Bear Safety Guidelines

Bear safety guidelines help prevent encounters and ensure safety if one occurs. Stay alert and make noise when hiking in bear territory to avoid surprising a bear. Keep a safe distance if you see a bear, and never feed or approach it. Carry bear spray and know how to use it; it’s an effective deterrent. Store food securely, use bear-proof containers, and keep your campsite clean to avoid attracting bears. If you encounter a bear, stay calm, speak softly, and back away slowly. In case of a close encounter, stand your ground and use bear spray if needed.