Tips for Hiking and Camping in Bear Country

Here at BearSaver, we’re serious about understanding bear behavior. We’ve worked with wildlife professionals for well over a decade to learn from their expertise in order to create the most respected bear-resistant products in the world. Over the years, we’ve come to understand the importance of knowing how bears think and behave, and we’d like to pass that knowledge on to you. With the summer outdoor season in full swing, we’d thought we’d share with you some of our top tips for hiking and camping in bear country. Following these guidelines will help ensure your safety and the well-being of bears and their habitat. Happy trails!

How to avoid bears while hiking

As they say, the best defense is a good offense. That’s why it pays to avoid bears altogether when you’re enjoying the Great Outdoors. Some of the best ways to avoid bears when you’re hiking and camping include:

• Not hiking at dawn or dusk when bears are most active.
• Hiking in groups of at least four – larger groups are less likely to be attacked.
• Making noise while you’re hiking so that you don’t accidentally surprise a bear. You can talk, shout, sing loudly, or clap your hands, but avoid whistling or screaming as that can sound like an injured animal to a bear.

What to do if you encounter a bear while hiking or camping

Bears will typically leave an area if they know that humans are around. But if you do see a bear, then follow these tips:

• If you see a bear at a distance, then simply enjoy the site – don’t get any closer. 
• Keep dogs on a leash, as a roaming dog can be considered a threat to a bear or its cubs.
• Walk away slowly if you surprise a bear close by.
• Don’t climb a tree to get away from a bear – leave the area or take shelter in a building or car.

How to handle food when hiking and camping in bear country

Bears are attracted to human food. That’s why you must be vigilant about your food when you’re hiking and camping. Keep yourself and bears safe by following these guidelines:

• Don’t store food in your tent or cook near your tent.
• Keep food stored in bear-resistant food storage lockers at your campsite, trailhead, or picnic area.
• Keep other products such as toothpaste, sunscreen, and even stoves in food storage lockers when not in use.
• Never intentionally feed a bear!

How to handle trash when hiking and camping

In addition to human food, bears can also be attracted to trash. That’s why you should take these steps to properly deal with your trash when hiking or camping:

• Throw away trash and recycling in bear-resistant cans whenever possible.
• If you’re on the move, pack out your trash in sealed plastic bags until you’re able to dispose of it.

Contact BearSaver today

With a little information and know-how, you can enjoy hiking and camping in bear country without worry. If you’d like to learn more about how BearSaver products can help you be Bear Aware, then contact us at 800-851-3887 or sales@bearsaver.com. BearSaver is your first choice in quality bear-proof commercial containers and bear-proof dumpsters!