Bear Country Camping: Stay Awake, Stay Alive

Sleeping in bear country can be a daunting prospect, and it's important to take precautions to ensure your safety. While black bears are generally timid and can be scared off by loud noises, grizzly bears are more unpredictable and may view humans as prey. It's crucial to properly store food and other scented items, such as toothpaste, away from your tent or vehicle to avoid attracting bears. Hanging food in a tree or using a bear-proof container are effective methods. Additionally, maintaining a clean camp and staying within earshot of running water can reduce the chances of a bear encounter. Taking measures such as carrying bear spray, wearing bells while hiking, and being cautious when cooking and eating can also enhance your safety in bear country.

Hanging food in trees or storing it in bear-proof bags or canisters

• Hanging food in trees: When hanging food in trees, it is crucial to find a sturdy tree with branches that are high enough and away from the trunk. The recommended height is about twelve feet off the ground, five feet away from the trunk, and at least five feet below the closest limb. However, finding a tree that meets these criteria can be challenging, especially in areas above the tree line or with low-lying shrubs. The process of hanging food can also be time-consuming and requires practice to master. Additionally, bears have been known to outsmart even well-executed hangs by climbing trees, snapping branches, or sending their cubs out on limbs to retrieve the food.
• Using bear-proof bags: Bear-resistant bags, such as Ursacks, offer a lightweight alternative to hanging food. They are made of durable materials that bears cannot tear open and are certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC). However, it is important to note that bear-resistant bags are not completely bear-proof, and there have been reports of bears chewing through them.
• Storing food in bear-proof canisters: Hard-sided canisters provide a simple and effective way to secure food from bears and other critters. They are mandatory in some national parks and wilderness areas. Canisters typically hold 3-5 days' worth of food and toiletries for one person. While they offer peace of mind, they are heavy and bulky, weighing around 2-3 pounds. Additionally, they may not fit easily in backpacks and require proper placement away from camp to ensure effectiveness.

It is essential to follow food storage regulations and recommendations specific to the area you are camping in. Proper food storage not only ensures your safety but also helps protect bears and other wildlife from becoming habituated to human food, which can lead to negative consequences for them.

Sleeping in a tent or a van

Sleeping in bear country can be a nerve-wracking experience, but there are several precautions you can take to ensure a safe night's sleep. Here are some tips for sleeping in a tent or a van:

• Location: Choose a campsite away from bear trails and water sources. Look for areas with steep banks or dense vegetation that may deter bears from wandering through your camp.
• Food Storage: Proper food storage is crucial. Never keep food, toothpaste, or any scented items in your tent or van. Store food in a bear-proof container or hang it from a tree, at least 25-30 metres away from your sleeping area. If using a tree, ensure it's not too close to your tent or van, as a curious bear may wander too close for comfort.
• Cooking Area: Designate a specific area for cooking, located away from your tent or van—at least 25-30 metres is recommended. Do not cook inside your tent or van, as the smells can linger and attract bears.
• Clothing: Avoid wearing clothes with strong odours, such as those used for cooking, while sleeping. Bears have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, so it's important to minimise attractive scents.
• Cleanliness: Keep your campsite clean and tidy. Wash dishes and cooking utensils immediately after use, and do not leave any food scraps or garbage lying around.
• Protection: Consider carrying bear spray as a deterrent. While sleeping in a tent or van may provide some psychological comfort, it offers little physical protection from bears. A tent can, however, provide a few extra seconds of protection, allowing you to wake up and employ countermeasures.
• Noise: Bears tend to be cautious and may be deterred by noise. Consider carrying an air horn or setting up a perimeter alarm with bells or cans of pebbles to alert you and potentially scare off any curious bears.
• Fire: A campfire can be an effective deterrent, but use caution when camping in a tent. Maintain a safe distance from the tent to avoid fire hazards, and ensure the fire is not too sparky to prevent melting pinholes in your tent.
• Other Precautions: If you're camping with others, consider taking turns to keep watch at night. Additionally, sleeping in a group provides safety in numbers, as a tent mate can assist in deploying bear spray if needed.

Using bear bells or bear spray

Bear bells and bear spray are two very different methods of deterring bears, but both can be effective when used correctly.

Bear Bells

Bear bells are a controversial topic among hikers. In theory, the sound of the bell warns bears of your presence, thus lowering the probability of an encounter. Bears are naturally shy creatures, and most of the time, they will move away if they sense your presence. However, research on the effectiveness of bear bells is inconclusive. Some studies suggest that bears are more likely to move away if you are not wearing a bell. On the other hand, other studies have found that hikers carrying bear bells were never charged by bears, while a small percentage of hikers without bells were charged.

The US National Park Service states that other noise-making activities like yelling and clapping are more effective in deterring bears. Bear bells can also be annoying to other hikers and may disturb wildlife.

