Tips for Camping in Black Bear Country
With a blood-curdling roar, a 1,000-pound animal drops off its hind legs and , saliva flying from 4-inch incisors, bloodshot eyes zeroed in for the kill, charges towards an unfortunate human being…
We’ve all seen the classic Hollywood version of a black bear attack. But for those of us who didn’t grow up in bear territory, the question remains: how much of what we see on the big screen is reality, and how much was altered for the sake of entertainment? Are bears actually ferocious in real life?
If you’re scared of bears, I have good news for you. Black bears are peaceable and shy, and will normally avoid humans at any cost. They weigh anywhere between 100-600 pounds and are omnivorous, feeding on nuts, roots, grasses, carcasses, small animals such as voles, berries, insects and larvae, fish and pretty much anything else they can lay a whisker on. Black bears are most active at dusk and at dawn.
Unfortunately, because of rising human populations and a decreasing natural habitat, some black bears have tried their paws at urban foraging and begun to lose their fear of humans. This has resulted in two problems for people: ‘problem bears’, i.e. bears which habitually visit urban areas in search of food, and a rise in black bear attacks on people. Humans have contributed to these two problems by feeding bears and by improper storage of food and trash. Here’s how you can help wild bears remain wild, plus keep yourself safe while exploring their territory:
On the Trails
Back off! When you see a bear, give it plenty of room. You can back up to make the animal feel less threatened and just wait for it to leave, or depending on the area you may be able to detour around the bear, being sure to give it a wide berth.
If you come upon a bear unexpectedly, don’t run. Face the bear and slowly back away.
Keep your dogs leashed. Some dogs will intentionally chase bears, then, when the odds turn against them, will run back to their human with a bear nipping at their heels. Not cool.
Always stay with your group! Bear attack stats prove that a large group greatly reduces the risk of bear trouble. After all, who wants to be outnumbered in a fight?
In Your Campsite
Never, ever feed a bear, no matter where you are. Fed bears lose their natural fear of humans, resulting in abnormal and dangerous behaviors. Bears have an amazing sense of smell and are not picky eaters!
Always research and follow food storage protocols for high-risk areas. Use approved bear cannisters where they are required.
Use bear cables and bear boxes whenever they are provided. In all other cases, hang your food from a properly rigged bear-bag line. Do not sleep with your food or store it in your backpack.
Store food wrappers, all drinks other than plain water, trash, cosmetics, and any other items with strong smells in the bear box or on your bear line.
Burn or bear-bag anything with food smells and/or food scraps in it: leftovers, trash, etc. Never leave food, spilled drinks, dirty dishes, partially burned food scraps or any other smelly items in your campsite.
Cook and bear-bag away from your sleeping area.
If a Bear Approaches You
Never run! Black bears can run much faster than humans!
Make yourself look as big and scary as possible. Shout, jump up and down, and wave your arms or your trekking poles.
If a bear charges, remember that this is usually just a test to see if the bear can intimidate you or not. Normally, the bear will veer off to the side at the last minute. Stay calm and stand your ground.
Last case scenario, if a black bear actually physically attacks you, fight back! If the animal finds out it cannot bully you, it will give up and run away.
All this being said, if you are really, truly terrified and petrified of meeting a black bear, you could always follow the advice of our friend Mel, and opt for a winter adventure. She says, “Camp in the winter. It’s the safest season of the year. No bugs, no snakes… and the bears are all in hibernation.” Now that’s a win!