Stay Safe at the Campsite
To ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience, it is crucial to prioritize your safety and practice bear-aware camping techniques. These measures will help minimize any potential risks that could result from encounters with bears. Practicing proper bear safety measures also contributes to the conservation of bear populations and promotes harmonious coexistence between humans and bears.
Tips for Camping Safely
Pick a Good Location
Picking the right camping location can help minimize the likelihood of bear encounters. By selecting an area away from known bear activity or high bear-density areas, you reduce the chance of bears venturing near your campsite. Camping in established campsites or designated areas also helps minimize disturbance to wildlife habitats and ensures that camping activities are confined to appropriate spaces.
Cooking & Cleaning
Properly cooking and cleaning at your campsite is essential to minimizing the risk of attracting bears. Be sure to set up your cooking area at least 100 yards away from your sleeping area and clean up spills, food scraps, and grease immediately. Follow “Leave No Trace” principles and leave your campsite as clean as you found it. While in camp, properly store all trash, including food wrappers and containers, and pack it out when you leave.
Food Storage
By properly storing food, garbage, and scented items, you minimize the risk of bears associating human campsites with potential food sources. If available, use bear-resistant food storage boxes provided at campsites or use proper bear bag hanging techniques. Hang food and scented items at least 10–15 feet off the ground and 4–6 feet from the trunk of a tree. Ensure it is at least 100 yards away from your sleeping area.
Fishing
Fishing in Wyoming offers the chance to witness breathtaking scenery and encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, elk, and bears. This is why it’s crucial to follow local regulations and guidelines regarding fishing and disposal practices in bear country. Avoid fishing in areas with active bear signs such as tracks, scat, or overturned rocks, clean fish at least 100 yards away from your camping area and tents, and ensure all traces of fish and food odors are removed to avoid attracting bears to your cooking area. Fish on stringers should not be left unattended.