Bear Safety Guide

Essential knowledge for staying safe in bear country

Close-up of bear-proof dumpster with warning signs, emphasizing wildlife safety in Canada.

Photo by Ali Kazal / Pexels

1. Bear Type Identification

Black Bear

ColorBlack, brown, cinnamon, blonde
Size200-600 lbs (90-270 kg)
EarsTall, pointed
FaceStraight profile
ShoulderNo hump
ClawsShort, curved (1.5")
HabitatForests across N. America
BehaviorGenerally shy, climbs trees
Moderate Risk

Grizzly / Brown Bear

ColorBrown with grizzled tips
Size400-800 lbs (180-360 kg)
EarsShort, rounded
FaceDished (concave) profile
ShoulderProminent hump
ClawsLong, straight (2-4")
HabitatW. Canada, Alaska, NW US
BehaviorTerritorial, defensive of cubs
High Risk

Polar Bear

ColorWhite to yellowish
Size900-1500 lbs (400-680 kg)
EarsSmall, rounded
FaceLong, narrow snout
ShoulderNo hump
ClawsShort, thick, non-retractable
HabitatArctic coasts, sea ice
BehaviorPredatory, curious
Extreme Risk

2. What Should You Do? (Encounter Decision Tree)

Worker in protective gear handling cheese maturation in a laboratory setting.

Photo by Anna Shvets / Pexels

3. Food Storage Guide

Bear Canister

Hard-sided, portable container. Required in many wilderness areas.

  • Store 200+ ft (60m) from camp
  • Place on flat ground away from cliffs
  • Do NOT attach to pack
  • Fits 3-5 days of food for 1 person
Most Reliable

Bear Hang (PCT Method)

Suspend food bag from a tree branch using rope.

  • Branch: 15+ ft high, 5+ ft from trunk
  • Bag: 12+ ft off ground
  • 200+ ft (60m) from camp
  • Use 50 ft of paracord minimum
Moderate

Bear Box (Provided)

Metal lockers at established campsites.

  • Latch fully closed after each use
  • Share space with other campers
  • Store ALL scented items
  • Check campground for availability
Most Secure

What Counts as "Food"?

All food, coolers, cooking gear, dishes, stoves, trash, recyclables, toiletries (toothpaste, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent), pet food, and anything with a scent.

4. Camp Setup (Bear-Safe Triangle)

WIND DIRECTION ↓ ┌─────────────────────┐ │ COOKING AREA │ │ (stove, prep, eat) │ └─────────────────────┘ / \ 200 ft / \ 200 ft (60 m) / \ (60 m) / \ ┌──────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────┐ │ FOOD STORAGE │ │ SLEEPING AREA │ │ (canister / hang │ │ (tent, bags) │ │ downwind) │ │ (NO food/scents│ └──────────────────┘ │ in tent!) │ 200 ft (60 m) └──────────────────┘ KEY RULES: - Cook DOWNWIND from tent - Store food DOWNWIND from tent - Sleep in clean clothes (no cooking clothes) - Never eat or store food in your tent - Wash dishes 200 ft from sleeping area

Close-up of bear-proof dumpster with warning signs, emphasizing wildlife safety in Canada.

Photo by Ali Kazal / Pexels

5. Bear Spray Usage Guide

Before the Trip

During an Encounter

  1. Remove safety clip while bear is still at distance
  2. Aim slightly downward (spray creates a cloud)
  3. Effective range: 12-30 ft (4-9 m) — wait until bear is within range
  4. Spray in 2-3 second bursts, sweeping side to side
  5. Create a wall of spray between you and the bear
  6. Back away slowly while continuing to face the bear
  7. Leave the area immediately after the bear retreats

Key Facts

Effective range12-30 ft (4-9 m)
Success rate92-98% in field studies
Wind cautionCheck wind; spray can blow back
Carry positionChest holster or hip belt (NOT in pack)
TSA / AirlinesCannot fly with bear spray

6. Prevention Checklist

On the Trail

Close-up of climbing ropes on a wooden table with a climber in the background wearing a safety harness.

Photo by BOOM 💥 Photography / Pexels

At Camp

7. Quick Reference Emergency Card

GRIZZLY / BROWN BEAR ATTACK

BLACK BEAR ATTACK

POLAR BEAR ENCOUNTER

Emergency Numbers: 911 (US) • 112 (EU) • Local ranger station

Bear spray effectiveness: 92-98% | Firearms: 76%

Bear spray is statistically more effective than firearms for stopping bear attacks.