Camping in bear country

Bears are opportunistic eaters, always on the lookout for more food. They have 100 times more smell receptors in their noses that we humans have and can detect food from very long distances away.

Your campsite and camping experience should be much safer and happier if you follow basic bear camping safety:

FOOD

	Keep any food or beverage items unavailable to bears at all times. Keep food locked up.
	NEVER store food in your tent.
	Coolers, soft-sided trailers, tents, boxes & cans are not bear-resistant.
	Remove garbage to bear-resistant bin immediately.
	If you are storing food by hanging it from a tree, remember that bears can often reach 9 feet without jumping. Food and backpacks need to be hung at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from any vertical support.
	Don’t sleep in your tent in clothes you cooked in nor have cooking clothes in your tent.
	Store pet food the same as human food and keep pets (dogs) restrained.

COOKING

	Be aware that cooking odors attract bears.
	Be sure your cooking area is at least 100 metres from your sleeping area.
	Clean all cooking utensils & dishes well. Dispose of dish wash water far from your tent.
	Grease should be collected in a container and put in bear-resistant bin right away.
	Wash hands and face after cooking or eating.
	Do not burn food garbage as this attracts bears.

SITE

	Keep your site odor-free and clean! Perfumes and other odorous things attract bears.
	Choose an area away from trails, berry patches, streams or carcasses.
	Be considerate of the next people to arrive. Remove all food and refuse when leaving.
	Use a designated camping area.

PERSONAL SAFETY

	Keep bear spray with you and know how/when to properly use and store it.
	When walking around at night carry a flashlight and bear spray.
	Never approach or feed any bear or wildlife at any time.

 

Bear Safety at Home

Hiking/Biking in Bear Country

Camping in Bear Country

There are many good resources in books and websites, see our Resources page.