If you visit bear country (for example, Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Parks), the chance is moderately high that you will see bear activity. Incidents involving human-bear conflicts are rare, but it did happen as reported here.  There are some things to remember to keep you and the bears safe. Please keep the risks of an encounter in perspective. However, do not let fear of an encounter deter you from hiking, exploring, and having fun in any national park.

When Hiking:

• 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.

Using Bear Spay:

• 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.

Encountering a Bear:

• 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.

Leaving No Trace in Bear Country:

• 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.

Credit Goes to...

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.