Bear Spray

Bear spray, on the other hand, is widely accepted as an effective bear deterrent. It is a powerful aerosol made from extremely hot capsaicin and related capsaicinoids. When used properly, bear spray creates an intensely irritating fine cloud that temporarily reduces the bear's ability to breathe, see, and smell, giving you time to safely leave the area. Research shows that using bear spray protected people from serious injury or death more than 90% of the time.

It is important to know how to use bear spray properly. Here are the steps to follow if you encounter a bear:

• Grab your bear spray and release the safety clip.
• Hold the canister with both hands and aim towards the bear's face, slightly downward.
• Spray a short burst (2 to 3 seconds) towards the bear.
• If the bear continues to approach, spray again.
• Replace the safety clip and stow the canister.

Additionally, it is crucial to choose the right kind of bear spray. Look for a product specifically formulated to deter bears, with an EPA registration number and a concentration of 1-2% capsaicin and capsaicinoids. Genuine bear spray is widely available at local stores, online retailers, and directly from manufacturers.

Bear spray is not just for grizzly bears; it is also effective against black bears and other aggressive mammals. It is important to carry it easily accessible, practice quick-drawing, and always follow the safety instructions.

Avoiding cooking or eating in camp

When camping in bear country, it is important to take precautions to avoid attracting bears to your campsite, especially while cooking or eating. Here are some essential tips to avoid cooking or eating in camp:

• Cook and eat away from your campsite: It is recommended to cook and eat at least 100 yards upwind from your campsite. This will help prevent bears from associating your campsite with food odours.
• Use proper food storage techniques: Always store food, snacks, empty food containers, and cookware in a secure container, such as a bear canister, bear bag, or provided metal food locker. Even cleaned cookware can attract bears, so it's best to store it safely.
• Keep odours at a distance: Cook your meals and wash your dishes away from your tent to avoid attracting bears to your sleeping area. Use only a small amount of unscented soap to minimise odours.
• Dispose of waste properly: Follow Leave No Trace principles and any official regulations for disposing of human waste and trash. Proper waste disposal will help reduce the presence of bears in your campsite.
• Be mindful of your clothing: The clothes you wear while cooking can absorb food odours, so be sure to store them with your food supplies or hang them away from your campsite.
• Avoid cooking in your tent or vestibule: It is not advisable to cook inside your tent or the vestibule area, as this can increase the risk of attracting bears and other wildlife.
• Be cautious in bear-prone areas: If you are in an area known for bear activity, follow all recommended bear precautions. This includes hanging your food and scented items in bear bags or utilising bear lockers if available.
• Be aware of other wildlife: While bears are a primary concern, other animals such as raccoons and squirrels can also be attracted to food. Take precautions to secure your food and cooking supplies from all types of wildlife.
• Follow local guidelines: Before heading into bear country, research the specific regulations and guidelines for the area. Some parks may require bear canisters, while others have different storage regulations like bear poles or cables. Knowing the local guidelines will help you stay safe.

Following LNT principles

When camping in bear country, it is important to follow the Leave No Trace principles to ensure the safety of both humans and bears. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Know the regulations and any specific concerns related to the area you'll be visiting. Prepare for potential weather changes, hazards, and emergencies. Schedule your trip during off-peak times and consider travelling in smaller groups. Repackage your food to minimize waste and always use a map to avoid the need for marking paint or cairns.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Stick to designated campsites and trails to minimize your impact on the environment. Camp on durable surfaces such as rock, gravel, sand, dry grasses, or snow. Protect riparian areas by maintaining a distance of at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. Keep your campsite small and focus your activities in areas without vegetation.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Always follow the "pack it in, pack it out" rule. Inspect your campsite for any trash or food scraps and ensure you pack out all waste. When it comes to human waste, dig catholes 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water sources, campsites, and trails. Cover and disguise the catholes when finished. Use biodegradable soap and scatter strained dishwater at least 200 feet away from water sources.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

Campfires can have lasting impacts on the environment. Use lightweight stoves for cooking instead, and candle lanterns for light. If fires are permitted, use established fire rings or pans, and keep fires small. Only burn wood that can be easily broken by hand, and ensure all wood and coals are burned to ash before scattering the ashes.

Respect Wildlife

Observe wildlife, including bears, from a distance. Do not approach or follow them, especially during sensitive times such as mating, nesting, or raising young. Never feed animals as this can harm their health and alter their natural behaviours. Store your food securely, hanging it in a tree or using a bear canister, to protect both your food and the wildlife. Keep pets under control or leave them at home.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Respect the experiences of other visitors. Be courteous, yield on trails, and take breaks away from other groups. Keep noise to a minimum and avoid loud voices or noises.

Frequently asked questions