While the chances of a negative bear encounter are slim when camping or hiking, they are not zero. Be bear aware by taking sensible precautions which will keep you, and bears, safe. Girl Camper Pennsylvania Guide Stephanie Simmons Lemma says, “I was recently at a campground in Pennsylvania where a mama and baby would casually stroll through. I put my food up a tree in bear bags when camping in the mountains. No toiletries or food at all in the camper. For me, bear spray is okay, but if you need to use bear spray, you are already too close. A whistle, at my campsite, and an airhorn, when hiking, are my main deterrents.” Here are more tips from the National Park Service about how to prepare, camp and hike when in bear country.
Keep a Clean Camp
Store all food, garbage or smelly items responsibly so that bears cannot access them. Besides food, items you should store include beverage cans (empty or full), coolers, lip balm, sunscreen, bug spray, lotions, toothpaste, food panniers, some medications, clothes worn while cooking, and eating utensils that haven’t been cleaned. Put them in your vehicle or bear-proof containers or lockers, if available. Never store these items in tents or truck beds, or leave them unattended on picnic tables. Some backcountry sites may also have food poles which allow you to hang items. After every meal, make sure to pick up any food scraps or garbage that falls to the ground.
Smart Hiking
Hike in groups of three or more people, never alone. Why? Well, 91 percent of the people injured by bears in Yellowstone since 1970 were hiking alone or with only one hiking partner. Only nine percent of the people injured by bears were in groups of three or more people. Avoid hiking at dawn, dusk or at night. Look for bears before you surprise one. Watch for fresh tracks, scat and feeding sites (signs of digging, rolled rocks, torn up logs, ripped open ant hills). When hiking, periodically yell “Hey bear!” to alert bears to your presence, especially when walking through dense vegetation/blind spots, traveling upwind, near loud streams or on windy days. Avoid thick brush whenever possible. Stay on maintained trails.
Must-Have Items
- Bear spray (and make sure you know how to use it)
- Whistle or airhorn
- Bear-proof containers
- Bells on any pets
This article was originally published in Girl Camper Magazine.
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