When it comes to camping, there’s nothing more exciting than experiencing the natural feel of the great outdoors. From the calm streams, amazing landscapes, the quiet whispers of the forest, to a bear attack. Yes, you read it right. Let’s be clear; If you are in the wild, there is a chance you will have an encounter with real wildlife. Now, this can normally range from birds, rabbits, and maybe the occasional skunk, but there are times when a bear encounter is possible. Here we’ll look at how to make sure everyone is, in fact, safe in the unlikely event of a bear encounter in the wild. In this article, I have provided some important tips to avoid bear attacks while enjoying the great outdoors.
types of bears
North America is home to different species of bears, namely the black, grizzly, grizzly, and polar bear. Of these, only polar bears are interested in humans as a food source. The rest don’t normally attack you, unless you give them a reason to. Although these bears rarely attack humans for predatory purposes, and there is no need to have an irrational fear of bear attack while camping, this problem should definitely be taken seriously. You need to take certain precautions and equip yourself with the proper knowledge on how to counter a bear attack while camping in bear country; even more so, if you intend to bring children.
Safety tips to avoid a bear attack
If you plan to enter bear country, you should be prepared for the possibility of a bear attack. However, taking certain bear safety precautions when camping can prevent the risk of a face-to-mouth encounter with a bear.
before camping
Before setting up a tent at a campground, it’s important to talk to park officials about any recent bear sightings. Rangers or park officials are often knowledgeable about the characteristics and habits of individual bears in the region. This information can help you assess the relative safety of your camp.
Be sure to inspect the campground yourself for signs of bears. Crushed bushes, upturned rocks, uprooted small trees often indicate bear activity. You can also look for bear tracks, tree markings (bears often leave claw barks in trees as a sign of their territory), and their droppings.
If you find the campsite littered with food scraps or rubbish from previous campers, it’s best to leave as soon as possible. Nothing attracts bears better than the sight and smell of food.
Instead, you should opt for a campsite that offers clear visibility and is close to tall, climbable trees. Most bear attacks occur in shaded, hidden areas of the main trail. If you have to camp in a densely wooded area, be sure to make your presence known to surrounding wildlife by making a lot of noise. Starting or sneaking up on you only increases your chances of being attacked. Remember, most bear attacks happen because the animal feels scared and threatened. The fact is that they are simply defending themselves against us as much as we defend against them.
Educate everyone in your group on how they should behave in the wild. Explain the rules and regulations for camping in bear country.
during the camp
When setting up your tent, make sure it is big enough for your family and that there is space between the walls of the tent and its occupants. The bears tend to chew on anything that sticks out of the walls of the store!
It is best to cook and eat at least 100 meters away from the tent and away from the wind. Immediately clear the view where she cooked and ate. Dispose of food scraps and place all trash in bear-proof trash cans. Clean the dishes and store them in an airtight bag along with all other utensils.
Cook only what you can consume. If you must store food, put it in a plastic bag and hang it from a tree. If there are no tall trees around, layer foods in several Ziploc bags and place them in a large cooler. If your vehicle is with you at your campsite, you can also place the cooler in the truck of your car. Just remember, bears have a keen sense of smell and if they suspect food is nearby, they likely won’t rest until they find it. Preventing them from getting a scent is the real key here.
Likewise, be sure to clean up after cooking and change your clothes, as the smell of food that remains on your clothes can also attract bears. Pack your dirty clothes in airtight plastic bags or hang them from the trees, a few meters from your store.
Make sure to make a lot of noise so that the bears are aware of your presence. Since they have poor eyesight, they rely heavily on sound and smell. So, talk, laugh and clap your hands at various intervals. While there is no harm in using bells, a human voice is more likely to ward off a curious bear.
Always move in a group of 6 or more people while walking, when possible. Lone hikers are more likely to attract bears, while a large group tends to chase them away. Also, a large group is naturally loud and noisy.
When you go hiking, keep a canister of pepper spray in your backpack or pocket. Practice taking it out and spraying its contents a few times (you never know when you’ll need it, and the last thing you need is a can not working properly when you’re only inches from a bear).
Most importantly, be vigilant at all times and watch for signs of any bears around. Know and be aware of your surroundings. If something seems out of place or different, it may be a sign that a bear is in the area.
During a possible bear attack
So what do you do if you find yourself in a close encounter with a bear, despite taking all of the above precautions? should you run Never! You won’t be able to outrun a full-grown bear on any terrain, let alone in its natural habitat. So the best option for you is to stay where you are and assess the situation. This should give you enough time to think, since the bear is doing the exact same thing.
First, stay calm and try to estimate the distance between you and the bear. If you’re far enough away (say 100+ feet), start moving away from your view, without drawing too much attention to yourself. Chances are the bear hasn’t even sensed your presence, unless you’ve made it obvious.
If the bear is looking directly at you and appears to be charging in your direction, remain calm. Most of the time, he just has a bluff charge, just to scare him off. So take this opportunity to get as far away from the bear as possible without turning your back on them.
If the bear is close enough and you have nowhere to go, find a tall tree and start climbing as fast as you can. Don’t stop until you are well above 10 meters (about 30 feet) off the ground. Remember, black bears are good climbers, while brown bears can chase you up to a few meters. Additionally, they can reach a distance of 10 feet while still on the ground.
If the bear seems serious, try speaking to it in a calm voice. Of course, he won’t understand you, but a human voice can make him believe that you’re not a threat. Wave your arms frantically to show him that you are a human and not a predator. You can also pick up some sticks and hit them together. Looking as big as possible can make the bear stop wanting to interact with you.
If nothing works, get out your bear spray and start spraying. However, spray only when the bear is less than a few feet away. This will startle and disorient the bear, giving you plenty of time to escape.
If you come across a stray cub, cute and harmless as it may seem, remember that there is most likely a mother bear nearby. You should never approach or attempt to feed a bear in the wild. If you come across a female with her cubs or a pack, your chances of winning a fight against them are pretty slim. In this case, play dead and pray! Assume a fetal position on the floor and cover your neck with your hands while lying as still as possible.
Actually, in the end, your chances of running into a bear, especially an aggressive one, are very slim. However, you should prepare for every eventuality of a potential bear attack to ensure your vacation memories are bear-free. While seeing a bear can certainly add an element of excitement and excitement to your trip, just make sure that if you do see one, you enjoy it only from a very safe distance.