Like to camp, however are afraid of bears? Don’t be!
Simply because there are bears within the space doesn’t imply it’s best to steer clear of the wilderness.
In actual fact, you’ll be able to have a secure journey, so long as you realize some issues about bears and their conduct.
Let’s dive in.
Perceive Bear Habits
With a purpose to know easy methods to behave in bear nation, you have to perceive bear conduct first.
Bears are fairly predictable, so the extra you find out about them, the better you’ll be able to keep away from unfavourable encounters.
Bears are solitary animals. In fact, that’s except a mama bear together with her cubs or a pair throughout the mating season.
Sometimes, bears are lively throughout hotter months, across the time the solar units and rises.
In the course of the mornings and afternoons, they like napping, so there’s a lot much less likelihood to fulfill them throughout this time.
Bears aren’t territorial until they’re defending cubs, their meals supply, or a possible mate.
So that you gained’t see them patrolling round and defending their area.
And in areas populated with individuals, a bear will usually come out at evening to keep away from encounters.
That can also be when lively bears within the space will head out to your campground or campsite to seek for meals.
When And Why Do Bears Assault?
Bears aren’t concerned with consuming people, or having any form 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.
However that doesn’t imply that bears go wild throughout summer season.
In actual fact, there’s roughly 40 bear assaults annually within the complete world, of which solely 10 occur in the USA.
What’s not shocking is that almost all of them occur in Alaska, as that’s the state with the largest bear inhabitants.
Nonetheless, bear assaults are somewhat 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.
Simply needless to say that is the time of the yr when cubs are born, so that you need to keep away so far as potential from their “houses.”
Tenting in Bear Nation Security Ideas
Provided that bears aren’t “after us,” you’ll be able to undoubtedly have a secure tenting journey in bear nation.
However there are a few issues you have to ensure that of.
Examine Your Campsite First
The very first thing it’s best to do if 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 additionally encounter useless animal carcasses or not less than remnants of it.
However needless to say bears are omnivores – that means they may 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 weight-reduction plan.
The remaining consists of roots, grass, berries, fish, bugs, larvae and fruit.
For that motive, you additionally need to keep away from locations surrounded by berry bushes and energetic grasses.
In case there’s a supply of recent water close by, that’s one other place the place the bears would possibly actively hunt for meals.
Camp Properly Away From Any Cowl for Bears
In unsure conditions, bears are very cautious.
They like touring alongside the sides of the wetland, proper across the first row of bushes and bushes.
That approach, they’ll see the potential hazard or prey earlier than it sees them.
Curiously sufficient, bears stroll in the identical tracks as different bears that walked there earlier than them.
Because of this, their paws virtually get imprinted into the terrain and are seen for a very long time.
So there’s a reasonably good likelihood you’ll see the tracks for those who’re in an space bears use as transit.
Keep away from organising a camp close to a path and on the sting of a forest or wetland, as that is the place bears may be discovered.
As a substitute, it’s finest to camp in an open space.
And don’t suppose that tenting close to a tree is supplying you with an escape level in case of an encounter:
Black bears are nice climbers – most likely higher than you.
The grizzly bear isn’t that good of a climber, and you might use the tree as a hiding level for those who can climb not 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.
However there’s a decrease likelihood of 1 attacking you if you’re sleeping in a tent, somewhat than with out a shelter over your head.
In different phrases, a bear is unlikely to cost a tent, particularly if undecided what or who may be inside.
In spite of everything, they solely assault when feeling threatened.
With that being stated, you don’t need to sleep along with your physique touching the partitions of the tent.
You by no means know when a bear would possibly come close to to smell the tent and even strive taking a chunk.
I’ve seen many campers holding a knife shut always, permitting them to tear the tent open and exit shortly.
In fact, the identical goes for bear spray, in addition to a flashlight that can assist you see what’s happening.
Maintain a Clear Camp
Whereas this could at all times be the case, it’s much more essential to maintain your camp clear and tidy when tenting in bear nation.
By this, I imply holding your tent and sleeping space separated from the place you’re cooking or consuming.
