Bear Safety Basics

🐾 Sharing Space with Bears

We’re lucky to spend time in places that are still truly wild. Bears live here — we’re just passing through.

The goal isn’t to be afraid.
It’s to be aware, respectful, and prepared.

🍽 Why Bears Matter (and Why Food Matters More)

Bears aren’t interested in you — they’re interested in food.

Once a bear learns that humans = easy food, it will keep coming back.
That’s when problems start.

Our job is simple:
Don’t let a bear get your food. Not even once.

🥾 While We’re Out Exploring

  • Make a bit of noise when visibility is low (chat, clap, call out “hey bear”)

  • Stick together where possible — groups are naturally safer

  • Be extra aware near:

    • Water

    • Dense bush

    • Dawn and dusk

If you see signs like fresh tracks, scat, or a carcass — pause, assess, and give the area space.

🐕 If There Are Dogs Around

  • Dogs should always be on leash

  • An off-leash dog can run at a bear… then run back to you with the bear following

⛺ At Camp

A few simple habits make a big difference:

Choose your site wisely

  • Avoid areas with scattered trash or signs of animals feeding

Create space

  • Sleep area

  • Cooking area

  • Food storage
    (keep them separate)

🧴 What Needs to Be Stored

Anything with a smell goes in your bear-safe storage:

  • Food (obviously)

  • Trash

  • Toiletries

  • Sunscreen, lip balm, etc.

If it goes on your body or in your mouth, it has a scent.

🐻 If You See a Bear

Most encounters are calm and uneventful.

If the bear isn’t paying attention to you:

  • Keep your distance

  • Don’t approach

  • Let it move on

If the bear seems stressed (huffing, swatting, agitated):

  • Stay calm

  • Speak softly

  • Slowly back away (don’t turn your back, don’t run)

If a bear is approaching your food or camp:

  • Be assertive

  • Make yourself known

  • Stand your ground

🚫 What Not to Do

  • Don’t run

  • Don’t leave food unattended

  • Don’t bring food into your tent

  • Don’t try to get closer for a photo

✨ The Takeaway

This isn’t about doing everything perfectly.
It’s about being informed and making thoughtful choices.

When we manage our food well and stay aware, we:

  • Keep ourselves safe

  • Keep bears wild

  • Help protect this place for the next group who comes through

We’re guests here. Let’s cohabitate with care.