10 Rules to Follow in Bear Country

If you go camping in a bear country you need to follow some rules to keep out of trouble: 

1. Do not feed bears or any other wild animals. It is dangerous for you and for them, as they may get sick, but even worse than that, they may come back again and again and lose their fear of humans.At that point a bear may have to be shot.

2. Do not approach bears or other animals.Teach the kids to NEVER follow an animal into the woods.

3. Keep your pets on a leash. Bears attacked by a dog will defend themselves.

4. Dispose safely of your garbage, especially food scraps.

5. Keep garbage locked in a car for the night.

6. Wash your dishes promptly  after eating with biodegradable soap. This will decrease any food aromas.

7. Prepare as much food as possible at home. Any food preparation and cooking at your campsite produces food aromas.

8. Store food in sealed containers such as Tupperware, zip-lock bags and glass jars. Keep your food and your cooler in the car overnight or when you are away from the campsite.

9. Keep all scented cosmetics in sealed containers/bags as well. Their scent may be mistaken for food by wildlife.

10. Do not cook or eat in your tent. Bear may attack a tent  with people in it. Do not keep food in your tent, even innocent snacks. See #8.

Black bears, in general, are afraid of people and will not attack them, but if they smell food and are hungry, they will take a risk and come to you.

Grizzlies are more aggressive. See How to Survive a Grizzly Attack.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources offers a lot of good information about black bears and a Bear Wise Activity Book for children.

You can also download a colouring book for children in PDF Be Bear Aware prepared by Yukon government that teaches kids about bear safety and is fun. Even if you do not live in Yukon it has a lot of good information. You may not see a bear in your town but you may see it if you camp, and children need to be aware of what to do.

Ursus International Conservation Institute also provides a lot of good information about bears and safety.