By Val Shortt
If you are hiking in bear country there is always a risk of a bear attack
. If you know there is a bear in the vicinity it is best to try and avoid the bear by detouring around it. Most bears are not interested in people and if you make a lot of noise you may discourage unwanted contact. It is always better to hike in bear country as a group.
If you do come in contact with a bear, do not run! Back away slowly if possible. Stay calm and watch the bear to see what the reaction the bear has and try not to do anything that may agitate it. Don't make direct eye contact as this could be seen as threatening to a bear. If you have to, you may need to make yourself look smaller to look less threatening.
If you have a backpack, keep it on. It could help to protect you in case of a bear attack. If you have bear spray with you, take it out and be prepared to use it. If not,in case of attack you need to get on the ground and curl up protecting your abdomen with your hands over your neck. Stay in this position until the bear leaves.
If you are camping, there are some things to help keep bears away from your camping area. Do not store any food or cooking utensils near your sleeping area. Cooking should be done at least 300 feet from your tent. Make sure you do not have any cooking smells on your clothes or hands. Wash your hands well and wash and hang your clothes away from your sleeping area,in case there are any lingering odors. It is preferable to have a separate set of clothes that you wear while cooking that you leave at the cooking area.
Be sure to burn all traces of leftover food scraps and tins in the fire and take the tins to be properly disposed of after. keeping your camping area clean is essential.
It is always best whether you are hiking or camping to do your best to avoid a confrontation and take the time to do whatever is necessary to avoid a bear attack. Man and bear can both live in harmony with a little extra effort.
If you are hiking in bear country there is always a risk of a bear attack
. If you know there is a bear in the vicinity it is best to try and avoid the bear by detouring around it. Most bears are not interested in people and if you make a lot of noise you may discourage unwanted contact. It is always better to hike in bear country as a group.If you do come in contact with a bear, do not run! Back away slowly if possible. Stay calm and watch the bear to see what the reaction the bear has and try not to do anything that may agitate it. Don't make direct eye contact as this could be seen as threatening to a bear. If you have to, you may need to make yourself look smaller to look less threatening.
If you have a backpack, keep it on. It could help to protect you in case of a bear attack
. If you have bear spray with you, take it out and be prepared to use it. If not,in case of attack you need to get on the ground and curl up protecting your abdomen with your hands over your neck. Stay in this position until the bear leaves.If you are camping, there are some things to help keep bears away from your camping area. Do not store any food or cooking utensils near your sleeping area. Cooking should be done at least 300 feet from your tent. Make sure you do not have any cooking smells on your clothes or hands. Wash your hands well and wash and hang your clothes away from your sleeping area,in case there are any lingering odors. It is preferable to have a separate set of clothes that you wear while cooking that you leave at the cooking area.
Be sure to burn all traces of leftover food scraps and tins in the fire and take the tins to be properly disposed of after. keeping your camping area clean is essential.
It is always best whether you are hiking or camping to do your best to avoid a confrontation and take the time to do whatever is necessary to avoid a bear attack
. Man and bear can both live in harmony with a little extra effort.
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