Getting Along with Bears

(c) 1999 PioneerPlanet / St. Paul (Minnesota) Pioneer Press

Most conflicts between humans and bears occur because the animal is searching for food or is surprised while feeding. Bears are territorial animals. Here are some tips to avoid creating problems:

What to do during encounters

• Do not run from a bear. Running may stimulate its instinct to chase, and humans cannot outrun bears.
• Stand and face the bear, make eye contact without staring and pick up small children so they do not run or panic.
• Do not climb up a tree because black bears are excellent climbers and may climb after you.
• If a bear approaches, try to demonstrate that you will not be easy prey by making yourself appear larger, raising your arms and opening your jacket.
• Yell at the bear, bang pots and pans and generally create commotion. Although behavior varies, attacks can be avoided and injuries reduced when victims fight back, such as kicking the animal if you are on the ground, throwing rocks and striking the bear with tree branches or camping gear.
• Consider carrying pepper spray or mace with your camping or hiking gear.

Keeping bears away

• Do not feed bears under any circumstances.
• Reduce garbage odors by rinsing food containers before placing them in the garbage or recycling.
• Keep meat scraps in the freezer until garbage day.
• Remove bird feeders in the spring, or remove them at night if you must continue to feed.
• Keep garbage cans in an enclosed area.
• Keep pet food and water inside. Any food draws wildlife, including bears.
• Keep barbecue grills and picnic tables clean.
• Use a fence to keep bears from beehives, sweet corn, fruit trees and berry patches.
• Barking dogs, bright lights and noise around a cabin or house will often frighten bears away.
• Walkers and hikers should wear small bells tied to their shoelaces or belts, or whistle, to warn a bear that they are nearby.
• Campers should put food and toiletries - especially toothpaste, mouthwash and lip balm, anything with a minty or food scent - into nylon bags and tie them to tree branches high off the ground. When available, use locked metal bear boxes to store items.

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