Ideally, you need not less than 100 yards of distance.
However that’s not all. You need to ensure that to eliminate any meals leftover or used packaging after you’re finished 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 baggage, after which right into a bear canister.
In campgrounds, there may be steel containers designated for this function.
On the subject of dishes, it’s best to at all times clear your pots and plates after you’re finished consuming.
You don’t need 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 occasions human odor), bears can catch whiffs not less than 3 miles away.
For those who’re tenting with a canine, by no means depart a bowl of pet food laying round for too lengthy.
Retailer Your Meals in a Bear-Resistant Meals Container
I’m positive you’ve heard of bear-resistant meals containers earlier than. These containers must move particular necessities to be thought-about bear-resistant.
This consists of being very sturdy, troublesome for a bear to open, and made of fabric that stops the odor from popping out.
Bears have an insanely robust sense of odor. It’s about 2100 occasions higher than ours, and not less than 7 occasions higher than a bloodhound’s.
Now, there are literally a number of different choices out there on the subject of storing meals.
Bear Canister
That is virtually a smaller model of a bear container. It’s designed in such a approach that it makes it unimaginable for the bear to open.
In lots of 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 several sizes, however they’re usually appropriate for mountain climbing and backpacking.
They will additionally double as a stool, which is kind of sensible.
Bear Bag
Bear baggage aren’t made from robust supplies like canisters and containers.
As a substitute, they use some sort of bulletproof cloth.
Some bear baggage may be waterproof, however that’s not at all times the case. Additionally, they’re usually not odor-resistant.
As a substitute, you want an odor-proof plastic bag to place contained in the bear bag to forestall smells from popping out.
Tree or Pole-Dangle Bag
Again within the day, when there have been no bear canisters out there, campers would dangle 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 actual fact, it’s best to try this along with your bear baggage as properly. You possibly can’t be too secure.
Remember that you want about 35 ft of rope to tie a bag up there.
It ought to be not less than 10 ft off the bottom and about 4 ft away from the tree trunk.
That approach, the bear can’t attain it even when it climbs the tree.
Steel Meals 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 that you could hold your meals inside.
Sometimes made from metal, these lockers are virtually indestructible by a bear.
Be Ready, Not Scared
If there’s even the smallest likelihood 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 a lot anyway.
As a substitute, I imply studying what to do and easy methods to react.
Ideally, you need to camp in a bunch. The extra individuals in your tenting group, the decrease the possibility of a bear coming shut.
You need to discuss loudly and make noise to look much more terrifying.
Whereas I actually hope you by no means expertise that, it’s best to at all times be ready for potential accidents.
Meaning not less than somebody in your group ought to know easy methods to deal with accidents and carry out primary first support.
In fact, that additionally means having a first support package shut at hand, with all of the necessities.
Moreover, you’ll want a cell phone, radio and satellite tv for pc cellphone or another technique of communication that would assist you in such a scenario.
Maintain Pets Contained and Restrained
Irrespective of 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 naturally, you don’t need to threat it. Not solely can your pet get damage, but in addition provoke the bear to assault you.
So even for those who’re sitting across the campfire, it’s best to have your canine restrained and by your aspect.
At evening, I’d undoubtedly suggest 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.
Keep in mind to wash up after your pet as properly.
Not simply because it’s the best factor to do on the subject of Go away No Hint rules, however as a result of the scent may entice bears.
Additionally See: Canine Tenting Ideas
Maintain Bear Spray With You
When tenting in bear nation, holding bear spray on you always is necessary.
Whether or not you’re cooking, utilizing the restroom or sleeping, it’s best to have it shut at hand.
If 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.
Earlier than you even head out in your journey, get acquainted with the spray. Learn the directions and apply holding it.
Remember that you get not more than 10 seconds of spraying time, so you have to know easy methods to use it successfully.
Additionally See: Does Bear Spray Work on Mountain Lions?
All the time Maintain Kids Shut
Earlier than you go on a tenting journey, inform your youngsters what to anticipate. Make the technique to deploy in case you encounter a bear.
