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The Black Bear, or “Ursus Americanus” as its scientifically known, is the most encountered predator of backpackers and campers along the Canadian coast and interior. Easily distinguishable by their black or brown fur, Black Bears range from 5-6 feet in length and weigh 200-600 pounds. Although the tamest of the bear species, Black Bears are still predators and can be dangerous.
The best prevention for bears is avoidance. Unlike other predators, the Black Bear is harder to avoid because of its large numbers, and its inherited inquisitiveness. When hiking, make lots of noise. Rattle cans or blow whistles. If you have a dog, keep it on a leash. Dogs have been known to run into the woods to investigate and bring back a bear when they return. The best way to avoid bears while hiking is to stick to well worn, designated trails, since Black Bears – as with most predators – will avoid human contact if at all possible.
When you camp, be sure to pick a campsite away from salmon streams or spots that have evidence of a potential feeding ground. Also stay away from animal carcasses and garbage. The best place to set up a campsite is in an open quiet area where you can see and hear all nearby wildlife, and the wildlife can see and hear you. As long as you cook away from your camp, and never sleep in clothes with food odor or bring food into your tent, wildlife will probably avoid you. Be sure to cache all food out of reach of bears – which means up a tree and hanging from a branch, (or buried if no trees are available), and pack out all trash so you don’t attract bears for other campers.
Because of the high numbers of Black Bears, even the best of precautions may not keep you from having an encounter. While hiking, if you see a bear and it doesn’t see you, then turn around and go back or circle far around. Do not disturb it. If the Bear you encounter is close or does see you, then stay calm. Attacks from Black Bears are rare and usually only happen when they are defending cubs or food. The bear may approach you or stand up on its hind legs. These are signs of curiosity and not aggression. In this situation, stand tall and wave your arms – speaking in a loud, low voice. Do not turn, but instead, back away slowly and diagonally. If the bear starts following, stop. In some bear encounters the bear will actually charge. Again, do not run. This will only trigger an instinctive chase response. These charges are usually false or bluffs, meant only to scare you. Continue to wave arms and speak in a loud voice. Many bears have come within a few feet and then veered off.
A bear approaching while you are in camp is different than encountering one while hiking. If a bear approaches your camp then it may be an aggressive young male, or it may just be curious because it smelled food. Make noise with pots and pans and throw rocks if needed. Never give it food to distract it and don’t let it steal food. Once a bear knows it can get food it will keep coming back. Many Black Bears have had to be killed by park rangers because campers had fed them until they were no longer scared of humans.
By using a little common sense, your camping trip should go fine for both you and the bears.
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