Camping With Suzi » When camping in bear country

When camping in bear country

Wildlife viewing, ranging from birds to bears, is one reason people go the national forests.  It may be exciting to see a big old Black bear wander across a meadow or up a hillside.  But iIt is a completely different thing to have that wild bruin exploring your campsite.

When camping in bear county here are some good rules to follow:

• Always keep a clean camp; bears have an excellent sense of smell that can span miles. For bears, garbage means food!
• Don’t leave food out. Store it in bear resistant storage units or in a hard-shelled vehicle, or hang 10 ft. from the ground and 4 ft. from top and side supports.
• Always store food away from your sleeping area. Where possible, food storage and preparation areas should be at least 100 yards from your sleeping area.
• Use bear-resistant trash receptacles provided at developed private and campgrounds on public lands likenational forests.
• Keep your sleeping area, tent, and sleeping bag free of food, toiletries and odors.
• Keep pets on a leash, their food stowed away while your pet isn’t munching down, and keep your pets inside at night as they may attract bears.

If you do have a bear encounter, here are some tips from the Forest Service:

• DO NOT RUN.
• Remain calm.
• Group together and pick up small children.
• Continue to face the bear and back away slowly, talking calmly to identify yourself as a human.
• If the bear continues to approach, try to scare it away by making yourself as large and imposing as possible by stretching your arms overhead and making loud noises.
• Carry and know how to use bear spray, which is available at many outdoor retailers and can be used to deter a charging bear.

 

 

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