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A bear walking through a campsite with picnic tables.

Conservation > Bear > Bear Aware Recreating In Bear Country

Being outdoors means being with wildlife. Here's some simple advice for staying safe while exploring the outdoors and in bear country.


RECREATING - Safely exploring the outdoors

  • Carry bear spray in an accessible place and know how to use it.

  • Stay alert and look for bear activity, especially where visibility or hearing is limited (woods, bushy areas, streams)

  • Travel in a group and keep members together (especially kids).

  • Make noise whenever possible to avoid surprising a bear, especially where visibility or hearing is limited.

  • Avoid traveling at night, dawn or dusk.

  • Avoid carcass sites and scavenger concentrations.


CAMPING - Keep bears and people safe

  • Keep food and anything with a scent out of tents.

  • Dispose of garbage in bear resistant bins; otherwise, take it with you and dispose of it properly elsewhere. Do not bury or burn garbage.

  • Follow local land management agency food storage orders and properly store unattended food and anything else with a scent.


MOUNTAIN BIKERS, TRAIL RUNNERS & OHV USERS - Best practices for riding and running

  • Anyone traveling quickly (mountain biker, trail runner) can be at high risk of surprising a bear.

  • Slow down and look ahead, especially in areas of dense vegetation, berry patches, and around blind corners.

  • Ride or run in daylight and in groups.

  • Make noise! Let bears hear you, especially where visibility is limited.

  • View a video about Bear aware when riding or running in Bear country.

  • WATCH: Biking in Bear Country

 

Bear Aware While Camping

Watch as Bill Cook explains the importance of being bear safe while camping and how to avoid attracting bears to your campsite.