Love to camp, however are afraid of bears? Don’t be!
Just as a result of there are bears within the space doesn’t imply you must keep away from the wilderness.
In truth, you’ll be able to have a secure journey, so long as you realize some issues about bears and their habits.
Let’s dive in.
Understand Bear Behavior
In order to know easy methods to behave in bear nation, it’s good to perceive bear habits first.
Bears are fairly predictable, so the extra you study them, the better you’ll be able to keep away from unfavorable encounters.
Bears are solitary animals. Of course, that’s apart from a mama bear together with her cubs or a pair in the course of the mating season.
Typically, bears are lively throughout hotter months, across the time the solar units and rises.
During the mornings and afternoons, they like napping, so there’s a lot much less probability to satisfy them throughout this time.
Bears aren’t territorial until they’re defending cubs, their meals supply, or a possible mate.
So you gained’t see them patrolling round and defending their area.
And in areas populated with folks, a bear will usually come out at evening to keep away from encounters.
That can be when lively bears within the space will head out to your campground or campsite to seek for meals.
When And Why Do Bears Attack?
Bears aren’t desirous about consuming people, or having any sort of shut encounter for that matter.
In actuality, most bear assaults are defensive assaults. A bear will cost at a human if it feels threatened or is defending its cubs or meals.
And naturally, most bear assaults occur throughout hotter months, when these animals are most lively.
But that doesn’t imply that bears go wild throughout summer season.
In truth, there’s roughly 40 bear assaults every year within the complete world, of which solely 10 occur within the United States.
What’s not stunning is that the majority of them occur in Alaska, as that’s the state with the largest bear inhabitants.
Still, bear assaults are fairly uncommon, and deadly circumstances even rarer.
Statistically talking, just one or two such encounters finish with a fatality (fortunately).
So, to keep away from any sort of encounter with a bear, it’s finest to go tenting throughout colder months, whereas bears are nonetheless hibernating of their dens.
Just understand that that is the time of the 12 months when cubs are born, so that you wish to keep away so far as potential from their “homes.”
Camping in Bear Country Safety Tips
Given that bears aren’t “after us,” you’ll be able to undoubtedly have a secure tenting journey in bear nation.
But there are a few issues it’s good to ensure of.
Inspect Your Campsite First
The very first thing you must do while you arrive on the designated campsite is to examine it for indicators of latest bear exercise.
Bear tracks and scats, in addition to scratched bushes and logs, are clear indicators {that a} bear was there not way back.
You may also encounter lifeless animal carcasses or no less than remnants of it.
But understand that bears are omnivores – that means they are going to eat each plant and animals.
They’ll gladly feast on a moose or deer, however meat really makes up not more than 30% of their food plan.
The relaxation consists of roots, grass, berries, fish, bugs, larvae and fruit.
For that purpose, you additionally wish to keep away from locations surrounded by berry bushes and full of life grasses.
In case there’s a supply of contemporary water close by, that’s one other place the place the bears may actively hunt for meals.
Camp Well Away From Any Cover for Bears
In unsure conditions, bears are very cautious.
They want touring alongside the sides of the wetland, proper across the first row of bushes and bushes.
That method, they will see the potential hazard or prey earlier than it sees them.
Interestingly sufficient, bears stroll in the identical tracks as different bears that walked there earlier than them.
As a outcome, their paws virtually get imprinted into the terrain and are seen for a very long time.
So there’s a reasonably good probability you’ll see the tracks if you happen to’re in an space bears use as transit.
Avoid establishing a camp close to a path and on the sting of a forest or wetland, as that is the place bears is perhaps discovered.
Instead, it’s finest to camp in an open space.
And don’t suppose that tenting close to a tree is providing you with an escape level in case of an encounter:
Black bears are nice climbers – in all probability higher than you.
The grizzly bear isn’t that good of a climber, and chances are you’ll use the tree as a hiding level if you happen to can climb no less than 20 ft excessive.
Sleep in a Tent
To make one factor completely clear – a tent gained’t offer you a secure area away from bears.
But there’s a decrease probability of 1 attacking you if you’re sleeping in a tent, fairly than with out a shelter over your head.
In different phrases, a bear is unlikely to cost a tent, particularly if unsure what or who is perhaps inside.
After all, they solely assault when feeling threatened.
With that being mentioned, you don’t wish to sleep along with your physique touching the partitions of the tent.
You by no means know when a bear may come close to to smell the tent and even attempt taking a chunk.
I’ve seen many campers protecting a knife shut always, permitting them to tear the tent open and exit shortly.
Of course, the identical goes for bear spray, in addition to a flashlight that can assist you see what’s happening.
Keep a Clean Camp
While this could all the time be the case, it’s much more essential to maintain your camp clear and tidy when tenting in bear nation.
By this, I imply protecting your tent and sleeping space separated from the place you’re cooking or consuming.
Ideally, you need no less than 100 yards of distance.
