Bears are a reality in most North American wilderness. Proper food storage and behavior keeps both you and bears safe. A fed bear often becomes a dead bear, so your practices have lasting consequences.
Know Your Bears
| Species | Range | Temperament | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bear | Most of US | Generally timid | 150-400 lbs |
| Grizzly/Brown Bear | Alaska, Rockies, Cascades | More aggressive | 300-800 lbs |
Most encounters are with black bears, which are usually scared of humans.
Food Storage Methods
| Method | Weight | Effectiveness | Required In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear canister | 2-3 lbs | Best | Sierra, parts of Rockies, many national parks |
| Ursack | 8 oz | Very good | Where canisters not required |
| Bear hang (PCT method) | Rope only | Good (when done right) | General backcountry |
| Bear boxes (provided) | 0 | Best | Some campgrounds |
Bear Canisters
- Required in many areas
- Approved models only (check regulations)
- Store 4-6 days of food
- Also protect from rodents
Ursacks
- Kevlar bag bears can't tear open
- Must tie to tree properly
- Lighter than canister
- Not allowed everywhere
Bear Hang (PCT Method)
The PCT method is more effective than the counterbalance:
- Find branch 20+ feet up, sturdy but not climbable
- Attach carabiner to food bag
- Throw rope over branch
- Pull bag up to branch
- Tie off to tree trunk with stick
Distance: 10+ feet from trunk, 5+ feet below branch, 12+ feet off ground
What to Store
Anything scented goes in the bear protection:
- All food (including wrappers)
- Toiletries (toothpaste, sunscreen, lip balm)
- First aid items with odors
- Trash
- Cookware (in some areas)
Don't store food in your tent. Ever.
Campsite Layout
Wind Direction →
[Cooking Area] ← 200ft → [Sleeping Area] ← 200ft → [Food Storage]
Triangle layout puts distance between sleeping, cooking, and food storage.
Preventing Encounters
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Make noise while hiking | Surprise bears |
| Cook away from tent | Store food in pack/tent |
| Store scented items properly | Leave food unattended |
| Stay alert near water/berries | Approach cubs |
| Travel in groups | Hike alone at dawn/dusk in bear country |
During an Encounter
Black Bear
- Stay calm, don't run
- Make yourself big
- Speak firmly
- Back away slowly
- If it attacks: fight back (rare, usually defensive)
Grizzly Bear
- Stay calm, don't run
- Avoid eye contact
- Back away slowly
- If it charges: usually a bluff
- If contact: play dead (lie on stomach, protect neck)
- If attack continues: fight back
Bear Spray
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | More effective than firearms |
| Range | 20-30 feet |
| Duration | 7-9 seconds of spray |
| Carry location | Hip or chest, not in pack |
| Expiration | 2-4 years |
Practice deploying before you need it.
What To Do If a Bear Gets Your Food
- Do not approach or try to recover food
- Make noise to scare bear off from distance
- Report to ranger station
- Do not feed bears as "compensation"
- Adjust plans if food supply is compromised