Bear Safety while Camping

Last Review/Updated: July 9, 2002

Bears are attracted to the smell of food. Do not invite bears to your campsite through carelessness.

Drawing of man storing food in the trunk of car

Please observe the following precautions for your safety:

  • Always store food out of reach of bears, preferably in airtight containers in the trunk of your vehicle, and away from sleeping areas. Never store food in a tent or tent-trailer where you are sleeping.
  • Never cook or eat in or near your tent. Do not bury food scraps.
  • Do not litter. Place all garbage in suitable containers provided in campgrounds or take it with you if no containers are available.
  • Clean fish at designated cleaning stations. If no station is available, dispose of fish remains in proper garbage containers.
  • At night, move about the campsite cautiously. Always use a flashlight.
  • If camping with a dog, keep it on a leash or in your vehicle. An unleashed dog may irritate a bear and bring it back to camp.
  • Keep young children close to you.
  • Bears are attracted to berry patches; avoid them, if possible.
  • Keep a can of bear ("pepper") spray handy and in your tent at night. Know how to use it! (See If You Encounter a Bear)

Back Country Camping

  • Be sure that all bear attractants like food supplies for people, pets or other animals, or scented toiletries are stored so they are not available to bears at night or when unattended.
  • If appropriate storage facilities are not available, attractants should be hung at least 3.5 metres above ground, 1.5 metres from nearby trees or other vertical access features, and at least 100 metres from any tents or sleeping areas.