Being prepared while you are on the trail means more than just what you have in your backpack. It also means being ready for any and all wildlife encounters. Education is key so you know what to do when you see these majestic animals.
First things first, when you arrive at a park check in with a Ranger for the latest bear activity and safety information.
The Basic Details:
– Stay Alert
– Be Visible
– Be Aware
– Never Surprise a Bear
– Make Noise
– Avoid Hiking at Dawn, Dusk, and Night
– Hike in Groups
– Look for Fresh Tracks, Scat, Turned Up Logs, Digging, and Fresh Claw Marks on Trees
Identify Your Bear (Brown/Grizzly vs. Black):
Brown/Grizzly:
– Hump
– Rump Lower Than Shoulders
– Ears Short and Round
– Dish-Shaped Face
– Has Ruff
– Long Claws
– Print: Claws Further from Pad
– Print: Toes Close Together
Black:
– NO Hump
– Rump Higher Than Shoulders
– Ears Tall and Oval
– Straight Face
– NO Ruff
– Short/Curved Claws
– Print: Claws Close to Pad
– Print: Toes Separated
DO NOT rely on the color and size of the bear alone to identify it. The color can be very misleading.
Seeing a bear in the wild can be a magical experience. But you need to be smarter than the average bear (thanks Yogi Bear for that one). Remember we are in their home, we are the intruder, we need to give them the respect they deserve.
Always stay 300 feet away from all bears.
Here is a quick trick to know if you are far enough away. Give yourself a thumbs up and if you can cover the bear with you thumb you are good. If the bear can be seen outside your thumb give the bear more space!
Source: NPS Article – Staying Safe Around Bears: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm
Source: NPS Article – Bear Identification: https://www.nps.gov/articles/bear-identification.htm
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Coach RJ
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PHOTO: Photo by Rasmus Svinding on Pexels: Brown Bear
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