Brooks Falls -
Katmai National Park, Alaska
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  Because some bears, as a result of their interaction with human kind, can become very skillful at finding and eating human food. They may develop into "problem bears", as referred to by authorities and lay people alike. Which often may lead to punitive action by authorities including relocation & occasionally and unfortunately the bears ultimate demise.

"A fed bear is a dead bear".

  Here is some basic information, on proper back country bear (Make that human) etiquette.

   

R.T. Arnold

  Having Backpacked hundreds of trail miles in the Sierras, and large portions of the Yosemite back country.

  The best information I have found, through my extensive research and practical wilderness experience including several, face to face, first hand encounters, suggests that most bears (Specifically Black Bears) are mainly hungry opportunists, just looking for a few "easy" calories to sustain them through their long winter hibernation period.

  Pay particular attention if you may be in an area where Brown Bears or Polar Bears may be found, as these species are known to present a higher risk of danger to humans.

  Remember that bears represent the top of the local food chain, including HUMANS. It's their home; you're visiting. I hope the following tips help you behave like a proper guest.

The best rule of thumb is
" KEEP YOUR DISTANCE"
and they will reciprocate.
Do's:

Proper food storage is essential.

• Do plan ahead obtain and carry "Bear Spray" learn the proper way to use it!
  
• Do read your wilderness permits about local conditions.
  
• Do use only approved methods of food storage.
  
• Do some homework on proper food storage techniques. & buy or rent a bear can if backpacking.
  
• Do store your garbage & toilet items with your food in separate containers and use an approved method of storage Ie. a bear can.
  
• Do use "bear boxes" in camp sites or "cans" when in the backcountry or while camping in the widerness (Now required in Yosemite.) or try the cables/poles available in the more popular wilderness camping sites.
  
  
• Do follow the written instructions in your Wilderness Permit and information package for proper storage techniques. When obtaining your wilderness permits, ask local authorities what the requirements are in the areas you'll be seeing.
  
• Do speak to the local rangers about bear activity in the area you plan to visit. These people have the information you need, listen carefully and follow their directions.
  
• Do where ever possible prepare all meals well away from your camps sleeping area, at least 100 ft.
  
• Do speak to the local rangers first & where permitted, carry pepper spray if they advise you. Information on pepper spray.
• Do learn how to proplerly use bear spray.

  FAQ's
  Ask A Bear:
  Will Backcountry Sex Attract A Bear?

• Backpacker Bear Survival Guide

• Hiking While Menstruating?

Short answer: No. There is no evidence to suggest that bears are attracted to menstruating women. Many moons ago, on August 13, 1967, two women were attacked in Glacier National Park by grizzlies and there was speculation about menstruation being the cause. Many subsequent studies confirmed that there is no link. Bottom line: Bears are much more attracted to the smell of your peanut butter and chicken a la king, than your period.

The Truth About Bears: The Skills (Backpacker Magazine)
Bottom Line Carry Pepper Spray!

Excellent Source for
"PEPPER SPRAY"

BACKPACKER MAGAZINE MR BEAR ARCHIVES!

                 Don'ts:

• Don't try to get a "closer look" by approaching a bear.
  
• Never try to corner a bear for any reason.
  
• Never attempt to feed a wild bear. (Or any wild animals). Remember a fed bear is a dead bear!
  
• Never leave your food unattended or stored improperly, for even the briefest of times, (i.e. your backpack or food sack).
  
• Don't and don't leave excess food in your vehicle. Prepare any food, or leave any garbage or items with strong odors, (i.e. toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, fishing tackle, bait etc.) in or around your campsite.
  
• Don't keep snacks in your tent, even gum.
  
• Wherever possible particularly in Yosemite, use the food lockers provided & never store food in your vehicle. If you must leave food in your vehicle put it in the trunk or cover it. Generally out of sight is out of mind. (Some areas even this won't be sufficient)

 Do's:

Keep a cool head at all times

Don'ts:

• Don't try to get a "closer look" by approaching a bear. Particularly if attempting a photo opportunity.(Use a zoom lens.)
  
• Don't turn your back or run. (You'll look like food)!
  
  
• Never try to recover your food from a bear once they have gotten into it.

• Again try to keep a cool head at all times.
  
• Yell for help, it may be closer than you think.
  
• If you're in a group stand close together to apear as large and imposing as possible.
  
• Stand your ground some bears may try a "Bluff Charge".
  
  
• If the bear continues to approach this is a good time to throw a good sized rock or stick toward the bear.


• Lastly only as a last resort, stop drop and cover your neck just like the civil defense drill you learned in school.
  
• Most of your vitals are easier to get to from the front so stay on your stomach. Roll back to your stomach if the bear turns you over and lie flat. If you have a backpack on that can help protect your vitals.
  
• If the bear persists, and only as a last resort, resist with all your might. Try to grab a stick or a rock, a knife or whatever you have, and fight for your life. Your survival could depend on your fiercenes.
  
• How to Escape From a Bear
• How to survive a black bear attack

FOOD STORAGE IN YOSEMITE N.P.

Bear Facts for Yosemite National Park

Please read this article
written by one of the world's formost authorities
on bear behavior.

Bear Hibernation

Bears average only 1 breath per minute with a heart rate of 8-10 beats per minute in hibernation.

Follow these links to learn more
about bears & behavior.