Bear Safety Tips: Hiking and Camping in Bear Territory
Before embarking on a hike, you always consider your destination, the timing, and what supplies to take, right? It’s also crucial to strategize how to hike (or camp) safely around wildlife, particularly bears. It may seem that bears are only present in places like Yellowstone, the Smoky Mountains, or Alaska. However, bears inhabit a much larger terrain. Are you aware that black bears are found in 40 out of the 50 states in the US?
The habitats of black bears and grizzly bears are expanding annually, so prior to venturing into the wilderness, verify if you’re entering bear territory. If so, keep reading for our safety guidelines on hiking in bear territory.
Do not presume that just because it’s chilly, bears will be sleeping in their dens. In fact, last month (November) we had a family of 5 bears in our yard in the North Carolina mountains. Additionally, grizzly bears may emerge from hibernation as early as March in Yellowstone.
Always carry bear spray 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 sells them. View the video at the end of this article to learn how to use bear spray. *Do not discharge bear spray inside*, practice using it outdoors.
NEVER EVER feed a bear, approach one, attempt to capture a selfie with a bear, or try to pet it. If you find yourself in a national park and see someone behaving this way, snap a photo (try to include the license plate) and report them at the office. A fed bear is a dead bear.
Hiking in Bear Territory
– If you spot a bear before it notices you: remain still, do not approach it, and savor the sight. If it begins moving toward you, make sure it’s aware of your presence by saying “Hey Bear” loudly and clearly. The bear will likely turn away. Failing to announce your presence might startle the bear when it’s too close, possibly leading to a violent reaction. Once the bear moves away, quietly retreat in the opposite direction.
– If you come across a bear that knows you are there: do not run; fleeing might trigger a chase instinct. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave.
– Stay aware of your environment, try to make noise periodically, and avoid using earbuds.
– Do not hike solo.
– Keep children within view.
– Make noise in dense areas.
– Be particularly cautious when foraging for berries or nuts, as bears are doing the same!
– Always KEEP YOUR PETS ON A LEASH or leave them at home. Dogs can stress bears, and in turn, a bear might attack your dog.
– Do not litter. Carry out your trash. When bears become accustomed to human food sources, it increases the likelihood of perilous encounters with humans.
– Avoid positioning yourself between a mother bear and her cubs. A mother bear will defend her cub if she perceives it to be in danger. If you see a cub, always look for the mother and stay alert.
Camping in Bear Territory
– Set up backcountry camps away from thick vegetation and natural food sources.
– Maintain a clean camp. Don’t leave food lying around and always secure it (in your vehicle or in a bear-resistant container) when going for a hike.
– Do not keep anything with a food or toiletry scent inside your tent. This includes snacks, toothpaste, deodorant, sodas, lip balm, sunscreen, and bug spray.
– If camping with a pet and need a litter box in the tent, use unscented litter and keep it tidy. No pet treats either.
– When car camping, store food and toiletries inside a locked vehicle with all windows securely closed. Bears can learn to open unlocked vehicles and break through open windows.
– If backpacking, hang food and toiletries 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet away from any tree limb. Some parks already have systems established for this. Be aware that regulations may differ from one national park to another, so always check the rules at the park entrance.
Cooking in Bear Territory
– When cooking, do not dispose of food waste in your fire (or outside of it). No bean sauce, meat fat, or any other residue.
– Cook away from your tent to avoid attracting bears to your sleeping area. Many regions advocate using a “bear-muda triangle” strategy, positioning your tent at one corner (ideally upwind), your food storage at another corner, and your cooking area at the third corner, all separated by 100 yards. One variation suggests placing your