Recreating in bear territory

Mar 29

Spring is here, and so are the bears!

Spring is here, and as the snow melts, we need to stay aware while recreating outdoors as we’re not the only ones using the land. Spring is a busy time for many animals, and we welcome back the bears from hibernation.

The thought of running into a bear may feel daunting, but the more you know about bears and their behaviours, the less scary they will appear. It’s important to be bear smart and safe, which can help inform decisions while in bear territory. For the most part, we can live peacefully with one another but as our habitats expand into theirs, encounters become more common.

The bears in bc

British Columbia is home to many grizzly bears and black bears. The black bear is the most common bear found in the province. Although they are called the black bear, they can be found in a variety of colours like the white Kermode bear, or with brown and black fur. Grizzly bears are not as abundant and not as commonly seen. They are typically a brown colour but can also appear black or even blonde. They usually have a shoulder hump that distinguishes them from the black bear and has a dish-shaped face profile. They are less tolerant of human activity and can react more aggressively.

Being Bear Safe

As we switch gears into our spring/summer activities like biking, hiking, camping, fishing, orienteering and more, it’s essential to take the time to review your bear knowledge and be prepared before you leave the house. Depending on where you're recreating, it’s a good idea to check out local information and see if there are any notices regarding the bear activity that you should be aware of. Get some bear spray to carry in your bag and ensure you know how to use it.

When on a trail:

Make noise - don’t surprise a bear. Call, sing, clap or talk loudly, especially near streams and in low visibility areas.
Be alert - watch for bears or their scat and tracks, any strange smells or disturbed vegetation.
Stay together - hike and bike in groups and don’t let children wander. Larger groups (4 or more) are less likely to have a negative bear encounter.
Watch your pets - keep your dogs on a leash at all times. Dogs can provoke defensive bear behaviour.
Use officially marked trails - travel during daylight hours. Bears are most active during dawn and dusk.

If you do have an encounter with a bear:

Stay calm - talk in a low, calm voice.

Back up slowly - never turn your back on a bear or run. Running could trigger an attack.
Give it space - make sure the bear has a way to get away and that you are not blocking access to a bear’s cub or its food.
Watch the bear until it leaves - make sure there’s nothing in the area that will attract the bear to return.

If you do have an encounter with an aggressive bear in the area, it's essential to notify the relevant authority about it, so they can adequately alert other recreation users or, temporarily close off the area.

Call your local conservation officer or the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

Dealing with scents and food

Bears are attracted to scents and food. Handling your food while recreating or camping is essential to keep you and your party safe from encounters. If there is no garbage or recycle bins, always pack up your waste and secure it in a bag.

Here are a couple of guidelines to follow while you're setting up camp in the backcountry:

Use safe campsites - designated campsites are the best option. If there are no sites, choose a place away from the obvious signs of a bear being present. Stay away from obvious bear food like berries, waterways and other features.
Ensure your food is stored safely - use bear-safe food storage lockers. If there is none, hang food up a rope system or a tree branch, so it’s inaccessible to a bear—at least 4 meters off the ground and 3 meters from the nearest tree.
Use the triangle approach - set up your tent, cooking area, and food storage in a triangle pattern, about 50 m apart.

If you see a bear, do NOT try to feed the bear.

Happy recreating

In general, if you use common sense and respect a bear’s space, your encounters should hopefully be limited. Everybody should practice responsible outdoor recreation etiquette when out on the trail. Check out a couple of helpful bear safety resources below.

Resources

WildSafeBC Bear Safety When Recreating - Online Course

Bear Smart Communities Brochure - Resource

Know your Bears - Resource

References

Province of BC: If you Encounter a Bear. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/human-wildlife-conflict/staying-safe-around-wildlife/bears

BC Parks: Staying Safe in Bear Country. https://bcparks.ca/explore/misc/bears/

WildSafeBC: Black Bear. https://wildsafebc.com/species/black-bear/

WildSafeBC: Grizzly Bear. https://wildsafebc.com/species/grizzly-bear/