99TravelSafe.com
63 – The Bear Threat!
The Website For The Smart and Savvy Traveler
TO ward off bears, keep your campsite clean, and do not leave food, garbage, coolers, cooking equipment or utensils out in the open! Remember that bears are potentially dangerous and unpredictable - NEVER feed or approach a bear!
Use a flashlight at night - many animals feed at night and the use of a flashlight may deter them away!
The only predictable thing about bears is that they are unpredictable!
Knowledge of bear behavior can reduce your chance of an unpleasant encounter. Before you hit the trail, stop in at a visitor center or ranger station to get an update on bear activity and to find out what trails or campgrounds may be closed.
Report all sightings of bears or animal carcasses to park staff!
Don't hike alone! Consider going along on a ranger-guided hike if you have no hiking companions.
Leave your pets at home because dogs and bears are natural enemies!
Make loud noises. Bears don't like surprises and will usually move out of the way if they hear people coming. A loud shout combined with sharp clapping is effective most of the time!
Shout more frequently around a noisy stream, on a blind curve, on a windy day or when near heavy brush (vegetation).
Hike during day-time! Bears tend to be more active at dawn and dusk.
NEVER enter a closed trail. It is closed for a good reason - usually recent bear sightings!
Observe bears only from a distance. NEVER approach bears for a better look or a photograph!
If you are under attack by a bear, roll into a ball, protect your head and wait for the attack to pass out!
Consider carrying pepper spray. Some backcountry hikers carry pepper spray as a possible non-lethal, nontoxic deterrent against aggressive bears. Note: There are accounts where pepper spray has not worked as well as expected. If you decide to carry pepper spray, use it wisely and only in situations where aggressive wildlife behavior justifies its use!
Always leave a clean camp. Store odorous items such as food, coolers, utensils and toiletries in a hard-sided vehicle or a food locker.
Toss garbage in bear-proof garbage cans, not in your fire grate. Dump water used to rinse dishes and hands in a rest-room utility sink, not on the ground!
Even the clothes you cooked in might have absorbed food odors! So change clothes after cooking.
Be sure to pack out all the garbage!
Remember, If you encounter a bear;
-- Stay calm
-- Identify yourself by talking calmly
-- Remain still
-- Slowly wave your arms!
-- Do NOT run or make any sudden movements!
-- If the bear is stationary, move away slowly and sideways
-- If the bear charges towards you, use the bear spray to deter it OR roll into a ball like position and protect your head and face until the attack lasts!