Be Bear Aware
Let us start by saying that most bears that you encounter in California are going to avoid people. However, as you travel out of state to places like Wyoming, Montana or even Alaska, the bears do become less afraid and more likely to be a problem. Bear behavior also depends on the bear type.
But, in large, being bear aware and practicing good bear safety should keep you out of any negative encounter as most bear encounters end in the bear and the person heading safely in opposite directions. Always check the website for the land you plan on visiting for wildlife guidelines, including required bear safety precautions.
Bear Types You May Encounter
The American Black Bear:
The black bear is what you will commonly find throughout California. “The last known grizzly bear was shot outside the Yosemite region in the early 1920s; the species no longer exists in California despite its presence on the California state flag.” – National Park Service. Despite their name, most black bears are not black but brown or even blond or reddish brown. They typically average 200-300lbs in weight but can grow to be 650lbs+. Interestingly, their diet typically consists of acorns, grass and berries.
Brown Bears (aka Grizzly Bears):
The brown bear is more commonly found in the Rocky Mountains, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, and throughout much of Canada. Brown bears are brown or blonde in color and typically have a longer coat than the black bear. There “grizzled” color is where they received the name “grizzly bear”. They average 400-500lbs but can grow as big as 14ft tall and over 1000lbs! The brown bear is one of the most omnivorous animals in the world and has been recorded as consuming the greatest variety of foods of any bear. Throughout life, this species is regularly curious about the potential of eating virtually any organism or object that they encounter. Food that is both abundant and easily accessed or caught is preferred.
I will not go into the other types, such as Panda, Sun, and polar bears. You will not be encountering these in the lower 49 states. Polar bears live in arctic conditions, so if you plan on camping in -30 weather, I suspect you will know how to prepare.
Be Bear Prepared
Food Storage, Preparation and Disposal
One of the biggest reasons anyone will encounter a bear is due to poor food storage or food odor. Just like the old cartoon, Yogi and Boo-boo bear really do want your “pick-a-nick” basket. Bears, in general, are foragers. Keeping your items contained properly is not only important for your safety, but also could mean life or death for the bear. Bears who become problematic and reliant on human food are often put down by the NPS.
Bears subsist mainly on food found, not hunted. This being the case, they are tremendous opportunists with a keen sense of smell, surprising intelligence, and incredible strength. So, storing food, disposing of waste, and cleaning dishes properly is of utmost priority when camping in bear country (not to be confused with the defunct Disney band, the Country Bears)
You will need to store anything with a scent in a bear safe container. This even includes deodorants, bug sprays, citronella candles and other toiletries. Bears will be attracted to the smell of anything fragrant. Dirty dishes and any other food trash need to be stored properly and/or disposed of in a bear proof trash receptacle.
Storing any of these items simply in your car is a very bad idea. Bears have been know to peel the doors off of vehicles just to get to food inside. If you are traveling with young ones, be sure to clean out your vehicle prior to heading into the great outdoors. While out, be sure to pick up any and all food items that may have been dropped in the vehicle. If you have no other choice but to store your goods in your vehicle, I will explain how to do so safely below.
Just as it is bad to store these items in your car, it is likely more dangerous to do so, inadequately, where you sleep. The last thing you want is to wake up to a hungry bear rummaging through your trailer or tent.
Never cook inside your tent and, as much as you can, avoid cooking inside of your trailer. If it is needed, just be sure to wash the dirty dishes as soon as possible and take the trash out to the nearest bear proof dumpster. This will help to ensure that any lingering smells will leave the site.
If a bear proof trash bin is not available where you are camping, be sure to store the trash in a hard sided, air tight container in your vehicle or trailer. If backpacking, all trash ought to return to your bear canister. Burning food trash (or any trash for that matter) simply lofts the aroma into the air to be carried for longer distances. This will attract creatures far and wide that will then want to rummage through your camp as you sleep.
The last option for trash would be to create a “bear hang”. These can be highly effective if done properly. I do not recommend hanging trash simply in a standard trash bag. I have seen many times where a squirrel or raven will burst open the bag and scatter the trash everywhere. I highly recommend a hard container, thick tarp, or cloth bag around the air tight trash bag, just to be safe.
Storage Options:
- Bear Proof Food Lockers. Often when camping at established campgrounds or national parks in bear country, a bear box will be cemented in place at each site. They are made of steel and have multi-step latches to ensure the bears are unable to open them. I have personally found these to be very big and capable of holding massive quantities of food as well as multiple coolers and other items.
