Bear Country

If you read my June newsletter (if not sign up below or subscribe to my Substack), I mentioned I was preparing to camp in “bear country.” It occurred to me later that I should probably give a little more explanation on what that means. This will be my first time camping in what is considered bear country. I travelled to bear areas while I was in Alaska, but didn’t need to camp. There are some rules one needs to follow when camping in these areas to keep themselves and the bears safe. Encounters are rare and preventable with good habits.

First, you want to chose the correct campsite. The first few days after I arrive I will be in a campground. I wanted the opportunity to scope out some potential off-grid sites before leaving the campgrounds. What makes a good campsite? Basically, avoid things bears like and/or where bears are hanging out. Avoid camping on game trails or along streams that bears frequent. Avoid camping in areas with food sources like berries and dead carcasses. Lastly, avoid areas with poor visibility due to trees and brush. All logical things.

Now that you have the perfect site, what do you do? Basically, keep your campsite as clean as possible. Never leave out food (human or pet), trash, coolers, and even cooking grease. Never leave food unattended while cooking and clean up when you are done. Bears are attracted to ALL scented items, this includes toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, sunscreen, chapstick, etc. If you are camping in a tent, all this stuff along with your food should be kept in a bear locker or a bear resistant container. Your cooking area should be set up at least 100 feet from where you are sleeping whether that is a tent or a camper. Your goal is to never feed a bear or any wildlife for that matter even unintentionally. Your never want bears or other wildlife to associate people with food. It is dangerous for both the people and wildlife.

Now when you go out hiking, you need to pay attention. That means no headphones. They recommend you make noise so that the bear is aware of your presence so that they can leave if they choose. You should also carry bear spray and have it at the ready. That means not buried in your back pack. I picked up my bear spray and I’m ready to hit the trails to find some bears to photograph along with many other species. Am I scared? No, I picked the bear over man (IYKYK) but I will be aware of my surroundings at all times both for me and the bear.

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Keep exploring,

Wendy