Getting to watch a bear in its natural habitat is one trip that will never be forgotten.
Safety planning is as important as the trip itinerary when planning a bear watching trip. Such planning must include safety measures. Safety measures are important in order to stay safe; after all, no one wants to become a grizzly bear meal. Important things to remember are be aware, make noise, travel in groups and make no assumptions. Most bear skirmishes occur when a grizzly bear is startled at a close range. Knowing how to handle the situation of a startled grizzly bear is also knowledge needed when planning one of these vacations.
Important safety measures to remember are to carry bear deterrent pepper spray, become are aware of any documentation provided by the authorities concerning recent bear activity. Pay close attention when visiting areas prone to bear activity such as avalanche chutes, streambeds, dense edge cover and berry patches that are in season. Traveling at night or at the end of the day requires extreme caution as well. Do not cook close to camp; food smells will draw the bears into the camp. Also, store all foods in plastic away from camp at night and when leaving the camp unattended. Watch for fresh bear signs such as scat or tracks on the trail or close to camp. Make as much noise as possible when on the trails, especially on blind curves and terrain where a bear could easily be spooked. Try to be down wind of a bear when possible. The wind will carry your scent straight to it improving the chances of an encounter. High winds could keep the bear from hearing you also, especially along creeks and streams. Dead animal carcasses are another area to avoid because bears often feed for several days on one carcass and will stay in the area of the carcass. Bear cubs should be also be avoided, no matter how cute they are, because their mother is usually not far away and they will defend their young at all cost. Dogs must be should be kept under control at all times. Remember that a dog could lead an angry bear right back to you. The number one thing to remember when in bear country though, is to travel in a group, not alone.
Pay close attention to the location where you are traveling. Bears will travel on saddles, ridges, game trails and along bodies of water. Green grass and other vegetation, especially berry bearing vegetation will also attract bears. Bears often rest in cool, thick forests. Bears are usually most active at dusk, dawn and during the nighttime hours. Keep all of this in mind when out hiking and exploring in bear country.
When confronted with a bear, stop, stay calm, and never try to out run the bear. Never stare into a bears eyes; this is a sign of aggression to them. Stand your ground; never turn your back to a bear. Watch for signs of aggression. A standing bear is usually just trying to get a better look, where as a bear with its ears back is usually upset. Other signs that it is upset are lowering of the head and swinging it from side to side, pawing the ground, may make huffing and puffing sounds, snap its teeth, or show no sign at all, just drop and charge. When faced with a bear, back away slowly, stay calm, and talk in slow monotone voice. If the bear charges you, spray your pepper spray into its face and spray it thick enough that the bear has to run through a fog to get to you.
Getting to watch a bear in its natural habitat is one trip that will never be forgotten. Witnessing this great bear is one more reminder of the privilege that we have when we share the great wilderness of this country.
