What would you do in the couple's situation?
1. What would you do when you're lost in the woods. How would you try to survive?
2. What would you do when bear follows you, but you don't see it yet.
3. What would you do when you stand in front of a bear?
4. What would you do when it attacks you?
I would do whatever is recommended by the Authorities. Which I would educate myself on before I headed out.
I don't know it now since I have no intentions of heading out, but if I do, I will find out the answer first.
Just walk out?
I never go hiking without a) a compass, b) if in bear/cougar territory, a .45/.44, c) telling someone where I'm going, d) signing in at the park kiosk/station with expected date back.
So yah. Would've hung out for a few days, probably found my way back with the compass since my general NSWE range is well refined (know the general direction of where I need to head). Food of course is never the issue, water is... and they were definitely in a great area for water through means of rain and flowing water. Might catch a parasite over the course of 72 hours, but it's something in the interim to keep your survival until rescue and the proper meds/antibiotics.
In the event I was a complete moron like Alex? Hmmm, I guess I'd just be dead.
1) Stay put. They were on high ground. A helicopter or airplane could see them in the clearing. Not so much in the woods. I'd build a smoky fire and try to get attention without burning down the forest. Canvassing around for water would be the only other priority. If I had to move, I'd get logs and big rocks and make a huge triangle in the clearing to indicate "distress," then blaze my path with the ax and strips of bright cloth. That way rescuers could find the trail, and I would know if I'm going in circles.
2) This is the "up *beep* creek" moment. No gun, no good knife, no way to protect yourself other than a fire and a couple of rocks. Not good.
3) Black bear -- make yourself bigger and scream like a banshee. Back off slowly but don't run. Fight back if you have to (that was a huge black bear in the movie.)
Grizzly or brown bear or polar bear -- make a will.
4) You know the saying -- I don't have to outrun the bear, just outrun you.
I recall the opening credits said this was based on a true story.
If it were me, the first thing I would have done is make sure the campsite was clear of all food. That means packing leftovers in a plastic bag and then throwing it *very far away*. They made some mistakes, with hanging food items close by and also hanging the guy's bloody sock close by as well. Once I saw that I knew right away there would be trouble ahead. The scent of blood in that sock was probably a big reason the bear got on their tracks.
But being in a real situation where some 500+ pound beast is stalking you or loitering around your campsite, this is a real scary situation. The only way to survive an aggressive maneater like this is you would have to have some kind of weapons, namely a high power rifle or sidearm pistol. And knowing where to place the shot is crucial for a quick kill, like the lung, heart or brain.
The more I think about it, going into deep woods like this without some kind of strategy for dealing with bears is very foolish. You definitely need to be prepared, or don't go in the first place.
I probably would not go mucking around in the woods, if I did I would have a gun.
If I was in their situation I would use a burning tree branch to fight the bear. I assume bears do not like fire or being burned
The most important thing is sincerity. If you can fake that you've got it made.
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If boxing is a manly sport why do they fight for a purse?