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.

  • Food storage options:

    • Bear boxes

    • Hard-sided vehicles (car, truck, RV). Avoid leaving attractants in vehicles for extended periods of time (backcountry trips).

    • IGBC-certified bear resistant containers

    • Temporary electric fencing (PDF)

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