Bear Safety. Black bears are beautiful animals worthy of our respect and protection. As mankind encroaches upon their habitat, it is up to us to remember that we are stewards of the earth. We have to share the woods and forests with the bear.

If you want to protect bears, as well as yourself and your loved ones, remember to never feed bears or allow them access to food. Please don’t feed bears under any circumstances! It is essential for their survival and your safety.

Drive in / Walk in Camping Bear Safety Techniques:

• Camp where you’re supposed to, preferably away from dumpsters. • Always keep your camp clean. Wash utensils, pots and pans immediately after eating. Wash down your table thoroughly.
• Always toss garbage in the dumpster or other campground provided trash receptacle whenever leaving camp or retiring for sleep. Use bear-resistant trash receptacles.
• Never leave food or coolers out when not in use. Store food in bear-resistant storage unit, hard shelled vehicle or car trunk.
• Set up tents with space between them.
• Don’t ever eat in tents, even if bears aren’t noted as being in the area. Keep your sleeping area, tent and sleeping bag free of food and all odors.
• Don't sleep in clothes you wore while cooking.
• Keep a flashlight and bear pepper spray readily available. Know where it is.
• Keep pets on a leash.

Special Backcountry Camping Bear Safety Tips:

• Select a campsite away from berry patches, fish spawning streams and animal trails.
• Place sleeping tents at least 100 yards from food storage and cooking areas.
• Keep a flashlight and bear pepper spray readily available. Be cognizant of where they are at all times.
• Store all food (including pet food), odorous items and garbage by hanging at least 10 feet from the ground and 4 feet from top and side supports. You’ll need a rope that’s at least 20 foot long, probably longer.
• Strain food particles from dishwater. Pack everything out never bury or burn garbage.

Black Bear Encounters

Black bears should always be considered unpredictable and potentially dangerous. A black bear will usually detect your presence and flee before you notice her, unless the bear has been conditioned to people and their foods.

If a black bear is visible, but not close, get out of Dodge, calmly and stealthily. Alter your route so that you will move quietly, away from its area.

If a black bear approaches, do not run! Remain calm – don’t panic - continue facing the bear and slowly back away. If the bear continues to approach, try to group together and pick up small children. Try to scare the bear away by shouting, banging pots together, and otherwise acting aggressively. Make yourself look as big as possible.

If a black bear attacks, it is suggested to fight back aggressively – your life depends on it - using everything in your power: fists, sticks, rocks, hatchets, axes and E.P.A. registered bear pepper spray.

If a black bear charges at you, it may be trying to scare you from its territory or protect its young. If it slowly and methodically stalks you, it may be trying to eat you. Either scenario can be life-threatening.

Remember, humans got to the top of the food chain by being smart, vicious and persistent. Don’t panic. Fight like a human!

For more information on Bear Safety, download the attached .pdf document created by the National Park Service (below).

Bear Safety: Camping In Bear Country