Bear Safety Guidelines: Hiking and Camping in Bear Areas
Before embarking on a hike, it’s essential to plan your destination, timing, and what items to bring along, correct? Additionally, you should prepare on how to hike (or camp) safely amidst wildlife, particularly bears. You might think that bears are only found in places like Yellowstone, the Smoky Mountains, or Alaska. However, bears inhabit a much broader region. Were you aware that black bears can be found in 40 out of the 50 states in the US?
The territories of black bears and grizzly bears are expanding year by year, so prior to venturing into the wilderness, verify if it’s bear territory. If it is, continue reading for our guidelines on how to navigate bear country safely.
Do not presume that just because it’s cold, bears will be hidden away in their dens. Just last month (November), we had a family of 5 bears in our yard in the North Carolina mountains. Furthermore, grizzly bears may emerge from hibernation in early March in Yellowstone.
Always keep bear spray with you and familiarize yourself with its use before starting your trip. Bear spray is prohibited on airplanes, so if you’re flying to your destination, you will need to purchase it locally. REI offers them. Watch the video at the conclusion of this post for instructions on how to operate bear spray. *Do not use bear spray indoors*, ensure you learn to apply it in outdoor settings.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you feed a bear, approach it, try to take a selfie with it, or attempt to pet it. If you find yourself in a national park and witness someone doing this, take a picture (including the license plate number if possible) and report it at the office. A bear that has been fed is a endangered bear.
Hiking in Bear Areas
– If you spot a bear before it sees you: remain still, do not approach it, and appreciate the moment. If it’s heading your way, make sure it’s aware of your presence by announcing it with a loud, clear “Hey Bear.” The bear will likely turn away. Failing to announce your presence could startle the bear if it gets too close, potentially provoking a violent reaction. Once the bear moves away, quietly retreat in the opposite direction.
– If you encounter a bear that knows you are present: do not run; running may initiate a chase response. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave.
– Always stay aware of your surroundings, create noise at intervals, and avoid using earbuds.
– Do not hike alone.
– Keep children in your line of sight.
– Make noise when in thick underbrush.
– Be particularly mindful when gathering berries or nuts. Bears are searching for the same!
– ALWAYS KEEP YOUR PETS ON A LEASH or leave them at home. Dogs might provoke bears and cause them stress, which could lead to a bear attacking your pet.
– Do not litter. Dispose of your trash properly. Allowing bears to become accustomed to human food sources increases the chance of dangerous encounters with people.
– Refrain from getting between a mother bear and her cub. A mother will defend her cub if she perceives it to be in danger. If you spot a cub, always check for the mother and stay alert.
Camping in Bear Areas
– Establish backcountry camps away from thick vegetation and natural food sources.
– Maintain a clean campsite. Do not leave food out, and always secure it (in a vehicle or in a bear-resistant container) if you step out for a hike.
– Avoid keeping anything that emits food or toiletry odors inside your tent. No snacks, toothpaste, deodorant, sodas, lip balm, sunscreen, or bug spray.
– If camping with pets and needing a litter box in the tent, utilize unscented litter and keep it tidy. No pet snacks either.
– If car camping, store food and toiletries inside a locked vehicle and ensure all windows are closed. Bears have become adept at opening unlocked cars and breaking windows.
– If backpacking, hang food and toiletries at least 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet away from any tree part. Some parks may already have existing systems for this. Regulations may differ from park to park, so always check for specific guidelines at the park’s entrance.
Cooking in Bear Areas
– When preparing meals, do not dispose of food waste in your fire (or outside the fire in any case). No bean sauce, meat fat, or anything else.
– Cook away from your tent to avoid attracting bears to your sleeping quarters. Many areas recommend a “bear-muda triangle” setup, with your tent located at the first corner (preferably upwind), your food storage at another corner, and your cooking area at the third, all separated by 100 yards. One variation places your