Tips for Hiking in Bear Country

With big, impressive mountains come many threats, even to the most casual visitor. Bears, while a rare sight in most places, are a present threat you should be aware of if you’re hiking in bear country. Places like British Columbia, Alaska and Montana, for example, are places where you’ll need to take precautions to stay safe.

First, know where you’re hiking and whether bears may be encountered. Then, educate yourself about how to stay safe. This includes:

1. Making noise as you hike, including talking or carrying a bear bell
2. Never getting between — or too close to — a baby bear and its mother
3. Keeping dogs on a leash at all times
4. Carrying bear spray
5. Never looking a bear in the eyes
6. Never turning your back to a bear
7. Not leaving trash in the woods
8. Putting all food and other scented items, including toothpaste and deodorant, in a special bear canister so a curious bear cannot access it

For more information on staying safe in bear country, visit the Washington Trails Association’s How to Hike in Bear Country page, The American Bear Association’s Camping & Hiking in Black Bear Country page and the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center’s bear safety page.