Bear Safety Guidelines: Hiking and Camping in Bear Territory
Prior to embarking on a hike, you typically outline your destination, schedule, and what to pack, correct? Additionally, it’s essential to prepare for safe hiking (or camping) around wildlife, particularly bears. You might think that bears are only found in places like Yellowstone, the Smoky Mountains, or Alaska. In reality, bears inhabit a far larger region. Were you aware that black bears can be found in 40 out of the 50 states in the US?
Black bear and grizzly bear territories are expanding each year, so before venturing into the wild, verify whether the area is bear country. If it is, continue reading for our safety guidelines on how to hike in bear territory.
Do not assume that cold weather means bears are hibernating in their dens. Just last month (in November) a family of five bears visited our yard in the North Carolina mountains. Furthermore, grizzly bears may emerge from hibernation as early as March in Yellowstone.
Always carry bear spray and ensure you know how to utilize it before you begin your trip. Bear spray is prohibited on airplanes, so if you are flying to your destination, you will need to purchase it locally. REI sells it. Watch the video at the conclusion of this article to learn how to use bear spray. *Never discharge bear spray indoors*, practice its use outdoors.
NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, feed a bear, approach it, attempt to take a selfie with it, or try to pet it. If you are in a national park and witness someone doing this, take a picture (including the license plate number, if possible) and report it to the office. A bear that has been fed is a bear destined for death.
Hiking in Bear Territory
– If you spot a bear before it notices you: remain still, do not approach, and savor the moment. If it is heading your way, make your presence known by loudly declaring “Hey Bear.” The bear will likely turn away. If you do not announce yourself, you may surprise the bear when it is too close, and it could react aggressively. Once the bear moves away, quietly retreat in the opposite direction.
– If you come across a bear that is aware of your presence: do not run; running may provoke a chase instinct. Gradually back away in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to depart.
– Stay alert to your environment, make noise periodically, and avoid using earbuds.
– Do not hike alone.
– Keep children within your line of sight.
– Make noise in densely vegetated areas.
– Be particularly cautious when foraging for berries or nuts, as bears are searching for them too!
– Always KEEP YOUR PETS ON A LEASH or leave them at home. Dogs can disturb bears and cause them stress, which may lead a bear to attack your dog.
– Dispose of trash properly. Pack out your waste. Allowing bears to become accustomed to human food sources increases the likelihood of dangerous encounters with humans.
– Avoid placing yourself between a mother bear and her cub. If a mother perceives a threat to her cub, she will defend it. Always look for the mother if you see a cub, and stay alert.
Camping in Bear Territory
– Establish backcountry camps away from dense vegetation and natural food sources.
– Maintain cleanliness at your campsite. Do not leave food exposed, and always secure it (in a vehicle or in a bear-resistant container) when heading out for a hike.
– Refrain from storing anything with food scents or toiletries in your tent. This includes snacks, toothpaste, deodorant, sodas, lip balm, sunscreen, and bug spray.
– If camping with a pet and needing to keep a litter box in the tent, use unscented litter and keep it clean. Avoid giving pet treats as well.
– When car camping, store food and toiletries in a locked vehicle with all windows tightly closed. Bears have learned how to open unlocked vehicles and break open windows.
– If backpacking, hang food and toiletries at least 10 feet off the ground and 10 feet away from any part of the tree. Some parks have systems already established. Regulations may vary between national parks, so always check the park’s entrance for specific regulations.
Cooking in Bear Territory
– While cooking, do not dispose of food waste in your fire (or outside the fire, for that matter). No bean sauce, meat fat, or anything similar.
– Cook away from your tent to avoid attracting bears to your sleeping area. Many regions suggest a “bear-muda triangle” approach, positioning your tent at one corner (preferably upwind), your food storage at another corner, and your cooking area at the last corner, separated by 100 yards. A variation includes your wash-up area at yet another location.