Keep Yourself Safe From Bears
If you are planning on backpacking in the backcountry this year, there are some bear safety considerations to take. Bears typically are not dangerous but that doesn’t mean you should not be aware and take proactive measures to keep yourself safe. One of the most dangerous situations with bears is getting between a mother and her cubs. A mother bear will hurt or kill any potential danger to her cubs that she sees. The other time when bears can be more dangerous then normal is when food is low such as just before hibernation or just after.
Many people go backpacking during the spring and fall seasons which puts them in prime times for bears to be dangerous. It is important that when you camp your food is not anywhere around where you are sleeping. One of the best ways to deal with food you pack in is to hang it from a tree. Bear bags can be purchased to help specifically with this. Bear bags are sturdy made and contain a very long rope. Bears are known to climb trees but it is most typically in response to danger.
To help bears avoid humans (since they prefer to avoid us anyway) is to wear a noise maker such as a bear bell . By wearing a bell you are less likely to stumble on a bear and startle them. Startling a bear can trigger an attack so it is best to avoid startling them. Bear spray can be a life saver if you are ever charged or attacked by a bear. Make sure to get some training with this before you decide to carry it. Bascially bear spray is a very beefed up version of pepper spray.
Odds are you will not have problems with bear when you go out. That being said it is not worth the risk to assume they would never attack. A little bit of preparation you can fully enjoy your backpacking while staying safe.
About the author
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Terry Russell has been online since 2005 and has numerous
blogs. Terry Russell & Reliant Services |
