How to Stay Safe in Bear Country: A Detailed Camping Guide

Embarking on a camping adventure in bear country brings with it a unique set of challenges and responsibilities, especially in areas like Colorado, California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and more where the presence of black bears and Grizzly Bears is notable. Careful planning and preparation are essential, not only for the safety and enjoyment of campers but also to protect the wildlife that calls these areas home [1][2]. As we find ourselves sharing these wild spaces with bears, it’s crucial to remember that bears are not intrinsically aggressive toward humans; they're often drawn to campsites by the lure of easily accessible food and garbage [1][2]. This misstep can tragically lead to preventable conflicts, with the unfortunate consequence sometimes being the needless death of a bear [1].

To navigate the balance between enjoying the stunning landscapes of bear country and ensuring minimal impact on its natural inhabitants, incorporating practices like setting up a bear hang, utilizing bear-resistant food containers, and adhering to camping rules that apply to all wildlife is paramount [2]. In this guide, I'll take you through understanding bear behavior, making the right pre-camp preparations, setting up a safe campsite to prevent unwanted bear encounters, and the essential bear safety gear every camper should have. This approach not only respects the wilderness and its creatures but significantly reduces the risk of bear at campsite incidents, ensuring a memorable and harmonious outdoor experience for everyone involved.

70% of Grizzly Bear attacks involve a mother bear protecting her cubs

Understanding Bear Behavior

Understanding bear behavior is essential for anyone venturing into bear country. Here are key points to keep in mind:

• Know Your Bears: It's vital to distinguish between black bears and grizzlies as their behaviors can differ significantly. Black bears tend to be more timid and are likely to flee when encountered, while grizzlies might stand their ground or even become aggressive if they feel threatened. Identifying a Grizzly bear is easy if you know to look for the large hump behind their head. [4][7].

• Bears and Their Environment: Bears are often found in areas where food is readily available, such as berry patches, open meadows, or farmland. They have a strong sense of smell, capable of detecting odors up to a mile away, which often leads them to campsites in search of food [5][9]. To minimize attracting bears, avoid keeping smelly food around and consider setting up camp away from trails and paths bears might use [9].

• Encountering a Bear: If you do encounter a bear, it's crucial to know how to react. Make yourself appear larger, yell, and wave your arms to discourage the bear from approaching. Bears have a "personal space bubble" of about 100 feet, and invading this space can provoke an aggressive response, especially if the bear is startled or has cubs [7]. Always be aware of your surroundings, and if you see signs of bears in the area, such as tracks or droppings, give them a wide berth [8]. Remember, never feed or approach bears, as this can lead to them becoming conditioned to people being around, increasing the likelihood of future conflicts [10].

Pre-Camp Preparations

Preparing for a camping trip in bear country requires meticulous planning to ensure both your safety and the preservation of wildlife. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your pre-camp preparations bear-proof:

1. Secure Food and Scents:

• Always use a bear canister or bear bag to store anything with a scent, including food, toiletries, and garbage [4].

• If provided, utilize metal food lockers at campgrounds to stow scented items securely [4].

Implementing bear hangs using 100-feet of rope between two trees, well away from your tent and cooking area, is crucial if no storage facilities exist [6].

2. Campsite Cleanliness:

• Maintain a clean campsite by cooking and cleaning at least 100 yards away from your sleeping area [3].

• Dispose of grey water using designated disposal grates and keep your fire pit clean of food residue to minimize odors [6].

3. Know Before You Go:

• Familiarize yourself with local regulations and bear-related rules at your destination [1][4].

• Contact local wildlife agencies or park headquarters for the latest information on bear activity and advice on hiking/camping in the area [7][8].

Incorporating these steps into your pre-camp preparations not only safeguards you and your group from bear encounters but also contributes to the well-being of the bear population by preventing them from becoming accustomed to human food sources.

Setting Up a Safe Campsite

When setting up a campsite in bear country, it's crucial to implement strategies that minimize the risk of bear encounters and ensure the safety of both campers and bears. Here are some essential steps to follow:

Food Storage and Cooking Areas:

• Utilize bear-resistant coolers and containers to store food, toiletries, and any scented items. These items should be kept at least 100 yards away from your sleeping area to avoid attracting bears to your tent [3][12][14].

• Cook and eat at least 100 yards downwind from your tent. After eating, thoroughly clean your hands, face, pot, and utensils. Secure all food and attractants in a bear-proof hanging system or bear-resistant container at least 10 feet off the ground and 5 feet from the tree trunk [13][14][15].

Campsite Setup:

• Choose an open site away from dense vegetation and natural bear food sources. Avoid setting up near game trails and natural paths like trails or stream banks [1][14].

• In areas with a high bear presence, consider using an electric fence around your campsite for added protection. Ensure that all scented items, including lip balms and soaps, are stored securely away from your sleeping area to prevent attracting bears [3][12].

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of a bear encounter, ensuring a safe and enjoyable camping experience in bear country.

Bear Encounter Dos and Don'ts

When encountering bears in the wild, it's crucial to remember a few dos and don'ts to ensure both your safety and that of the bears. Here are some guidelines:

Dos:

• Make noise to avoid surprising a bear, especially in dense vegetation or near loud streams where your presence might not be as noticeable [7][8].

• Carry and know how to use bear spray. It can be a vital tool if a bear approaches you within 30 feet. Aim below the bear's head to deter it effectively [5][7][10].

• If you encounter a bear, remain calm, speak in a calm, assertive voice, and slowly back away while maintaining eye contact. Group together if you're with others, making yourselves appear larger [5][7].

