Hiking and venturing into bear country.

When hiking or venturing into bear country, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all do not let the fear of bears ruin your outdoor experience. Bear attacks are extremely rare and over 40 years of hiking in bear country I have only encountered three bears, two we're black bears that ran off, the third was a Grizzly that left us alone. However, I'm always doing the following to reduce my risk of an encounter. Keep alert and look ahead as far a possible for any wildlife, especially when entering meadows or valleys covered in bushes. I never sneak around in the bush or woods, making a lot of noise will provide a bear amble time to avoid you, which I'm sure 99% of them want to do. Noise is the best defense and was told by a long time trapper that a small air canister signaling horn is your best chance if things go bad, maybe better then bear spray. I make a point of blowing a whistle or yelling out every few hundred meters or so. If you're near loud streams or thick bush make more noise more often. If you hear the call of a Raven or a group of Ravens, beware as they often call out when over top of other animals or near an animal kill. The Raven's call does not necessarily indicate a bear. It could be any animal, a squirrel or maybe yourself, but take notice. If you do stumble upon an animal kill, turn around and leave the area immediately. If you encounter a bear, group your party together, avoid eye contact, slowly turn around keeping half an eye on your trouble, stay calm speak softly, ready your signaling horn or spray, DON'T RUN..., keep your initial normal pace and leave the area to hike another day. Running will induce a bears predatory instinct. If you want to test this, try going from a relaxed pace to running with any dog. Predatory animals can't resist a chase and running will certainly, at the least, create the idea of one. Should you encounter a bear behind you while on route don't try to turn around and pass it to get out of the area. Obviously try to return a different way. If this is not possible, which is usually the case, stay tightly grouped, make lots of noise, finish your hike and let several hours go by before returning on your way out. The main concern here is passing a kill the bear is defending so 'stay alert' and don't stop when near the initial encounter spot. (Be aware that a bear's predictably is a weak guess at best).

Now that I have scarred us all back to the couch, remember bear encounters are very rare and don't let the fear of one ruin your day in the mountains. In general, hike in pairs or better yet in groups and make lots of noise. Keep your eyes out for fresh droppings that are usually dark brown to black, twice the size of a large dog or maybe very loose with whole and mashed berries. If it's spring berry season you may find a large pile of wet berries that looks as if someone had just dropped them after cleaning. The berries are still whole and appear fresh but have passed through a bears digestive system. Large over turned rocks, torn up deadwood or fresh overturned earth is another indicator of a bear that may be feeding nearby. If you see any of the above it may be wise to turn back.

To mention the more obvious, you should never feed or approach a bear and always practice proper food storage. This doesn't mean you cannot pack a day lunch or food for an extended back county trip, but it does mean, store it in air tight containers and don't leave any trace of food or garbage anywhere. The next group of hikers could stumble upon a bear that has been attracted to food bits and trash left by others. Interesting to note that while driving by Bow Summit in Banff National Park, in horror I witnessed a Mother and Father who let their children run up to a black bear and take it's picture. The parents found this amusing and we're completely unaware of just how close they came to loosing a child. Maybe for some people the term "Park" in "National Park" is mistaken for amusement and safety. If you want to see a bear up close, go to the Calgary Zoo.

M.T.