Bear country safety

Bears don’t want to attack you.
Most incidents happen when a bear is surprised.

That’s why your behavior matters more than anything.

🐻 How to Stay Safe in Bear Country

• Always carry bear spray — and keep it easily accessible (not buried in your backpack)

• Make noise while hiking — talk, sing, or chat with your partner

• Move in a way that lets wildlife know you’re there

💡 Locals often take this even further—some carry firearms. That alone tells you how seriously bear safety is taken here.

In some areas, especially in Canada, you’ll see warning signs about grizzly bears. Sometimes it’s just RECOMMENDED to hike in groups of 4 or more … and in certain places, it’s actually MANDATORY. Ignoring this rule can result in a hefty fine — and more importantly, puts both you and wildlife at risk.

What NOT to do

You might know bear bells, but do not use them, they’re often jokingly called “dinner bells.”

Why?
Because the sound is unnatural, unfamiliar, and can actually make bears curious rather than scared. Stick to natural human noise instead.

If You Encounter a Bear

Stay calm. This is not the moment to panic.

• Speak in a calm, steady voice

• Slowly back away (never run, never turn your back in a bear direction)

• Have your bear spray ready—with the safety off

Your goal is simple -> Let the bear know you’re human, not prey, and give it space.

Camping & Food Safety

If you’re sleeping outdoors (or in your car), food storage is absolutely crucial. Use:

• Bear boxes (commonly found at campsites, especially in Canada)

• Bear canisters (common in the U.S. — you’ll need your own or can rent one at ranger stations)

You’ll usually get specific instructions when booking your campsite.

• Store everything with a scent inside:

  • food

  • toothpaste

  • sunscreen

  • cosmetics

Even sealed items still smell—wildlife has an incredibly sensitive nose.

Zip-lock bags help reduce odor, but they’re only a basic layer—not a full solution.

Never leave food unattended.
If a bear gets used to human food, it often has to be euthanized.
So this isn’t just about your safety—it’s about protecting wildlife too.