Surviving Hiking and Camping In Bear Country
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If this sounds familiar, it’s because this is from my YouTube video on this topic, but I wanted to share it in blog form for those who prefer that. I will link to videos, including the one with this script, so you can find more information to help you.
Many of the places we like to recreate have bears present. Protecting both yourself and the bears takes some proactive steps. This is going to cover day hiking, car camping and backpacking, so some tips will be more relevant to one or the other.
Of note, polar bear country requires additional precautions that are above and beyond those listed here. I would recommend utilizing a resource more familiar with those environments.
Again, these precautions not only protect you and other people, but also the bears. Bears who become habituated to people often have to be relocated or put down, and relocated bears often find their way back home.
Bear behaviors will vary widely by location, so be sure to research bear behavior in the area. Many official websites will have information about this, and you may see anecdotal experiences in comments on places like Alltrails or Outdoor Project. Facebook groups and Reddit are another place for anecdotal information, but always do your own additional research using official sources, rather than solely relying upon someone’s comment online. Time of year may also matter- for example, bear behaviors may be different during hyperphagia, when they are storing up reserves for the winter.
Know the rules, regulations and recommendations. Regulations may not work as fast as recommendations, given the bureaucratic process that’s necessary to change them. For example, if an area “only” recommends a canister, use one- there’s a reason they recommend them there. If you’re RV camping, look at the rules for what’s allowed where you’re going. Some campgrounds don’t allow tent trailers for safety, for example.
In general, bears tend to be more active at night, dawn and dusk. Most of the bears I have seen have been early morning. While bears do hibernate, they can still be out in winter, so be sure to take precautions year-round.
Avoid heavily scented detergents, especially fruity ones. I primarily use unscented products (because of sensitive skin) while camping and hiking.
Food storage
Store all smellables properly, including “unscented” stuff:
Chapstick, sunscreen, toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrush and other toiletries
Ketchup and other condiment packets
Gum and food wrappers
Citronella- bears are very drawn to citronella!
Any other candles, sprays, etc
Pet food and products
Trash
Don’t forget to empty your pack pockets of snacks and wrappers!
Unopened cans or pouches of food or beverages
Many places with a bear presence have bear boxes, and in that case, store ice chests, food and other smellables there. When we have gone backpacking or hiking in Yosemite, there are bear boxes at trailheads, and we store any smellables from the car in there. Don’t put a lock on them, as they are shared!!
We use Yeti Tundra ice chests (see the 75 here and the wheeled Haul here, and we put two locks on them when in bear country (they’re IGBC-certified when they have two locks). In some places, like Tahoe, you may also need to use a bike lock to secure it to the bear box if there isn’t enough room in the bear box for it, because a bear will drag it off (had a bear try!). If given the opportunity, a bear will often drag your food to a safe place to try to bust into it.
If you’re backpacking and you don’t have a bear box, then you will need to hang your food, use an Ursack or use a bear canister. This is a topic about which I have VERY strong opinions, especially being in CA, but do what’s appropriate for the bear behaviors (and regulations) where you’re headed. If a canister is required, and you don’t own one or want to buy one, you can often rent them. There are several retailers online that rent them, and some ranger stations will as well.
I know some people sleep with their food, even experienced people, thru hikers, etc. It is up to you. I do not recommend this. Not only can it attract a bear, but also rodents and other animals.
Keep your campsite crumb-clean, so don’t shake out tablecloths or dishes onto the ground, and keep kids from walking around with snacks. Pack out any food peels or other food stuffs, such as leftovers and chunks from dish water, whether you’re in camp or on a hike. Remember that your actions impact anyone who camps at your site after you.
Some places recommend storing food in your car. Again, know the bear behaviors where you’re going. This is a fatal mistake in the Sierra, but along the California coast, it’s the recommendation, as the bears behave differently. That said, there will always be stories about the exception, so the most secure way you have available to you should really be used.
Check your vehicle for any foods before you head to bear country, including things like dropped French fries between and under seats.
Keep food protected while out and about. Bears can come into camp at any time, so your smellables need to be protected at all times. In some places, like Tahoe, you need to be scrupulous about this, and never leave the bear box open.
While backpacking, keep food protected while away from your pack/smellables/camp- ie. collecting water, swimming etc. If you’re with a group, keep someone (or more than one person) with your belongings to shoe off a bear. If you’re solo, put any smellables in your canister or bag and stow it properly. To be fair, if I am collecting water and not right next to my pack, I haven’t had any issues with leaving it nearby, but keep it as close as you can realistically, and try to minimize any time it is unattended.
Sleeping
Set up your shelter (tent, hammock, etc) away from where you’re preparing, eating and storing food. Your canister or hang should be away from camp. Get these 3 sites as far apart as you can. Specific recommendations vary from 100 feet apart to 200 yards apart. Do what is feasible for your site.
Example of ideal camp setup, source LNT.org
Try to set up your shelter away from dense vegetation or food sources (ie berry bushes).
Every little noise will have you convinced it’s a bear. Even if one does go through your camp (and they may), it’s not an issue unless there is something there they can access. I keep a pot and pan next to my tent if I’m car camping, and depending on where I am backpacking, I’ll put a pot on top of my bear canister to shoe off a bear. If a bear is in your camp, avoid screaming or making any high-pitched noises. I will provide recommendations for what to do if you see a bear later in this post.
