Sharing a habitat with a bear can be thrilling but also nerve-wracking. The best approach to this coexistence is to understand that bears are driven by the natural instinct to find food, shelter and protect their young. Be alert and always keep an eye on food to prevent a bear from approaching.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Keep Bears Away While Hiking
Step 1. Learn to identify bears before you leave
The black ones and the grizzlies get away with different deterrents. Stay alert and avoid finding yourself between a bear and her cub.
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A black bear can actually be that color, or have a brown or cinnamon-colored coat. It is usually smaller in build, has pointed ears and no hump.
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Grizzly bears are brown, light brown, or even slightly silvery. It has a hump on its back and a flattened snout with rounded ears. When adult it is bigger than a black bear.
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Step 2. Buy a bear-proof container to keep food
Bears have a rather developed sense of smell and are always on the lookout for food in the summer and fall.
Step 3. Bring anti bear spray with you
It is a type of pepper spray that has a 30-foot spray. Only used when the bear charges in your direction.
- Keep the spray handy. Learn how it works before you need to use it.
- Activate it when the animal is 12 meters away from you.
- Never use it as a preventative measure. It is quite powerful and should not be sprayed on your equipment.
Step 4. Speak aloud as you walk
Grizzlies and black bears always avoid high-pitched sounds. Bear bells usually don't work well, but "human" volume is needed.
- Never hike alone in an area where there are bears. If you don't want to talk, bring a radio and tune it to a broadcast.
- Bears tend to approach those who are alone rather than a group of people.
Step 5. If you see a bear on the path, don't run
They are fast animals, they can even reach 50 km / h. They can also follow you up a tree or into the water.
Step 6. Walk with the wind in your favor
The bear will smell you and keep away. If you haven't hidden your food in an airtight bear-proof container, it could be a drawback though.
Step 7. Speak in a loud, confident tone with your arms outstretched to push the bear away
Don't look him in the eye and try to make noise.
Step 8. The best deterrent is to avoid surprising the bear
He may get up on his hind legs to get a better look at you, but it's best to stay confident and stand up straight.
- If a puppy is attacking you, you may be able to counter it.
- If a grizzly attacks you, get into a fetal position. Keep your hands clasped behind your back. If the bear realizes that you are a threat or dead, it may leave.
- Remember that bear attacks are rare.
Method 2 of 3: Keep Camping Bears Away
Step 1. Keep food away from the tent
You have to make sure that the bear does not associate with eating. It is dangerous for people and could lead to the death of the bear itself.
Also keep toothpaste, creams and deodorants safe, which often smell like food
Step 2. Prepare the bonfire and cooking area at least 100 meters from the tent
Keep the clothes you cooked in just as far away.
Step 3. Buy a sturdy, bear-proof plastic basket to hold food
It is always better than not hanging them in the anti bear bag. Eat canned and dried stuff to minimize odor.
Step 4. If you see bear droppings, change your camping area
Step 5. Hang the Bear Bag 3 meters off the ground and 12 meters from a tree
You will need some rope to do this.
Step 6. If you notice a bear in the area, make a noise with pots and pans
Leave the area if there is more than one and it is still daylight. Don't go out on a hike at night or you might bump into one of them.
Method 3 of 3: Keep Bears Away From Home
Step 1. Buy bear-proof garbage cans
They cost more, from 120 to 250 euros, but their special closure will prevent the bears from finding an extra source of food. Keep the bins indoors until you decide to empty them to reduce the odor.
According to a study, human garbage is the cause of 70% of the confrontations between bears and humans
Step 2. Cut down the fruit trees
They are a source of food and bears can even travel 100km to exploit it. If you want to keep the trees, harvest the fruit before it matures or as soon as it is ready.
If you live in an area close to a bear habitat and there are a lot of fruit trees, arrange something to get people to pick the fruit. If you don't put bears in a position to get close to other people's trees, they are unlikely to get to you
Step 3. Remove the bird feeders
Bears are omnivores and love seeds. The black ones are excellent climbers so hanging the feeders on the trees does not eliminate the risk of a visit.
If you still want to keep the feeders, place them at least 3 meters from the ground and 180 cm from other trees
Step 4. Clean the grill after each use
The drops that collect when cooking meat are quite attractive to bears.
Step 5. Leave a radio on on a loud broadcast when you are not around
Keep it in the garden. Bears prefer to stay away from noise because they think it's a sign of another large animal nearby.
Step 6. Install electric gates around beehives and fences
As desperate as the bears must be to attack homes and these two food sources, better not take the risk.
Step 7. Use ammonia and bleach to clean the garbage cans around the house
They give off a smell that repels bears. Leaving a sturdy container with some diluted ammonia inside the bins or near the compost can help.
- Even better, if you live in a risk area, avoid composting.
- Clean your recycling bins or keep them indoors.
Step 8. Never leave food outside
You could trigger a bear "return" process in constant search for food.
Step 9. Close the area under porches and porches in winter
Reinforce the doors of cabins and chalets. Bears sometimes enter summer homes using them as a den, especially if they are sure there are no people.
