# Bear Safety Tips: Hiking and Camping in Bear Country
Before embarking on a hike, you always plan your route, timing, and gear, right? Similarly, you should also prepare for safe interactions with wildlife, particularly bears. While places like Yellowstone, the Smoky Mountains, and Alaska are well-known for bear sightings, these animals inhabit a much broader area. For instance, black bears are found in 40 of the 50 states in the US.
Both black bear and grizzly bear populations are expanding, so it’s important to check if you’re entering bear territory before heading into the wilderness. If you are, continue reading for our bear safety tips.
Bears are not always hibernating during the cold months. Just last month (November), we encountered a family of five bears in our yard in the mountains of North Carolina. Additionally, grizzly bears can emerge from hibernation as early as March in Yellowstone.
Always carry [bear spray](https://www.rei.com/product/154928/counter-assault-bear-deterrent-spray-with-holsters-value-package-of-2?color=NONE) and familiarize yourself with its use before starting your trip. Remember, bear spray isn’t allowed on planes, so if flying, purchase it upon arrival. REI retailers often stock them. Watch the video at the end of this article to learn how to use bear spray. *Do not discharge bear spray indoors*—practice using it outdoors.
**NEVER** feed a bear, approach it, attempt to take a selfie, or try to pet it. If you’re in a national park and witness such behavior, take a photo (include the license plate number if possible) and report it to park officials. A fed bear is a dead bear.
## Hiking in Bear Country
1. **If you spot a bear before it notices you:** Stand still, do not move closer, and observe. If the bear moves towards you, alert it to your presence with a loud, firm “Hey Bear.” Most bears will turn away. Avoid sudden movements that could startle the bear, which might lead to aggression. Once the bear leaves, quietly retreat in the opposite direction.
2. **If a bear notices you:** Do not run; this could prompt a chase. Slowly back away in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave.
3. **Stay alert:** Make noise regularly and avoid using earbuds that could block out environmental sounds.
4. **Do not hike alone.**
5. **Keep children in sight.**
6. **Make noise in areas with dense cover.**
7. **Be particularly cautious when foraging for berries or nuts:** Bears are likely doing the same.
8. **Always keep pets on a leash or leave them at home.** Dogs can provoke bears, potentially leading to an attack.
9. **Do not litter:** Pack out all trash to prevent bears from associating humans with food sources.
10. **Avoid getting between a mother bear and her cubs:** Mother bears are highly protective. If you see a cub, be on the lookout for the mother and stay aware.
## Camping in Bear Country
1. **Set up camp away from dense vegetation and natural food sources.**
2. **Maintain a clean camp:** Do not leave food out; secure it in a car or bear-resistant container when not in use.
3. **Avoid keeping items with a scent in your tent:** This includes snacks, toothpaste, deodorant, sodas, lip balm, sunscreen, and bug spray.
4. **If camping with pets and needing a litter tray in the tent:** Use unscented litter and ensure it’s clean. Avoid pet treats.
5. **During car camping:** Store food and toiletries inside a locked vehicle with all windows closed. Bears have learned how to open unlocked cars and break into them.