If you’re visiting bear country—whether Yellowstone, Grand Teton, or any other wild landscape—there’s a moderate chance you’ll see signs of bear activity. Human–bear conflicts are rare, though they do happen, as reports occasionally show. The key is to stay aware and follow a few simple guidelines to keep both you and the bears safe.

It’s important to keep the risks in perspective. Don’t let the possibility of an encounter stop you from hiking, exploring, and enjoying the parks. With a bit of preparation, you can relax, stay present, and fully appreciate the beauty of these incredible places.

🖼️ A Moment in the "Living Painting"

Take my recent journey through Japan’s Nikko Senjōgahara Plateau: walking those boardwalks felt less like a hike and more like stepping onto a vast, golden canvas. The balance of breathtaking peaks and silent marshes created a living landscape painting, but as I soon learned, even the most beautiful art has a wild side. 

However, the reality of the wilderness was never far away; there had been active bear sightings reported in that exact region just days prior. As a solo traveler, the anxiety could have easily overshadowed the scenery.

Everything changed when I encountered a large group of local school students traveling the same route. The constant "chime-chime" of their bear bells and their lively, loud chatter echoing across the marsh immediately relieved my tension. Their presence was a living example of one of the best safety strategies: noise. By joining the flow of the group, I was able to stop worrying and start truly seeing the landscape.

🥾 On the Trail 

To help you find that same peace of mind, here are the essential habits to follow:

• Try to stay at least 100 yards from any bear. Never approach a bear.

• Always hike with 2 or more people, and make noise as you go (clap, whistle, talk, sing, etc.). The most effective way to avoid an encounter is to alert any bears of your presence. NEVER HIKE ALONE.

• Bear activity is highest during early morning hours and at dusk.

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings, specifically in areas with limited visibility.

• Stick to the trail.

• If you come across a carcass, stay away. At the same time, alert National Park staff ASAP.

• Ask activities desk staff about any trail closures or sensitive areas/times when hiking is not advised.

🛡️ Your Safety Shield 

• Bear spray can be an effective tool for avoiding problems after a bear is encountered, but only if it is used properly.

• Have bear spray readily available by attaching it to your belt. It needs to be ready to spray within 2 seconds, so it will do you no good inside a pack.

• When hiking or camping, have spray ready with the safety removed as soon as a bear is spotted.

• Only use the spray if the bear comes within 30 feet. At 30 feet, a warning blast should be used—put a cloud of spray between you and the bear.

• Within 20 feet, aim 2 or 3 more blasts towards the bear's face.

• Within 10 feet, aim a continuous blast at the bear's face until the bear retreats.

🐻 Respectful Encounters 

• Do not panic, stay calm and assess the situation.

• NEVER run from a bear.

• Talk to the bear in a soft tone while slowly retreating. Never turn your back to the bear and avoid eye contact.

• If a bear charges, hold your ground. If the bear comes within range, use your bear spray. Many charges are bluffs, and in such an instance continue to move away and wave your arms slowly to appear large but non-threatening.

• As you retreat, dropping a non-food item could help to distract the bear's attention away from you.

• In the rare event of an attack, lie on the ground face down with your knees tucked underneath you. Cover your neck and head with your hands and dig your toes in to avoid being rolled over.

🌍 Protecting the Landscape Painting 

• NEVER feed a bear. FED BEAR = DEAD BEAR (if a bear becomes food-conditioned, it becomes extremely dangerous to humans and will need to be destroyed).

• When outdoors, do not leave food or garbage unattended.

• Do not allow bears to access human food or garbage. Use food storage devices provided at campsites. Improper storage can result in fines, and when camping in the back country the Park Service requires use of portable storage canisters.

• Avoid odorous food when hiking and camping.

• Even products such as toothpaste can attract a bear's attention, so be sure to keep such items indoors or inside a vehicle.

• When camping, separate cooking areas and odorous materials from your campsite and keep them out of your tent.

• If you see a bear access food or garbage, alert national park staff.

💡 Inspiration & Credits 

Much of the information contained herein was taken from the following published source, and any appropriate citations and credit to the author should be assumed:

• Schneider, Bill. Bear Aware: The Quick Reference Bear Country Survival Guide. A Falcon Guide. Copyright 2004, The Globe Pequot Press.

✒️ The Closing Thought

"Ultimately, being 'Bear Aware' isn’t about living in fear; it’s about having the preparation to step back and admire the view. When we respect the wildlife, we ensure that these living landscape paintings remain vibrant and wild for every traveler who follows in our footsteps."