Be Bear aware

Please learn from our mistakes! You have most likely viewed many of our hiking videos where we say, “Oops! Forgot the bear spray – oh well!”  What you don’t know is that many times we have cut our hikes short because, as we hiked deeper into the beautiful mountain surroundings, we realized that we were going more and more off the beaten path onto trails that were not well traveled and truly venturing into bear country.

Recently (June 2021), there was a bear attack in Ovando, MT, where a 65-year-old adventurous woman was fatally mauled by a grizzly bear when she was camped outside the town’s museum. This incident happened while we were camped about 100 miles from Ovando. This tragedy caused us to really think about how we have been way too nonchalant about bear safety. 

There are many wonderful resources to help you learn to be more bear aware. This resource is specifically for RV campers and day-time hikers. More in-depth information regarding backcountry hikers and hunters can be found online.

So, let’s talk about two scenarios:
1. Bear aware while in your campsite
2. Bear aware while taking a day-hike on well traveled trails

Be aware of “SMELLIES”
What are smellies?  You might be surprised at what might attract a bear.  These can be as simple as: chapstick, lotion, gum, breath mints, dental floss, etc.

Some other “SMELLIES” would include:

1. Dish water – this is like yummy soup to a bear.  They like all the bits of food left in the pan along with the grease and other flavorings. You prepared a delicious bear soup, and you didn’t even know it!

2. Garbage. Don’t store your garbage outside (like we used to do). Bring it inside your camper or dispose of it in a bear safe refuse container.

3. Outside griddle – who doesn’t love to set up their Blackstone or other type of BBQ griddle and leave it up for future use? We sure like this convenience, but it is not a good idea in bear country. Even if you clean the griddle the bear has such a great sense of smell that they can still tell what you had for dinner and may want some for themselves! Clean your griddle and store it back in your RV or tow vehicle.  Don’t store it in the back of your truck with a soft-shell cover. We have seen these soft-shell covers ripped to shreds from a bear going for those tantalizing scents under the cover. 

What do you do if a bear and her cubs come wandering through the campground?

1. We have seen too many videos of people thinking that they are in a zoo and come running way to close, with camera in hand, to get that “once in a lifetime” photo. It may be the last photo you take! 

2. Go back to your RV or tow vehicle and view this magestic creature from afar.  Let’s give them the respect that they deserve. Remember, we are in their habitat. We are just visiting and don’t want to ruin their lives and/or their habitat by socializing them to humans.

Bear Aware While Hiking – How to stay safe

1. Hike in groups of 2 or more.
2. Stay on the trail whenever possible.
3. Make noise: Sing, talk, and/or wear a bell of some sort. Try to make sure that a bear in the area can hear you coming. Bears are typically shy and don’t really want to interact with humans.
4. Hike with your head on a swivel. Don’t just look down and watch your feet. Don’t wear earbuds and listen to music or a podcast. Be aware of your surroundings. Enjoy nature and all she has to offer.

Carry bear spray and know how to use it

1. Bear spray has an expiration date. Make sure that yours has not expired.
2. Bear spray is typically much more effective than a gun for the casual hiker.

Wear your bear spray appropriately. It should be held in a holster at the front of your waist or in a holster strapped across the front of your chest. It is not useful for the bear spray to be inside your backpack or at the back of your waist. You need to be able to access it in a moment’s notice. 

How do you use bear spray? Take some time to practice.
1. Practice taking it out of your holster
2. Practice taking the safety clip off
3. Hold the can firmly in front of you – but don’t discharge the spray.
4. Aim low as the bear will be running on all-fours and you don’t want to spray over the top of the bear
5. Use a Z-pattern as you aim
6. Use a 3-4 second burst. You will then be able to spray again if necessary.

In a real-life bear encounter situation - www.igbconline.org
1. Have the spray in your hand when you first see a bear.
2. Stand your ground. Running away may trigger the bear’s instinct to chase.
3. Remove the safety cap or clip. Hold the can up and ready.
4. At 25-30 ft, or more if the bear is approaching fast, spray for 2-3 seconds. Aim directly in front of the bear’s head and a little downward.  When the bear reaches the cloud, it will feel the spray.
5. If the bear continues to approach, then spray again.
6. Try to shoot downward if possible.
7. Monitor the bear’s activities, and do not turn your back on the bear for any reason.
8. When the bear retreats, continue to watch it and move away slowly.
9. Contrary to widespread misunderstanding, do not play dead unless a bear actually knocks you down. However, if a calm bear deliberately approaches, stalks you, or breaks into a tent, fight back by hitting it with objects, punching or kicking.

BE BEAR AWARE!

This is a small amount of information that will hopefully help to keep you informed, safe and confident while camping and/or hiking in bear country.