Safety in Bear Country
#1 question we’re all thinking but don’t always ask when recreating in the mountains. What do we do about bears?! They're out there but more often than not you will see only signs of their presence. They don’t want to see you and if they can hear you coming they’re going to get out of the way. Always keep your distance from wild animals and do not approach them.
The greater Glacier and Yellowstone Ecosystems are home to both black bears and grizzly bears. This gives you the opportunity to spot both these special animals while visiting. Grizzlies were once on the endangered list but today are making a comeback. Due to conservation efforts today Grizzly populations in the lower 48 exist in and around Yellowstone and Glacier National Park.
What You Should Do When Hiking in Bear Country:
Make noise. You especially want to make noise when approaching blind corners or in dense vegetation where bears may not notice your presence from afar.
Hike with a group. Groups tend to make noise and humans are more intimidating to a bear in a group.
Carry bear spray (paid link*) and more importantly KNOW how to use it. What is bear spray? Essentially it’s a very large pepper spray. Bear spray is useless if it is not immediately accessible while you are hiking. Its recommended that you keep it on your belt or the chest straps of your pack. Be sure and watch a how to video before going out.
Bear spray can be purchased outside of the park or rented in Yellowstone. Remember you cannot fly with bear spray!
Be aware of your surroundings. Look around and pay attention. Always follow the National Parks recommendations such as staying 100 yards away from wildlife.
Keep a clean campsite. Don't leave any food or trash unsupervised. This includes having trash in open beds of trucks, leaving car windows down or outside your RV door waiting to be taken out.
What Not to Do when Hiking in Bear Country:
Buy a bear bell. Bear bells are not loud enough. While bears have an excellent sense of smell their hearing is similar to ours. It's also speculated that it is not a noise bears associate with humans enough to scare them off.
Play loud music
This is inconsiderate to other hikers
Does not scare off bears.
You can't hear what's around you. If your music is too loud you may not have any warning if someone or something is coming up behind you.
Leave your trash anywhere but campground dumpsters and in the RV. Pack it in pack it out.
Ignore trailhead warnings about wildlife or closure signs. These signs are thoughtfully placed and should not be disregarded.
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