Bears are one of the most beautiful and terrifying creatures in nature. They can be found all over North America, but they are especially prominent in Alaska and Canada. In high-risk areas with bears, it is very common for bears to attack humans without any provocation. That’s why we must understand how to avoid these dangerous animals while camping. It’s critical to know how to keep yourself safe. In this blog post, we’ll go over the “Top 9 bear safety tips to know and follow when camping.”
Bears charge at people for two reasons: they want food or because they feel threatened by humans encroaching into their territory. If there is any chance that a bear feels threatened by your presence (i.e., if you come across one unexpectedly), then leave the area immediately, but do not run.
Our post, “top 9 bear safety tips to know when camping,” just seek to equip you with survival tips to prevent attracting them and what to do if you come face to face with them! These are well-documented and proven tips that you ought to keep in mind the next time you head to that hike. We strongly encourage you to always keep these in the back of your mind. As a camper, you will need them in the future.
Table of Contents
Top 9 Bear Safety Tips to Know When Camping
Avoid Their Habitat Altogether
This is, frankly speaking, the best advice to follow and why it’s our #1. It is extremely vital to steer clear of bears’ habitats and areas where you are more likely to encounter them. Some of these hot spots are along water, on ridges, and saddles. In addition, they like resting in thick and dark forests that are relatively cool. You are bound to meet them face to face if you travel through these areas. Avoiding these areas will help you to avert a potential tragedy. Bears are wild, unpredictable, and able to kill!
Be Aware of Recent Bear Activity
Be proactive and consult with park rangers and the relevant authorities so that they inform you of the general “climate” of the area you wish to camp in in regards to recent bear activity! This will assist you to be adequately prepared for bears in the place you plan to pitch camp. You can also use the information to go to another place that has no bear activity. It is also wise to have the necessary skills in reading the signs that depict recent bear activity. These signs may include claw marks and scat marks as well.
Carry Pepper Spray
No matter what you have heard, pepper sprays work! These will irritate the bears so much that they are bound to scamper away! However, the bear spray will be most effective when you use it at close range! It has been widely suggested that the best bear deterrent or spray is that which is three years old. This is because this type of spray will still have high efficacy. You can get a bear spray in stores that sell camping gear and products.
Never Go on A Hike Alone!
It has been widely documented and tipped that going on a camping trip or hike alone will almost always make you more prone to bear attacks! In addition, in almost all the documented cases where bears have attacked campers, the person was alone. Bears rarely attack people who are traveling through the woods in a group. They will tend to avoid you and your friends if you are moving around in numbers. In this case, the group provides strength and protection.
Keep Your Distance
Often, it is just highly advisable to keep your distance from a bear. Picture a situation where you can see the creature from afar. Just be still and keep your distance. Sometimes they may not even have the intention to approach you or cross your path. Stand still, be composed and wait for it to act. It gives you enough time to process what you have to do as a response to what they want to do.
Playing Dead Is a Death Wish!
Well, playing dead in front of a bear may leave you dead eventually! Once a bear has decided to attack and maul you into shreds, there is nothing in this world that will stop them from doing just that! However, to avoid death or massive injury, you should lay while facing down on the ground. You must then spread your legs and cover your neck with clasped hands. Assuming you have a backpack on your back, the bear may launch an attack on you that may not end up being fatal. Do not move until you can’t hear its movements anymore. At that point, you can move or call for help if possible. Watch out for black bears specifically. They are known to be very aggressive.
In Case of An Encounter, Never Run!
Do not be fooled by their sizes! These large creatures can run at a speed of 40km/h. There is no need to scamper away from them should you come face to face with them. Yes, that may be the expected, knee-jerk reaction and the first thought that comes to your mind. It is, however, an awful idea. They are also relatively good at swimming. So if you think diving your way into safety is a practical solution, you are done with it! You may ask, how about climbing onto trees? They can climb trees as well. In a nutshell, running away should not be the first “bright” idea that rings in your head. You should instead stand still and hope it goes away.
Speak In a Calm Voice
Speaking is important so that you create enough voice for a bear to be alert of your presence. In regards to noise and voice, it is advisable to use your voice to shout and make noises. One helpful option you can use is a bell bear or whistles, especially if you are frightened and can’t make the noises. However, using your voice and varying the tone and volume is also a better option. Once a bear picks up on this signal, they would not keep approaching the direction you are. They will divert and likely go away.
Be Careful with Food
The scent of food will almost always draw bears to the spot that you are camping at. This is why you should cook away from where your tent is located. You most definitely do not want these creatures to find out where you and your friends are sleeping for the night. You should also store all your food away from your camping site during the night. Find a suitable spot away from your camping site. A good way is to put your food in plastic material and hang it some distance away from your tents and some distance away from the tree’s trunk.
Final Thoughts
These are a number of important bear safety tips to be aware of before camping in the wild. Remember that making noises with a bear bell and carrying pepper spray is important. However, it’s also important to make sure that you know about how bears think so that you can stay safe on your adventure.
