BE BEAR AWARE

Before I begin, I just wanted to stress the meaning of this post. I am publishing this blog post in hopes of creating a more respectful co-existence between bears and humans while we are out exploring the trails that they call home. Far too often it is forgotten that when we go out and explore, we are going into their homes, their territory and that is a fact that needs to be addressed and acknowledged. I hope that through reading this, there becomes an existence of safety, and an understanding that although we may feel that we are entitled to roam these lands, we have a due diligence to ensure that the bears are safe and are being respected as well. 

To begin, it is important to understand the difference between a black bear and a grizzly bear. The type of bear may determine how you will need to handle a situation if you encounter a bear on a hike. 

A grizzly bear has :

• short rounded ears
• dished face profile
• prominent shoulder hump (pure muscle!)

 (notice the short ears, dished face profile, and shoulder hump)

 (Another good view of the small rounded ears)

A black bear has:

• tall ears
• straight face profile
• no prominent shoulder hump

 (this is what is referred to as a white black bear)

(make note of the tall ears, straight face profile and the absence of the shoulder hump)

When hiking in bear country, there is the chance of crossing paths of either type of bear. Although it is not guaranteed, here is a list of tips to lessen your chance of a bear encounter:

1. HIKE IN GROUPS, ESPECIALLY WHEN REQUIRED

Bears feel threatened when surprised, especially if there are cubs present. When hiking, try to go in a group, and make noise as you travel down the trail. I'm not suggesting you yell and scream, but take the time to practice your favorite songs, or simply share a good conversation with those you are with. If bears can hear you coming, they often choose to move away from you; they don't want to see you as much as you don't wish to see them. The trick of noise making is most important when travelling down trails where visibility is restricted, or when you are travelling against the wind. 

ALSO OF NOTE: Some trails that are near dens, or populated bear areas require you to travel in groups of 4 or more. This is put in place for a reason, and there is a hefty fine if you are caught not following the rule. 

2. PUT GARBAGE AND LEFTOVERS IN BEAR PROOF CONTAINERS IMMEDIATELY

Bears have a very keen sense of smell, so ensuring you put garbage in bear proof bins immediately lessens the enticement for bears. Don't bury your garbage, and don't leave it out for them to find; let's help keep bears wild!

3. KEEP DOGS ON A LEASH AT ALL TIMES!

Dogs have often been known to cause bear attacks, or surprise a bear on a hike, causing an avoidable situation. Dogs are curious creatures, and unknowingly can seek out bears, drawing them back to your location. When hiking, it is smart and in most cases lawful to have your dog on a leash at all times. 

( I mean check out those claws! Do you really want to invite him to join you on your hike?!)

4. BE PREPARED

Carry bear spray with you when you are hiking in bear country, and make sure the container is accessible, not packed in your bag. Bear spray can come in handy if you come across a bear while on your travels, so you want to ensure that you always bring it with you and that you always have access to it. 

WHAT TO DO IT YOU CROSS PATHS WITH A BEAR

• First and foremost, don't try to get closer and take a photo with the bear, or of the bear. 
• If you see a bear that does not notice you, turn around and go back, and do not disturb it!
• Don't try and offer the bear food in order to distract it. 
• If you are approached, do not run, stand your ground, avoid eye contact, and do not scream. Instead of screaming, stand with your group and appear as large as you can and speak in low loud voices. Some bears have been known to do what is called a false charge: running within a few feet of people and at the last moment, veering off. This is why it is important to stand your ground! 
• If a bear does approach you, use your pepper spray and aim for the eyes. Pepper spray is designed to entice the bear to make a different decision, without permanently harming them. Again, this is why it is so important to have your bear spray accessible at all times. 
• If you are attacked, do not play dead if it is a black bear. They eat dead carcasses and in playing dead, you become more appealing. Instead, fight back, and hit them in the nose, as hard as you can; when I say fight back, I mean fight for your life! If it is a grizzly bear, it can be useful to play dead if you surprise the bear, however if you are diligent throughout your hike, there should be minimal surprises. 

These gorgeous creatures are far too often the victim of relocation or being put to death because of the irresponsibility of human beings, please don't become one of them! We have a responsibility to respect these creatures, and in doing so, we have a responsibility to respect their homes. Far too many bears have been destroyed, moved to zoos, or relocated to new territory because they have attacked humans, or have gotten too used to being around humans. 

I fully understand the draw and the desire to see these gorgeous fur buckets in the wild, but please respect their need to be wild. All my photos are taken at a far distance, and with a very large zoom lens, please follow suit. 

Roam, explore, and share the vast offerings that Mother Nature has to offer us, but at the same time respect her creatures. Co-existing is not impossible, we just need to do out part. 

If you are an avid hiker, educate others if they don't know; sometimes people don't know that their ignorance is placing bears at risk. Share information, start a conversation, be a part of a positive change!

Til next time friends,

Char xo