If you are planning to go camping or hiking in a national park in Canada, you have to know that there’s a huge probability that you are visiting a bear territory. Canada is a bear country, with Yellowstone as one of the areas that still has a huge population of grizzly bears.

Bears are usually shy around humans; thus, they quickly get out of people’s way. But if bears can find food at campsites, they might decide to visit the campsite and steal the food. This is when they pose a real threat. If you are visiting a bear country, you need tao be wary of bear encounters. Respect these animals and learn how to properly behave around them to avoid dangerous and possibly fatal encounters.

bears

Tips For Storing Food When Camping

Bears are constantly looking for food; thus, if you are camping or hiking, it is best to properly store the food to avoid inviting these majestic creatures. Don’t think that a zip lock bag alone can do the trick of keeping a hungry bear away. Although it can successfully keep the pesky bugs out, it won’t deter bears.

For this reason, it is advisable to store food inside food canisters. This type of storage can reduce the scent of food. In addition, even if a bear manages to track down the scent, he won’t be able to get the food that’s stored inside. It is crucial not to let bears taste human food because there’s a huge possibility that they may turn very aggressive.

Choosing A Safe Location

You should be aware of your surroundings when camping or hiking in bear country, says YellowstoneBearWorld.com. You should think of the places where bears might visit. For instance, black bears usually eat berries, nuts, or fish; therefore, you should avoid a berry patch or a fish-filled stream. It is best to avoid places where bears are known to be and be extra sensitive to your surroundings. Doing so will help lower your risk of encountering this wildlife.

Close Encounters: What To Do

If you saw a bear, do your best to avoid it. Make a wide detour or immediately leave the bear once you see him at a distance. In addition, you should also let the animal avoid you as well. If you cannot avoid the encounter with the bear, wait until he starts to move out of your path and stay calm. Keep in mind that bear attacks are rare, there is a huge possibility that you are not in danger. Panic will only worsen your situation. Remember the following:

  • Don’t run: You need to know that most bears can run as fast as a horse. In addition, avoid sudden movement. A scream or a sudden move may trigger a bear’s aggressive behavior.
  • Don’t aggravate the bear: This means you should avoid throwing anything at the animal. Doing so will only provoke an attack.
  • Look for signs of aggression: You should observe the bear’s behavior. Is he snapping his jaws together? Is he making weird or “whoofing” sounds? Or is he keeping his head down?

The best thing you can do is to always think that the bear is aggressive. If the bear is not displaying signs of aggressive, retreat slowly back and talk in soft tones. If the bear starts to sniff the air, it is trying to identify what you are. Keep calm, stay still, and speak in a low, monotone voice.

These are just a few tips to stay safe while visiting bear country. Generally, bears are not a threat and they deserve to be respected. Keep in mind that these animals are part of the ecosystem and they deserve protection. With proper knowledge and cooperation, bears and humans can co-exist.

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Kris Bennette is a wildlife advocate who aims to raise awareness regarding wildlife preservation.