Bear Safety while Hiking

Last Review/Updated: July 9, 2002

Bears encountered in the back country are more likely to run at the sight of a human than are bears used to going to human habitation to find something to eat. However, any bear is unpredictable and may become aggressive if it feels threatened.

Although they may look large and clumsy, bears in fact are very agile and can move much faster than a person. Please observe the following precautions for your safety:

  • While hiking, make noise, talk loudly, sing or ring bells. This will alert bears of your approach, so there is little likelihood of you surprising them. Be cautious if visibility is restricted or if other sounds are drowned out by the sound of running streams.

  • Watch for bear signs, such as tracks, droppings, diggings — and food sources, such as carcasses and berry patches. These indicate that bears may be in the area.

  • If you see a bear, leave the area.

  • If you hike with a dog, keep it on a leash and under control at all times. A loose dog may lead a bear back to you!

  • Use a flashlight at night, and avoid hiking after dark.

  • Sleep in a tent, not in the open. Before you go to sleep, walk around the tent to leave your scent.

  • Pitch your tent away from dense bush or trees, ridge tops, lakeshores, stream banks or animal trails. Hang bright or flapping objects in the campsite area.

  • Use dried foods if possible, they have less odor than fresh and canned foods.

  • Cook a distance away and downwind from your sleeping area. Wash cooking equipment immediately and dispose of dishwater at least 100 metres downwind from the campsite.

  • Hang stored food between two trees or from a tree branch, at least 3 1/2 metres off the ground (1 1/2 metres from a tree trunk) and at least 100 metres from your campsite.

  • Before your hiking trip, leave names, trip plans and date of return with authorities or friends.

  • Travel with at least one other person. The larger the group, the less likely a bear will hang around. Keep young children close to you at all times.

  • Carry bear ("pepper") spray. Make sure it is on your person and within easy reach. Read the instructions, understand how to use the spray, and test it to be sure of its range and accuracy (see If You Encounter a Bear).