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Bear Avoidance on the Trail

Bears do not want to encounter humans any more than humans want to encounter bears. Most bear attacks on the trail are a result of one of two situations: a surprised bear, or a protective bear (protecting food or young). Therefore, the best strategy is to do things that will let bears know you are present and give them plenty of time to get out of the way.

• Make noise as you hike.
  • Sing, whistle, or talk loudly
  • Carry a noise maker such as a rock-filled tin can, and shake it frequently
  • Shout ahead regularly (“Yo, bear!”)
  • Clap or smack your walking stick on a rock 
  • While wearing bear bells may help somewhat, expert opinion holds that these are not loud enough to provide bears with enough advanced warning, nor do they clearly indicate to the bear that a human is present.  They should not be seen as substitutes for the above behaviours.
• Any time you are taking a blind corner or the vegetation prevents you from seeing more than 50 m in front of you, make a special point of making noise.
• Near running water, in high wind, or with any other source of noise, it is especially critical that you make plenty of noise, since the sound of the water/wind prevents the bear from hearing your approach.
• When walking into the wind, be sure to make noise (the bear will not hear or smell you coming)
• If you are walking through an area loaded with berries or other bear snacks, continually sweep the area with your eyes.
• If you see any evidence of a bear (fresh scat, …) retreat immediately on the route you just took.  Find high ground to scout out the surrounding area, and, of course, make plenty of noise while doing so.
• Cubs are not cute things to be admired; they are the most deadly bears of all because they are inevitably attended by nasty, overprotective mothers.  If you see a cub, take a second to scout quickly about for the sow/mother.  If you can’t see her, retreat immediately, making noise all the way.  The worst possible place to be is between a sow and her cub.
• If you should stumble upon an animal carcass or any other potential bear snack, move along quickly.  Keep an eye out for ravens, crows and other carrion birds that might signal the presence of a carcass.
• Don’t hike in a bear’s active hours, which tend to be in the twilight hours; never hike at night.