Bear Safety Guidelines: Hiking and Camping in Bear Territory
Prior to embarking on a hike, you typically strategize where you’re headed, the timing, and what supplies to bring, correct? You should also strategize on how to hike (or camp) securely around wildlife, particularly bears. It may appear that bears are only found in places like Yellowstone, the Smoky Mountains, or Alaska. However, bears inhabit a much broader area. Were you aware that black bears reside in 40 out of the 50 states in the US?
The habitats of black bears and grizzly bears are expanding year after year, so before venturing into the wilderness, verify whether it’s bear territory. If it is, continue reading for our safety recommendations on hiking in bear territory.
Do not presume that because it’s chilly, bears will be snuggled in their dens. Just last month (in November), we encountered a family of five bears in our yard in the North Carolina mountains. Additionally, grizzly bears may emerge from hibernation as early as March in Yellowstone.
Always bring bear spray and familiarize yourself with its use before you embark on your trip. Bear spray cannot be taken on planes, so if you are flying to your destination, you will need to purchase it locally. REI stocks them. Watch the video at the end of this article to understand how to utilize bear spray. *Do not discharge bear spray indoors*, practice using it outdoors.
NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES feed a bear, approach it, attempt to take a selfie with a bear, or try to touch it. If you are in a national park and witness someone doing this, take a picture (be sure to include the license plate number) and report it to the office. A fed bear becomes a dead bear.
Hiking in Bear Territory
– If you spot a bear before it becomes aware of you: stay still, do not approach, and cherish the moment. If it heads in your direction, make sure it knows you’re present by announcing yourself with a loud, firm “Hey Bear.” The bear will likely turn away. If you don’t make your presence known, you could startle the bear if it gets too close, potentially leading to a violent reaction. Once the bear is moving away, quietly retreat in the opposite direction.
– If you come across a bear that recognizes you: do not run; fleeing may initiate a chase response. Back away gradually in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to depart.
– Stay aware of your surroundings, periodically make noise, and avoid using earbuds.
– Avoid hiking alone.
– Keep children in sight at all times.
– Make noise in dense areas.
– Be particularly cautious while foraging for berries or nuts. Bears are doing the same!
– ALWAYS KEEP YOUR PETS ON A LEASH or leave them at home. Dogs can intimidate bears and cause them stress, which could result in a bear attacking your dog.
– Do not litter. Remove your trash. Allowing bears to become accustomed to human food sources increases the chance of dangerous interactions with humans.
– Never position yourself between a mother and her cub. If a mother bear perceives her cub to be threatened, she will protect it. If you spot a cub, always look for the mother and be mindful.
Camping in Bear Territory
– Establish backcountry camps away from dense vegetation and natural food sources.
– Maintain a tidy camp. Avoid leaving food lying around, and always secure it (in the vehicle, or in a bear-resistant container) if you step out for a hike.
– Do not store anything that has a food scent or toiletries in your tent. No snacks, toothpaste, deodorant, sodas, lip balm, sunscreen, or bug spray.
– If camping with your pet and needing to keep a litter box in the tent, use unscented litter and keep it clean. No pet treats either.
– If car camping, store food and toiletries in a locked vehicle and ensure all windows are closed. Bears have figured out how to open unlocked vehicles and smash open windows.
– If backpacking, hang food and toiletries at least 10 feet above ground and 10 feet away from any part of the tree. Some parks may already have systems in place. This regulation can vary from one national park to another, so always check for guidelines at the park entrance.
Cooking in Bear Territory
– When preparing food, do not discard food waste in your fire (or outside the fire, for that matter). No bean sauce, meat fat, or any other remnants.
– Cook away from your tent to avoid drawing bears to your sleeping area. Many areas advise a “bear-muda triangle” strategy, with your tent at one corner (preferably upwind), your food storage at another corner, and your cooking area at the third, at least 100 yards apart. A variation places your