Ways to keep bears away and stay safe:
• Store all food properly. Keep food locked in your vehicle’s trunk or at least 100 feet from your tent. Never store food inside your tent — bears can smell a candy bar even if it’s zipped inside a suitcase.
• Keep food close while eating. When you’re cooking or eating, keep all food within arm’s reach. As soon as you’re finished, put everything away immediately.
• If a bear appears, stay put. Do not run. Bears are known to chase anything that flees. Stand your ground and defend your camp.
• Make yourself look tough. Stay together in a tight group. Yell, stomp, wave your arms, and throw rocks if needed. You want to appear loud and intimidating.
• Avoid direct eye contact. Bears may interpret a hard stare as a challenge.
• Carry bear spray. Pepper spray can deter most bears, but be aware that some may return after the spray wears off. Use it only if necessary.
• If a bear takes your food, let it go. Do not chase the bear. Food can be replaced — you cannot.
• Dispose of trash properly. Use designated bear‑proof containers and remove all garbage from your campsite. Bears love the smell of soda and beer (yes, really).
Additional Tips for Staying Safe Around Bears:
• Cook and eat at least 100 feet from your sleeping area. Food smells linger on clothing and gear, so keeping your cooking area separate reduces the chance of attracting a bear to your tent.
• Change clothes after cooking. If you cooked bacon, burgers, or anything greasy, don’t sleep in those clothes. Store them with your food.
• Keep scented items out of your tent. This includes deodorant, toothpaste, gum, chapstick, sunscreen, lotion, and even baby wipes. Bears don’t know the difference between “food smell” and “nice smell.”
• Make noise while hiking. Talk, clap, or shuffle your feet so you don’t surprise a bear. Most bears avoid humans if they hear you coming.
• Watch for bear signs. Fresh tracks, overturned logs, claw marks on trees, or scat mean a bear may be nearby. Move calmly out of the area.
• Keep pets leashed. A loose dog can provoke a bear and then run back to you for protection, bringing the bear with it.
• Never approach cubs. If you see a cub, leave immediately. The mother is always close, and she will defend her young aggressively.
• Store coolers out of sight. Even empty coolers smell like food to a bear. Keep them locked in a vehicle or covered.
• Don’t leave cookware out. Pots, pans, grills, and utensils all hold food scent. Wash and store them right after use.
• Respect posted warnings. If a campground or trail has bear‑activity alerts, take them seriously. Bears often return to the same food sources.