How to avoid bears when hiking? The Smokey Bear program is an iconic symbol of wildfire safety. But it also serves as a warning to visitors about the dangers that await you at national parks a friendly wooden bear wearing sunglasses and holding up his hat can be seen outside every entrance into these protected areas, ready for any emergency situation (or just looking awesome).
A 400-pound grizzly might not sound too threatening on paper; however, if this animal attacks someone or something else in its path there’s no doubt it would kill them with ease. As mentioned before, bears who have violent encounters usually end. Hikers are usually safe when they follow these tried-and-true strategies for avoiding bears.
But, none can guarantee that you will avoid a close encounter with the wild animals; however, these steps may help keep your chances higher and make it more likely that you won’t come across as prey in their eyes.
Few Things You Can Do To Avoid Bears When Hiking
There are a few things you can do to avoid bears when hiking:
- Keep An Eye Out For Bear Signs
The most common type of bear track is the Grizzly. This massive animal has curved claws that can measure up to four inches long, and their prints will typically leave deep impressions on soft earth or snow with their weight causing them not only to walk but also dig into whatever surface they’re crossing over when searching for food (or maybe even just exploration). The next time you go hiking be sure to keep your eyes peeled because if there’s one thing we know about bears it’s this- THEY HIDE THEIR TRACKS!!
Bears leave large tubular piles of poop, while deer are more likely than not pellets that stick together in patterns similar looking as shot billiard balls or Jewish Teeth (you know what I mean). Pay attention to the trail and watch out for animal droppings. Fresh tracks indicate you should take another route on your hike, if there’s no evidence left behind then it may be worth going ahead with a Plano trip.
- Maintain A Clean Camp
To keep bears away from your campsite, make sure to store food items in an airtight bag or container. You can also use odor-proof bags for storing cosmetics like lotion that have strong scents so they don’t attract animal attention when you’re not using them. Bring rice noodles instead of pasta because the former won’t clutter up smellier dishes with impending expiration dates since these need no cooking before eating; dried fruit will last longer than fresh produce does but is less popular among campers due to its higher price point–although there’s no reason why everyone shouldn’t.
Store your food in a safe location and make sure that you’re not living or cooking near any of it. It may be hard, but there are steps we can take. For example: store everything at least 200 yards away from where you sleep (or even better yet – upwind), use hanging storage like this one here on our website if possible, remove all preconceived notions about whether they’ll mess with me because I’m tall/skinny, etc., wear clothes carrying identifying markers such as brightly colored tags so if something does go wrong then others will know what was taken.
- Don’t Hike Alone
There is safety in numbers, so it’s always best to hike with at least one other person. Hikes in bear country are always a gamble, but it’s better to be cautious than sorry. How to avoid bears when hiking; Sometimes the noise you make on your hike can deter animals from pursuing human prey especially if they’re used to humans making lots of commotion while out exploring nature alongside them! The more people present with similar hiking styles and habits as those who have been attacked before then-the easier said protection should become for all involved parties.
- Carry Bear Spray
This is a pepper spray designed specifically to deter bears. It can be very effective in deterring an attack and should be used as a last resort.
The way to avoid being face-to-face with a bear is not by fist fighting, but if you’re hiking in their territory then it’s best that you have some pepper spray on your belt loop.
As you head out on your hike, be sure to pack some food in case of an emergency. React calmly and graciously when faced with a bear. It’s important that they know humans are not prey. Make yourself as large as possible while still being safe back away slowly if need be until things have settled down again then call pest control services or wait for authorities who will come from miles away just because we live surrounded by nature’s wonders here at home.
- Recognize Bear Country
Regulations and management strategies have been put in place to help protect people from bears, but they are not foolproof. The most active U.S national parks for bear-related deaths – including Glacier National Park which recorded its first human killed by a black lab last year – are striking evidence that even with precautions taken there will always be some risk involved when visiting these areas or any other natural space where wildlife might residence
The average number per year since 1900 has been 1971 however this figure can vary depending on location because not all states report every incident; we estimate around 40 deaths were prevented between 2000 – and 2009.
Conclusion
Sadly, no amount of preparation can guarantee how to avoid bears when hiking. So always make sure to have protection. If you do encounter a bear, the best thing to do is to stay calm and avoid any sudden movements. Try to back away slowly and make yourself as small as possible. If the bear does attack, use your bear spray and aim for the face. Fight back with everything you have to defend yourself and try to get away as quickly as possible.
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