Bear Safety

Animal awareness is very important on the trail, especially in bear country. Here are a couple tips to keep you out of trouble.

3/14/20252 min read

Staying Safe in Bear Country: The Ultimate Guide to Proper Food Preparation and Storage

Exploring bear country can be an unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking landscapes and an opportunity to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. However, ensuring safety—both yours and the bears’—requires careful planning, especially when it comes to food preparation and storage. Proper practices not only prevent unwanted bear encounters but also protect the ecosystem by keeping bears wild and unhabituated to human food. Here’s how you can stay safe and responsible while enjoying the wilderness.

Understanding Bear Behavior

Bears have an exceptional sense of smell, estimated to be seven times better than that of a bloodhound. They can detect food from miles away, making proper food handling crucial. When bears associate humans with food, they lose their natural fear and can become dangerous, often leading to conflicts that result in the bear being relocated or euthanized. By following proper food preparation and storage techniques, you help keep both yourself and the bears safe.

Best Practices for Food Preparation

Cook Away from Your Sleeping Area
Set up your cooking area at least 100 yards away from your tent. This reduces the chances of food smells lingering near where you sleep.
Avoid Strong-Smelling Foods
Foods like bacon, fish, and strong spices have potent odors that can attract bears from a distance. If you must cook them, do so early in the day to allow scents to dissipate before nightfall.
Clean Up Immediately
Wash all dishes, utensils, and cooking equipment right after use. Dispose of wastewater properly by straining food particles and dispersing the liquid away from your campsite.

Proper Food Storage Techniques

Use Bear-Proof Containers
Store all food, toiletries, and scented items in bear-resistant food containers (BRFCs) or an approved bear-proof storage system. In some areas, these are required by law.
Hang a Bear Bag (If Allowed)
If bear canisters are not required, you can use the bear-bag hanging method. Secure food in a durable bag and suspend it at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet away from tree trunks.
Keep a Clean Camp
Never leave food, trash, or cooking gear unattended. Pack out all garbage and store trash the same way you store food.

Additional Safety Tips

Never Bring Food into Your Tent – Even wrapped snacks can attract bears.
Use Odor-Proof Bags – Double-bagging food items and using odor-resistant bags can help minimize scent trails.
Store Pet Food Safely – If you bring pets, store their food just as securely as your own.
Respect Park Regulations – Always follow local guidelines regarding bear safety and food storage.

Final Thoughts