite, store all food, food waste, deodorant—anything that a bear might sniff and take interest in—inside a locked “bear canister.” Then stash these purpose-built containers at least 100 feet outside of your camp while you’re away. When you’re at your campsite, a fire will keep most bears away.

ESCAPE

If you’re confronted by a bear, your first move should be to get away. Most experts say not to run, because this can trigger a bear’s predator instinct. Instead, walk with a purpose in another direction, avoiding eye contact. Often, the bear will do the same, and you’ll be like coworkers who bumped into each other in an adult bookstore. If you do run, going up or down a hill in a zigzag pattern will be more challenging for the bear, given its body weight and short legs. Even so, you are very unlikely to outrun a bear.

FRIGHTEN

Believe it or not, a little peacocking can convince a bear not to mess with you. Stand tall, with your arms up, or if you’re wearing a jacket, hold your jacket open to make yourself look as big as possible. Growl, shout, and bang pots and pans if you’ve got them. You’re going to look ridiculous, but the bear is calculating whether you’re worth the effort of a fight—the more intimidating you can look, the more likely it is that the bear will decide not to bother.

FIGHT!

If you were unable to get away and the bear was not discouraged by your growly face, it’s time to tango. If you’re lucky enough to have a gun, now’s the time to start shooting. Aim for the lower neck and chest, and keep firing—it will take more than one bullet to bring down a 1,400-pound Kodiak. If you have a knife, direct your stabbing toward the bear’s neck. Spraying the charging beast with Bear Mace is also an option, though some experts say this only makes the bear angrier—and let’s be honest, it’s not the most manly approach.

Assuming you came into this confrontation unarmed, you need to arm yourself in a hurry. Grab a branch or heavy rock if you can. Aim for the bear’s weak spots: the eyes, snout, and neck. If the bear is a boy, a kick to the nuts is also an option. If you manage to stun the bear enough that it momentarily backs off, try to get away.

Killing the bear with your bare hands will be a tall order, but if you put up enough of a fight, you may convince him to simply shake hands and go your separate ways. (Metaphorically speaking. Do not try to shake hands with a bear.)