Whether a bear crosses your path on a roadway or you come across one on a hike, it’s important to keep a safe distance to minimize conflict and maintain safety for both you and the bear. By staying back, you allow the bear space to retreat and maintain its natural behavior. It also helps foster an environment where humans and bears can coexist with minimal disturbance to their natural behavior and habitats. We recommend keeping a distance of AT LEAST 100 yards (300 feet), the size of a football field.

It’s important to hike in groups not only because it enhances overall safety, but also provides collective awareness and response in the event of a black bear or grizzly bear encounter. A larger group creates more noise, warning nearby bears of their presence.  Larger groups also have a higher chance of spotting a bear from a distance, allowing for proactive measures to be taken. Also, bears are generally less likely to approach or attack a larger group of people.

Making loud noises, such as shouting, clapping, or using noisemakers, can alert the bear to your presence and potentially deter it from approaching further or initiating an attack. Bears may be more likely to become aggressive or defensive if they are surprised or feel threatened. By making noise while hiking, you reduce the chance of surprising a bear at close range.

Being aware of your surroundings allows you to detect signs of bear activity or the presence of bears at an early stage. This includes identifying bear signs such as tracks, scat, claw marks, or fresh digging, as well as potential bear attractants like food sources such as carcasses, or berry patches. By recognizing these indicators, you can adjust your route or behavior to minimize the risk of an encounter.

While staying in your car provides a layer of protection, it is essential to keep the car doors locked and windows closed and avoid any actions that may further attract or provoke a bear. Staying in your car also sets a good example for others in the area. It helps promote responsible behavior and allows you to maintain a calm and safe environment for both yourself and others present during the bear encounter.

Bears are highly attracted to animal carcasses as a potential food source. It is crucial to be aware that carcasses can draw bears to an area, and their presence poses an increased risk of bear encounters. Properly storing animal carcasses is essential for minimizing bear attraction. Carcasses should be stored at least 100 yards away from camping or sleeping areas and Forest Service system trails.