Continuing our mini - series on bear safety in Yellowstone and the surrounding areas…..

When hiking in Yellowstone, you’re in bear country-

Your risk is lowest in groups of three or more.  Make human sounds - talk or sing, or some folks use bells on their packs or belts, and there is reasonable evidence that metallic sounds like the bells are more readily noticed by bears.

Bears are most active at daybreak and dusk,  in high risk areas travel during daylight hours only.  We’ve had several of our encounters walking back out after fishing in the backcountry, and staying till the evening caddis hatch had run its course.  Bears like brushy cover (think river side brush and willows), berry and nut patches, and use trails like we do.  Waterways are like a wilderness highway in most settings.

Bears have an incredibly well developed sense of smell.  Pack food in odor tight containers / plastic bags.  Menstruating females can trigger reactions from bears due to olfactory input, as can perfumes and other cosmetics.

Be aware of the wind direction, bears’ sense of small is superb, if the wind is in your face as you’re moving, you’re less detectable by a bear you may come upon.

Be aware of your surroundings - watch for bear scat, fresh diggings, torn apart logs, and overturned rocks.  It’s easy to become absorbed in the scenery, fishing, photography, etc. - stay tuned in to what’s around you.

Grizzly bears often hide / day bed in thick brush (river willows), often near water and trails.

Dead animals / carrion are magnets for bears, give all dead animals wide berth.  If you come across a partially buried carcass, beat it out of the area. 

Some suggest having a used bandana, shirt, sweater, etc. available to drop to distract the bear (don’t drop food).

More to follow…

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Tags: Skills: Bear Safety