Don'ts:

• Never approach bears or offer them food. Doing so can alter their natural behavior and make them associate humans with food sources [2][7].

• Avoid smelling good. Bears have a keen sense of smell, so it's wise not to wear strong perfumes or scented lotions and ensure all food items are securely stored away [7].

• Do not run or turn your back on a bear. Instead, stand your ground and use your bear spray if necessary. If a bear attacks, play dead by laying flat on your stomach protecting your neck with your hands and spread your legs to keep the bear from being able to roll you over, except in the rare case of a black bear attack, where you should fight back [1][7].

Essential Bear Safety Gear

In the wilderness of bear country, equipping yourself with the right safety gear is crucial for a peaceful camping experience. Here's a breakdown of essential bear safety gear:

Bear Spray:

• Frontiersman’s 7.9 oz canister, capable of firing for eight seconds with a potency of two percent capsaicinoids, is a must-have for deterring bears [17].

• Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray, which can spray up to 32 feet for about seven seconds, provides a significant defense mechanism [18].

Noise-Making Devices:

• Tru Flare Pen Launcher Kit includes both red signaling flares and orange noise-making bear bangers, essential for alerting bears of your presence from a distance [17].

• A marine or wildlife deterrent horn, emitting a 120-decibel blast, can be heard up to half a mile away, serving as an immediate bear deterrent [17].

Food Storage Solutions:

• BearVault’s BV500, with an 11.5-liter capacity, and Ursack’s Major XL, a tear-proof bag with a 15-liter capacity, are indispensable for keeping your food and scented items secure and out of bears' reach [17].

• Implementing an effective bear hang, which suspends your "goodie bag" 12 feet off the ground and away from the tree trunk and suspending limb, further ensures that your food remains inaccessible to curious bears [17].

These tools, when used correctly and in conjunction with the practices outlined earlier for setting up a safe campsite and managing encounters, form a comprehensive strategy for staying safe in bear country.

Conclusion

As we venture into the wilderness of bear country, equipped with knowledge on bear behavior, pre-camp preparations, and the nuances of setting up a safe campsite, we step closer to a bear-free trip. Incorporating practices such as setting up an effective bear hang, utilizing bear-resistant containers like Ursack, and adhering to rules for wildlife safety, we not only protect ourselves but also safeguard the wildlife that we've come to admire. These steps cement the foundation for responsible camping in bear-inhabited areas, promoting a safer environment for both campers and bears alike.

Reflecting on the importance of equipping ourselves with essential bear safety gear and the invaluable knowledge of how to act during an encounter, it becomes clear that preparation and respect for wildlife are key to a memorable camping experience. The significance of our actions and their impact on nature's balance is a powerful reminder of our responsibility as visitors to these wild spaces. As we strive to explore, enjoy, and learn from the great outdoors, let's all Stay Safe and preserve the beauty and integrity of bear country for generations to come.

FAQs

How can I camp safely in areas with bears?

• Prepare in advance by learning about bear behavior and the signs of their presence.

• Avoid bringing foods and items with strong odors, such as scented cosmetics and toiletries.

• Use extra bags to secure leftovers and carry out trash if needed.

• Carry a flashlight and binoculars for better visibility and observation.

• If you bring a dog, keep it on a leash during the day and in your tent with you at night to prevent it from attracting bears or being trapped if one comes by.

What measures should be taken to protect against bears while camping?

• It is advised to keep a canister of bear spray in your tent, as it is more effective and reliable than firearms for deterring bears, however, I would not fire bear spray in your tent unless absolutely necessary is it will effect you too.

• To reduce the risk, sleep at a distance from the tent walls if possible.

Is it safe to use a hammock when camping in bear country?

• Yes, sleeping in a hammock can be safe as long as you ensure that food scents are not near your campsite and you do not hang a bear bag from your hammock. This way, your safety is about the same as sleeping in a tent.

Does a tent provide safety from bears?

• No, bears can enter tent trailers and tents, and coolers may attract them. To keep bears away, use a bear-resistant food cache stored at least 200 feet

• from your sleeping area or suspend a bear bag from a tree, also known as a bear hang.

References

[1] - https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd541459.pdf[2] - https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LivingwithWildlifeCampingBearCountry.aspx[3] - https://www.quora.com/What-gear-besides-bear-spray-is-designed-for-protecting-campers-in-bear-country[4] - https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-in-bear-country.html[5] - https://www.curated.com/journal/47001/how-to-hike-camp-in-bear-country[6] - https://www.bearsmart.com/play/camping/[7] - https://hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/bear-safety-for-hikers-and-campers/[8] - https://www.americanbear.org/education-awareness/hiking-camping/[9] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDyIwyU3FvY[10] - https://bearwise.org/bear-safety-tips/hiking-camping/[11] - https://www.amazon.com/camping-bear-protection-products/b?ie=UTF8&node=3401091[12] - https://www.reddit.com/r/yellowstone/comments/nsc059/bear_country_camping_meal_suggestions/[13] - https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/whats-your-bear-country-camp-routine/[14] - https://outdoors.com/understanding-animal-behavior-while-camping/[15] - https://www.princeton.edu/~oa/training/bearbag.shtml[16] - https://www.xoverland.com/overlanding-blog/staying-safe-while-overlanding-in-bear-country/[17] - https://paddlingmag.com/gear/bear-safety/[18] - https://www.self.com/gallery/bear-safety-gear-and-tips