Clarify to them that it’s essential they keep near you always.
Youngsters could make fairly a large number when consuming.
Crumbles all around the floor, spilled ketchup and tons of meals leftovers, are all issues that may entice bears.
Keep in mind to wash proper after each meal, totally.
If the bear wanders into your campsite, strive holding your youngsters calm and with out sudden motion.
Choose them up and information them into the automobile.
By no means Entice, Feed or Work together with Bears
Irrespective of how cute or peaceable they could seem, do not forget that bears are wild animals.
And as such, they’re unpredictable. For that motive, you need to keep as distant from them as potential.
That is particularly essential for those who see bear cubs. In the event that they’re shut, then mama bear is just too.
And she or he gained’t be very pleasant when she sees you round her infants.
You shouldn’t feed bears both. First, it may possibly make them depending on human meals. And that may end up in them attacking individuals.
Now, that’s not a state of affairs that ends properly for both aspect.
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.
Go away No Hint
You need to comply with the Go away No Hint rules each time you’re out within the wilderness.
However that is much more essential if you’re out within the bear nation.
This implies packing all the things after you. Each meals scrap, wrapper, plate, container… Each on the desk and on the bottom.
And that’s not only for meals, however drinks as properly. Spilling half a can of Coke may entice bears.
It’s candy and fragrant!
If A Bear Enters Your Campsite
What if…?
Properly, it’s a must to be ready for something. Right here’s what it’s best to do in case a bear enters the campsite.
1. Do Not Run
Don’t for a second suppose that you could outrun a bear.
Whereas these animals would possibly look chubby and gradual, they’ll run as much as 35 miles per hour! Even Usain Bolt can’t prime that document.
As a substitute of working, strive slowly backing away. Don’t make any sudden actions, simply strive growing the hole between you.
2. Increase Your Arms to Look Bigger
Whereas this won’t scare away a grizzly, it may possibly undoubtedly work with black bears.
These bears are a lot smaller, so by elevating your arms, you’ll be able to seem like bigger than them.
This could usually be sufficient to discourage them from attacking.
3. Seize a Lengthy, Sturdy Stick for Protection
Swaying round with an extended stick may scare away a black bear.
4. Make loud noises
Attempt making loud noises on the identical time, to appear extra harmful.
Even simply shouting on the bear to “go residence” or “get out of right here,” clapping, banging pans – something you are able to do to make noise will even doubtless scare the bear away.
If a Bear Assaults You
In case you startle a bear, it could assault you. I do know you’ve most likely heard about the entire “play useless” technique.
However that solely works with grizzly bears. This man is just too robust to beat one on one, so taking part in useless is your finest likelihood.
But when a black bear assaults, it’s best to strike again.
In fact, that is given that you simply’ve already used up bear spray expenses 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.
For those who had a face-to-face battle with a bear, it’s essential that you simply report the assault to native authorities.
If there’s an aggressive bear wandering round, individuals ought 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 particular place, it’s finest to keep away from that spot.
Bears aren’t territorial, however will defend their den.
What number of bear assaults are there annually?
Bear assaults are rarer than most individuals suppose, and deadly circumstances even rarer.
There’s roughly about 40 brown bear assault around the globe annually, 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 comfortable tent materials.
Nevertheless, bears are unlikely to try to get into your tent until they’re attracted by the scent of meals or toiletries. Because of this, something that has ANY scent, even deodorant or toothpaste ought 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.
So long as you comply with our suggestions, it’s best to have a secure tenting expertise.
What to do if a grizzly bear is outdoors your tent?
Whereas holding 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 hold bears away?
The campfire itself gained’t deter bears. Loud noise, alternatively, will hold them away.
So take pleasure in your time tenting, sing and snigger along with your companions.
To Sum Issues Up
Tenting in bear nation doesn’t must be dangerous.
So long as you’re following our tips, it’s best to have a secure and fulfilling journey.
Keep in mind, bear sprays and containers are a should in a bear nation. They could be a life saver, and why threat it?