But that’s not all. You ought to ensure to eliminate any meals leftover or used packaging after you’re achieved cooking.
These are all scrumptious issues a bear would feast on.
As for what to do with leftovers, one factor you are able to do is retailer them in sealable plastic luggage, after which right into a bear canister.
In campgrounds, there is perhaps steel packing containers designated for this goal.
When it involves dishes, you must all the time clear your pots and plates after you’re achieved consuming.
You don’t wish to depart different scented stuff laying round both, together with your toothpaste, bug repellent and even sunscreen.
With such a robust sense of odor (2,100 instances human odor), bears can catch whiffs no less than 3 miles away.
If you’re tenting with a canine, by no means depart a bowl of pet food laying round for too lengthy.
Store Your Food in a Bear-Resistant Food Container
I’m certain you’ve heard of bear-resistant meals containers earlier than. These containers should move particular necessities to be thought-about bear-resistant.
This contains being very sturdy, tough for a bear to open, and made of fabric that forestalls the odor from popping out.
Bears have an insanely robust sense of odor. It’s about 2100 instances higher than ours, and no less than 7 instances higher than a bloodhound’s.
Now, there are literally just a few different choices out there in the case of storing meals.
Bear Canister
This is virtually a smaller model of a bear container. It is designed in such a method that it makes it inconceivable for the bear to open.
In many circumstances, it requires the utilization of a coin or a screwdriver to open.
They seal hermetically, so that you don’t have to fret about smells popping out.
Bear canisters come in numerous sizes, however they’re usually appropriate for mountain climbing and backpacking.
They also can double as a stool, which is kind of sensible.
Bear Bag
Bear luggage aren’t fabricated from powerful supplies like canisters and containers.
Instead, they use some sort of bulletproof material.
Some bear luggage is perhaps waterproof, however that’s not all the time the case. Also, they’re usually not odor-resistant.
Instead, you want an odor-proof plastic bag to place contained in the bear bag to stop smells from popping out.
Tree or Pole-Hang Bag
Back within the day, when there have been no bear canisters out there, campers would cling their stuff on the tree, excessive up there the place the bear can’t attain it.
And that’s the tactic that also works. In truth, you must do this along with your bear luggage as properly. You can’t be too secure.
Keep in thoughts that you just want about 35 ft of rope to tie a bag up there.
It needs to be no less than 10 ft off the bottom and about 4 ft away from the tree trunk.
That method, the bear can’t attain it even when it climbs the tree.
Metal Food Locker
These are generally present in parks and campsites all through the bear nation.
They’re precisely what the title says they’re – a steel storage field you could preserve your meals inside.
Typically fabricated from metal, these lockers are virtually indestructible by a bear.
Be Prepared, Not Scared
If there’s even the smallest probability of coming throughout bears in your tenting journey, it’s essential to arrange your self for such an encounter.
By this, I don’t imply training karate 5 days every week – this gained’t assist you to a lot anyway.
Instead, I imply studying what to do and easy methods to react.
Ideally, you wish to camp in a gaggle. The extra folks in your tenting group, the decrease the possibility of a bear coming shut.
You ought to speak loudly and make noise to look much more terrifying.
While I actually hope you by no means expertise that, you must all the time be ready for potential accidents.
That means no less than somebody in your group ought to know easy methods to deal with accidents and carry out primary first help.
Of course, that additionally means having a first help package shut at hand, with all of the necessities.
Furthermore, you’ll want a cell phone, radio and satellite tv for pc telephone or every other technique of communication that might assist you to in such a scenario.
Keep Pets Contained and Restrained
No matter how well-behaved your canine could also be, you’ll be able to by no means predict how a detailed encounter with a wild animal will prove.
And after all, you don’t wish to danger it. Not solely can your pet get harm, but additionally provoke the bear to assault you.
So even if you happen to’re sitting across the campfire, you must have your canine restrained and by your facet.
At evening, I’d undoubtedly advocate they sleep contained in the tent with you.
As I’ve already talked about, by no means depart pet food in a bowl for too lengthy.
After your canine companion is completed consuming, pack up leftovers and wash the bowl.
Don’t depart any treats or chews out within the open both.
Remember to scrub up after your pet as properly.
Not simply because it’s the precise factor to do in the case of Leave No Trace ideas, however as a result of the scent also can entice bears.
Also See: Dog Camping Tips
Keep Bear Spray With You
When tenting in bear nation, protecting bear spray on you always is obligatory.
Whether you’re cooking, utilizing the restroom or sleeping, you must have it shut at hand.
When you’re mountain climbing or exploring the environment, be sure you put on it in a holster.
You don’t need it within the backpack and even within the pocket. Bears are insanely quick, and also you don’t have that a lot time to seek for it.
Before you even head out to your journey, get acquainted with the spray. Read the directions and follow holding it.
Keep in thoughts that you just get not more than 10 seconds of spraying time, so it’s good to know easy methods to use it successfully.
Also See: Does Bear Spray Work on Mountain Lions?