Hiking
Hiking alone puts you at higher risk than hiking in a group (but I will never dissuade folks from hiking alone if they can be safe about it).
Trail running is not recommended in bear country, as running can trigger a bear’s prey drive, sparking a chase that likely would not have happened otherwise.
While on the trail, watch for signs of bears- scat, prints, torn up logs, fresh scratches on tree. Tall vegetation may hide bears, so be aware.
Don’t let small kids run ahead or wander. Keep them close, within arm’s reach.
Staying on the trail, versus bushwhacking or otherwise going off-trail, reduces your risks.
Store a baggie in your pocket for all trash so your clothing doesn’t smell like wrappers or other food waste.
Regarding bear bells, bears don’t associate this sound with humans or anything else that we would hope would scare them, so they aren’t an effective safety strategy. They will serve only to drive you and your trail mates nuts. Wind, ambient noise like flowing water, and even distraction can keep a bear from hearing you approach, so it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings.
Try to make your presence known to avoid surprising a bear, especially if you’re in an area where they’re likely to be feeding, like berry bushes or a carcass. If you’re approaching a blind corner, you can clap your hands and/or call out, “Hey Bear”. I like to say “Hey Nature” so no one thinks I SEE a bear if they are oncoming traffic! Your voice is the best way to alert them to your presence.
Pets
Keep pets inside your shelter with you, and with you at all times, ideally on a leash. Their prey drive may make them chase a bear or put them at risk of a bear chasing them. A barking dog can intensify a bear encounter, and an off-leash dog may entice a bear back to you. Never tie your dog up outside overnight, as they can’t protect themselves.
Common questions
When should you carry bear spray?
First, it is not a repellent, so do not spray this on yourself (yes, it has been done). If you are carrying it, keep it within a quick arm’s reach, like in a holster on your belt, and know how to use it (following the manufacturer’s directions). Check if it’s allowed or necessary where you’re going. Rarely is this necessary in black bear country. I rarely carry it in California, and when I do, it’s more for mountain lions than anything else, especially since the encounters I’ve had with bears have taught me they don’t have any interest in me. Grizzly and brown bears can be different, and again, know the behaviors where you’re going. If you do have to deploy your spray, leave the area immediately, as the spray can actually attract more bears. Only pull it out if you’re in immediate danger, and do not spray it unless a bear is charging you.
Should you carry a firearm?
They are not recommended for bear protection. They can worsen an attack. An injured bear may get more aggressive. It’s harder to hit a charging bear with a firearm than with bear spray, and it can also put your hiking mates at risk. There are very few select places where carrying a rifle is recommended, and if that’s the case, ask a ranger what is recommended, including caliber, as too small a caliber can serve only to anger a bear.
Do you need to put clothing you’ve worn for cooking in your bear canister?
Ideally, yes, but there is rarely room for this. Do the best you can. Don’t sleep in the same clothes you cook in.
Encountering a bear
What to expect if you see a bear:
It most likely doesn’t want anything to do with you, and wants to be left alone
Most of the time, bears will avoid you, potentially even walking away from you
It may be curious about you. It may stand on its hind legs to see you better (bears have poor vision)
A bear may do a bluff charge (explain), or it may smack its jaw, yawn, put its ears back, growl or do other behaviors if it feels threatened.
What NOT to do if you see a bear:
Run
Approach the bear
Make sudden movements
Get on the ground or make yourself appear small
Drop your food or otherwise leave it (a bear getting access to your food only makes them an even bigger problem)
Climb a tree- black and grizzly bears can climb trees
Get between a bear and her cubs
Make high-pitched noises or scream- they may think you’re a prey animal
Drop your pack- you can use it for protection if you are attacked
What to do if you see a bear:
Stop and stand tall, make yourself look as large as possible, slowly wave your arms above your head
Pick up small children (try to avoid bending or squatting down if possible)
Get loud, make your presence known, use a deep voice.
If it’s in your camp, quickly stow away any food (or carry it away with you, even if it’s in a pot), and bang pots and pans (keep one near your tent if needed) to try to scare it off. If this does not work, throw rocks, pine cones or other small objects at the bear.
If you’re on the trail, try to sidestep away from the bear or back away slowly
If the bear follows you, stop and hold your ground
What to do if you are attacked by a bear:
Black Bear: Do not play dead!! Try to escape, or fight back using anything you can, aiming your kicks and blows at the bear’s face/muzzle
Brown/grizzly bear: play dead. Try to lay on your stomach, with your hands protecting the back of your neck and your legs spread apart to reduce the bear’s ability to flip you over. Remain quiet and still until the fight is over and the bear leaves the area. Fighting back or making noise can intensify the attack. However, if the bear does not let up, fight back any way you can, aiming for the face.
This is VERY rare, but if ANY bear attacks you in your tent or stalks you and attacks you, fight back, DO NOT play dead!
My related videos:
Bear tried to steal our Yeti Tundra
Bear stole our neighbor’s food bag
When and why bear canisters are necessary
Resources:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jul/20/montana-grizzly-bear-attack-tent-woman
https://www.theoutbound.com/jen-weir/12-tips-for-hiking-safely-in-bear-country
https://www.euronatur.org/fileadmin/docs/arten/Baer/LEAFLET-How-to-behave-in-bear-areas-ENGLISH.pdf
