subject: Food Safety Tips For Bear Country [print this page] If the idea of camping in bear country appeals to you, remember that camping and hiking rules in bear country differ from that of other regions. This is an area where a large number of bears have been sighted. If bears enter camping territory, they can cause damage to life and property. Bears are attracted to humans by the scent of the food that they carry with them. Therefore, it is essential to know how to properly store your food in bear country.
Most national parks and camping sites have their own rules on storing food in bear country. The infrastructure in designated bear country camps is designed so that your food is well protected. Some parks advise people to carry their food in special bear resistant food containers. Other parks have food poles from where food and cooking gear have to be suspended while not in use. Some parks also have bear cables to help protect food in bear country. These comprise of wire cables which run between two trees. You can put your food in a bear bag, suspend it from the cable and secure it with a lock.
It is always best to store you food in air tight containers to prevent scents from escaping. If you do not have the proper storage, you can always put food into the trunk of your car. Before going into bear country, it is a good idea to purchase bear bags, on the off chance that the park or campsite doesn't sell them. Bear bags are for storing your food and other gear in. They have a nylon rope attached to them. You tie a rock to the other end of the nylon rope and toss it over a tree branch that is at least 20 feet in the air. Then insure that you hoist your bear bag at least ten feet off the ground. This is an alternative way to store your food if a vehicle is not available to store it in, or if the park doesn't have the metal lockers. This should always be a last resort as there are documented cases of large bears being able to gain access to these types of setups.
All national parks and campsites in bear country require you to keep your campsite clean at all times. No food, coolers or camp stoves can be left lying around. Most national parks have a zero tolerance on this issue. Trash should be disposed of in bear proof trash cans. The manner in which you carry your food can have a big impact, use boxes or bags that won't let the odor escape. Avoid foods which have strong odors such as pickles, steaks and bacon.
Do not cook near the place where you have set up tent. Cook at least a hundred yards away from the place where you stay. The place where you choose to do your cooking should be airy and breezy. Never bring your food to the tent. Make sure there is no food in the tent. Check bags for foods like candies, cookies or chewing gum. These can be easily overlooked. If bears get whiff of these, they may even rip off the tent and bags to check for the food. Remember not to sleep in the clothes in which you have done your cooking. Clothes can carry smells and you may end up as bait for the bears.
Camping in bear country is enjoyable and rewarding provided you follow some simple safety tips. Always keep food and scented items properly stored. Always check with park staff for bear sightings & updates, as well as specific instructions for the area you are in.
