Bear Safety Advice: Hiking and Camping in Bear Territory
Prior to embarking on a hike, you typically plan where you intend to go, the timing, and what gear to pack, correct? You should also anticipate how to hike (or camp) securely around wildlife, particularly bears. It may seem that bears are encountered only in places like Yellowstone, the Smoky Mountains, or Alaska. However, bears inhabit a far larger expanse. Were you aware that black bears are present in 40 out of the 50 states in the US?
The territories of black bears and grizzly bears are expanding annually, so before venturing into the wilderness, ensure you verify if you are in bear territory. If so, continue reading for our safety guidelines on hiking in bear territory.
Do not presume that because the weather is cold, bears will be hibernating in their dens. Just last month (in November), a family of five bears was spotted in our yard in the North Carolina mountains. Moreover, grizzly bears may emerge from hibernation in early March in Yellowstone.
Always carry bear spray and familiarize yourself with its use prior to setting out on your journey. Bear spray is prohibited on airplanes, 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 use bear spray indoors*, learn to handle it in the outdoors.
NEVER EVER 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 see someone doing this, take a photograph (try to capture the license plate number) and report the incident at the office. A fed bear is a deceased bear.
Hiking in Bear Territory
– If you spot a bear before it sees you: remain still, do not approach, and relish the experience. If it heads your way, make sure it is aware of your presence and announce yourself with a loud and clear “Hey Bear.” The bear will likely turn away. If you fail to announce your presence, you may frighten the bear when it gets too close, possibly provoking a violent response. Once the bear moves away, quietly distance yourself in the opposite direction.
– If you come across a bear that is aware of you: do not run; running can trigger a chase instinct. Gradually back away in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to exit the area.
– Stay aware of your surroundings, try to make noise periodically, and avoid using earbuds.
– Avoid hiking alone.
– Keep children within sight.
– Make noise in dense areas.
– Be particularly vigilant when gathering berries or nuts. Bears are doing the same!
– Always KEEP YOUR PETS ON A LEASH or leave them at home. Dogs may disturb bears and cause them stress, which could lead to a bear attacking your dog.
– Do not litter. Pack out your trash. Allowing bears to become accustomed to human food sources increases the likelihood of dangerous encounters with humans.
– Do not place yourself between a mother bear and her cub. If a mother perceives her cub to be in danger, she will defend it. If you see a cub, always look for the mother and remain cautious.
Camping in Bear Territory
– Set up backcountry camps away from thick vegetation and natural food sources.
– Maintain a tidy camp. Do not leave food lying around, and always secure it (in the vehicle, or in a bear-resistant container) if you head out for a hike.
– Do not keep items that smell like food or toiletries inside your tent. No snacks, no toothpaste, no deodorant, no soft drinks, no lip balm, no sunscreen, no bug spray.
– If you are camping with your pet and need to have a litter tray in the tent, use unscented litter and keep it clean. No pet treats either.
– If car camping, store food and toiletries inside a locked vehicle and ensure all windows are closed. Bears have learned how to open unlocked vehicles and shatter open windows.
– If backpacking, hang food and toiletries at least 10 feet above ground and 10 feet from any part of the tree. Some parks may already have a system established. This regulation can differ from national park to national park, so always check for rules at the park’s entrance.
Cooking in Bear Territory
– When cooking, do not dispose of food waste in your fire (or outside the fire for that matter). No bean sauce, or meat fat, or anything else.
– Cook away from your tent so as not to draw bears to your sleeping area. Many areas suggest a “bear-muda triangle” strategy, with your tent positioned at one corner (preferably upwind), your food storage at another corner, and your cooking area at the third, spaced out by 100 yards. A variation may place your