How to Avoid Grizzly Bear Attacks

Avoiding a grizzly bear attack is a lot easier than confronting a grizzly. Here are some ways to keep your camping and hiking trip free of fear.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Check with park officials about the area you want to set camp. Avoid landmarks that bears frequent, such as avalanche chutes, stream beds, dense edge cover and, in late summer, berry patches.

2. Keep your eyes open for signs of grizzlies. You can recognize bear droppings by their large size. Watch for trees where a huge spot of bark is missing, as this is a grizzly territorial marker. Also look for large holes where bears have been digging for berries.

3. Create lots of noise by talking loudly, ringing bells or using whistles to alert the bear that you're in the area. Grizzly bears don't like to be startled.

4. Keep your camping area clean and odor free. Cook foods that don't give off too much scent, conceal leftovers in zipped plastic bags and keep food above ground by tying it to a tree. Maintain an odor-free tent by wearing clean clothes free of food smell, and don't cook inside the tent.

5. Leave the area immediately if you come across a dead animal. A grizzly is likely feeding off the carcass.

Resources

• Purchase bear attack prevention measures.
• Learn how to handle a grizzly bear encounter.