Bears

Bears: Avoidance Is the Best Defense

When it comes to bears, the best way to stay safe is simple: avoid them entirely. Whether you’re camping in the backcountry, hiking near civilization, or living on a rural homestead, minimizing your chances of encountering a bear is the surest way to prevent a dangerous situation. Once a bear is close enough to notice you, you’ve already lost the advantage.

Don’t Try to Fight a Bear

Never try to scare off, corner, or fight a bear. Even a small black bear can outweigh you by hundreds of pounds and move faster than a racehorse over short distances. Firearms are not a guaranteed defense—many bear attacks become worse when a wounded bear charges in pain and rage. Unless you are a trained and experienced bear hunter, your best weapon is distance and awareness. Bear spray, used correctly, is far more effective for the average camper than any gun.

Know Your Environment

Before heading out, learn what bear species inhabit your region—black bears, grizzlies, or brown bears—and understand their habits. Bears are most active during dawn and dusk, especially in spring and fall when food is scarce. Check local reports for sightings or advisories before venturing into known bear country.

Who do you go to for advice?  Start with the US Forest Service, National Parks Service, state wildlife agencies, or even local law informant agencies to ask about bears (and other dangerous animals) that might be in your area.

Store Food Properly

Bears have an incredible sense of smell—up to seven times stronger than a bloodhound. Store all food, garbage, and scented items in bear-proof containers or hang them at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from any tree trunk. Cooking and sleeping areas should be at least 100 yards apart to prevent drawing curious visitors to your tent.

Make Noise and Be Aware

When hiking, make deliberate noise by talking, singing, or clapping. This alerts bears to your presence so they can avoid you first. Most bear encounters happen when hikers surprise a bear at close range. Carry bear spray where it’s accessible—not buried in a pack—and know how to use it.

Keep a Clean Camp

Scents attract bears. Clean cookware thoroughly, dispose of greywater away from camp, and never leave food scraps behind. Even toothpaste, deodorant, or canned beverages can lure an inquisitive bear. The cleaner your site, the less likely you’ll have a nighttime visitor.

When it comes to deodorant, a friend of mine during my youth was on a scout trip to Philmont and his tentmate put on deodorant before going to sleep at night in his tent on the trail. He was attacked by a bear. Somehow he survived, but he had significant injury.

Respect the Distance

If you do spot a bear, remain calm and back away slowly. Never run—it may trigger a chase response. Speak calmly so the bear knows you’re human, not prey. Keep your eyes on the animal while creating distance. Climbing a tree is not an effective escape plan; many bears climb far better than humans expect.

Why Avoidance Wins

It’s tempting to think you can outsmart or intimidate a bear, but that’s a losing strategy. Even the smallest black bear is faster and stronger than any human. Avoidance isn’t fear—it’s respect for nature’s power. A safe encounter is one that never happens, and smart planning keeps both people and bears alive to roam another day.