Adventures in Bear Country

Seeing a bear can be an exciting and memorable experience, but you don't want them to make a home of your camp or think they're invited to dinner!

When Camping in Bear Country

• Select a campsite away from berry patches, spawning streams and animal trails

• Keep a clean camp—don't leave food out when not in use

• Store food in bear-resistant storage, a hard-shelled vehicle or a car trunk

• If you aren't car-camping, hang all food and odorous items at least 10 feet from the ground and 4 feet from top and side supports

• Put plenty of space between your tents and make sure your sleeping area is at least 100 yards from food storage and cooking areas

• DON'T leave any food or items with strong food odor in your tents!
  

When Hiking in Bear Country

• Hike in a group and keep children close at hand

• Make your presence known (call out, whistle, sing or adorn yourselves with bear bells)

• Hike during daylight and stay on the trail

• Watch for bear sign—scat, claw marks or torn logs

As an extra precaution, bring some bear spray along. Make sure you're familiar with your bear spray and how to use it before an attack! But let's hope you'll never have to.

Don't Feed the Bears!

Bears that receive food from humans may become aggressive toward humans. Bears quickly become conditioned to food handouts and teach their cubs to do the same. Wild bears have a natural fear of humans—and bears that are frequently fed do not!

Learn more about bears and bear safety.