- Bear Proof Coolers. These coolers are a fantastic way to ensure your food items are sealed away in a smell proof and bear proof container. This is the only way I prefer to store food in a vehicle or trailer while in bear country. Not only are they safe, but the coolers on this list will keep things cool for up to a week (in my own experience).
- Bear Canisters. Bear canisters are a fantastic, lightweight option for those of you on foot. They are actually required while camping in several of our national parks and national forests. Being caught without one could mean a very heavy fine and the end to your adventure. Though bear proof, it is still wise to keep the canister at least 100ft. from camp.
- Bear Bags. Bear bags are a light weight option to safely store scented items as well as trash. As great as this option is, it is not accepted as proper storage in some parks, so check your regulations before using.
- Other Vehicle and Trailer Options. For dry goods and toiletries, it is acceptable to store them in air tight plastic bins inside your camper and vehicle. This is ONLY if a food locker is not available. Being air tight is super important. Reducing odor emission is key to keeping curious bears from your site. Always keep doors closed and locked. Yes, acclimated bears can use door handles.
Close Encounters of The Bear Kind
So you’ve read the regulations, prepared, stored your food properly and have left camp for a hike. There are still a few things you need to be prepared for bear country.
For starters, I almost always wear a bear bell. I have one permanently affixed to my pack. These do not, by any means, scare the bears away. The intent is to allow the bears to hear you coming so as not to startle them. A startled bear is a defensive bear. Other methods include loud conversation, or singing. Anything to alert the animals to your presence from far down the trail. My singing can certainly scare away plenty of living things.
In areas with grizzly bears it is always wise, and sometimes required, to take bear spray. Although aggressive bear encounters are very rare, when they happen, they are often fatal. Knowing how to defend yourself with bear spray could potentially save your life.
Even with all the preparation in the world, encounters still happen. So knowing what to do can mean the difference between an attack or a beautiful hike where you had the chance to view a bear and walk away.
Identify yourself by talking calmly so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal. Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you as a human. It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.
Stay calm and remember that most bears do not want to attack you; they usually just want to be left alone. Bears may bluff their way out of an encounter by charging and then turning away at the last second. Bears may also react defensively by woofing, yawning, salivating, growling, snapping their jaws, and laying their ears back. Continue to talk to the bear in low tones; this will help you stay calmer, and it won’t be threatening to the bear. A scream or sudden movement may trigger an attack. Never imitate bear sounds or make a high-pitched squeal.
Pick up small children immediately.
Hike and travel in groups. Groups of people are usually noisier and smellier than a single person. Therefore, bears often become aware of groups of people at greater distances, and because of their cumulative size, groups are also intimidating to bears.
Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground).
Do NOT allow the bear access to your food. Getting your food will only encourage the bear and make the problem worse for others.
Do NOT drop your pack as it can provide protection for your back and prevent a bear from accessing your food.
If the bear is stationary, move away slowly and sideways; this allows you to keep an eye on the bear and avoid tripping. Moving sideways is also non-threatening to bears. Do NOT run, but if the bear follows, stop and hold your ground. Bears can run as fast as a racehorse both uphill and down. Like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. Do NOT climb a tree. Both grizzlies and black bears can climb trees.
Leave the area or take a detour. If this is impossible, wait until the bear moves away. Always leave the bear an escape route.
Be especially cautious if you see a female with cubs; never place yourself between a mother and her cub, and never attempt to approach them. The chances of an attack escalate greatly if she perceives you as a danger to her cubs.
National Park Service
As a last resort, when all has failed, know how to defend against the type of bear you are facing.
Brown/Grizzly Bears: If you are attacked by a brown/grizzly bear, leave your pack on and PLAY DEAD. Lay flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck. Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over. Remain still until the bear leaves the area. Fighting back usually increases the intensity of such attacks. However, if the attack persists, fight back vigorously. Use whatever you have at hand to hit the bear in the face.
Black Bears: If you are attacked by a black bear, DO NOT PLAY DEAD. Try to escape to a secure place such as a car or building. If escape is not possible, try to fight back using any object available. Concentrate your kicks and blows on the bear’s face and muzzle.
National Park Service
Now that I have likely scared you into remaining indoors for the rest of your life, know that if you go prepared your chances of being attacked or almost zero. I have had numerous bear encounters. Every one as exciting and enjoyable as the last. Never once have I had one where I felt I was in immediate danger. Go. Enjoy the wild without fear, but with respect. Take the Boy Scout motto to heart; Be Prepared.