Always Keep Children Close
Before you go on a tenting journey, inform your children what to anticipate. Make the technique to deploy in case you encounter a bear.
Explain to them that it’s essential they keep near you always.
Kids could make fairly a multitude when consuming.
Crumbles all around the floor, spilled ketchup and tons of meals leftovers, are all issues that may entice bears.
Remember to scrub proper after each meal, completely.
If the bear wanders into your campsite, attempt protecting your children calm and with out sudden motion.
Pick them up and information them into the automobile.
Never Entice, Feed or Interact with Bears
No matter how cute or peaceable they could seem, keep in mind that bears are wild animals.
And as such, they’re unpredictable. For that purpose, you wish to keep as distant from them as potential.
This is particularly essential if you happen to see bear cubs. If they’re shut, then mama bear is just too.
And she gained’t be very pleasant when she sees you round her infants.
You shouldn’t feed bears both. First, it might probably make them depending on human meals. And that may end up in them attacking folks.
Now, that’s not a state of affairs that ends properly for both facet.
And second, as a result of they’re not used to human meals. It’s just too robust for them, which may trigger digestive points and different well being problems.
Leave No Trace
You ought to comply with the Leave No Trace ideas each time you’re out within the wilderness.
But that is much more essential while you’re out within the bear nation.
This means packing all the things after you. Every meals scrap, wrapper, plate, container… Both on the desk and on the bottom.
And that’s not only for meals, however drinks as properly. Spilling half a can of Coke also can entice bears.
It’s candy and fragrant!
If A Bear Enters Your Campsite
What if…?
Well, it’s important to be ready for something. Here’s what you must do in case a bear enters the campsite.
1. Do Not Run
Don’t for a second suppose you could outrun a bear.
While these animals may look chubby and sluggish, they will run as much as 35 miles per hour! Even Usain Bolt can’t prime that report.
Instead of operating, attempt slowly backing away. Don’t make any sudden actions, simply attempt rising the hole between you.
2. Raise Your Arms to Look Larger
While this won’t scare away a grizzly, it might probably undoubtedly work with black bears.
These bears are a lot smaller, so by elevating your arms, you’ll be able to look like bigger than them.
This can usually be sufficient to discourage them from attacking.
3. Grab a Long, Sturdy Stick for Defense
Swaying round with a protracted stick also can scare away a black bear.
4. Make loud noises
Try making loud noises on the similar time, to look extra harmful.
Even simply shouting on the bear to “go home” or “get out of here,” clapping, banging pans – something you are able to do to make noise may even possible scare the bear away.
If a Bear Attacks You
In case you startle a bear, it might assault you. I do know you’ve in all probability heard about the entire “play dead” technique.
But that solely works with grizzly bears. This man is just too powerful to beat one on one, so enjoying lifeless is your finest probability.
But if a black bear assaults, you must strike again.
Of course, that is given that you just’ve already used up bear spray fees and didn’t handle to discourage the bear.
In that case, seize sticks or stones laying round and punch the bear within the eyes and nostril.
If you had a face-to-face battle with a bear, it’s essential that you just report the assault to native authorities.
If there’s an aggressive bear wandering round, folks needs to be cautious of the hazard.
Faqs
Is it secure to camp round bears?
If there are indicators of bear exercise at a detailed distance from a selected place, it’s finest to keep away from that spot.
Bears aren’t territorial, however will defend their den.
How many bear assaults are there every year?
Bear assaults are rarer than most individuals suppose, and deadly circumstances even rarer.
There’s roughly about 40 brown bear assault all over the world every year, and about ¼ of them occur within the US.
The state with most bear assaults is Alaska, which accounts for 29.6% of all deadly bear assaults within the nation.
Can a bear get right into a tent?
Bears can get into tents pretty simply. With their sharp claws and brute power it doesn’t take a lot for them to slice by way of the delicate tent materials.
However, bears are unlikely to try to get into your tent until they’re attracted by the scent of meals or toiletries. For this purpose, something that has ANY scent, even deodorant or toothpaste needs to be locked away in a bear secure canister.
Is it secure to camp in Yellowstone with bears?
Bears can usually be seen in Yellowstone, however that doesn’t imply tenting on this park is essentially harmful.
As lengthy as you comply with our suggestions, you must have a secure tenting expertise.
What to do if a grizzly bear is exterior your tent?
While protecting bear spray prepared, activate a flashlight or lantern.
If the grizzly tries getting into the tent, be able to combat again and yell. This has usually efficiently pushed the bears away.
Do campfires preserve bears away?
The campfire itself gained’t deter bears. Loud noise, then again, will preserve them away.
So get pleasure from your time tenting, sing and snicker along with your companions.
To Sum Things Up
Camping in bear nation doesn’t should be dangerous.
As lengthy as you’re following our pointers, you must have a secure and satisfying journey.
Remember, bear sprays and containers are a should in a bear nation. They is usually a life saver, and why danger it?