Bear Safety Basics

🐾 Sharing Space with Bears

We’re lucky to be spending time in a place that is still wild.

With that comes the potential for wildlife encounters, so it’s important to be aware, respectful, and prepared.

🍽 What bears are looking for

Bears aren’t interested in you. They’re interested in your food.

Once a bear learns that humans = easy food, it will keep coming back.

Our job is simple:

Don’t let a bear get our food.

🥾 While You’re Out Exploring

• Make a bit of noise when visibility is low (chat, clap, call out “hey bear” if you hear movement or see something moving)

• Be extra aware near:

  • Water

  • Dense bush

⛺ At Camp

Create separate spaces for:

• Sleeping

• Cooking

• Food storage

(Do not have these in the same location)

🧴 What to store in a vehicle away from your tent

Anything with a scent or smell:

• Food

• Trash

• Toiletries

• Sunscreen, lip balm, etc.

🐻 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

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

Thanks for cohabitating with care. 💕