Continuing our series on bear safety in Yellowstone…..

If camping / overnighting in the Park or other bear country, there are several simple rules you should / must follow.

Your tent / camper should be at least 100 yards form the food storage and cooking area, best if uphill.  Never cook, eat in, or store food, soap, toothpaste, cosmetics, etc. in your tent.

Hang all food, garbage, cooking gear, and cosmetics in a tree at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet from the tree trunk or nearby branches. If there is a device provided for storing or hanging your food or other items, use it. If you are camped near your vehicle, store these items in the trunk.  Don’t cook strong smelling food in bear country. 

Store only clean clothing and sleeping gear in your tent.  Never sleep in the clothes you cook in, and don’t store those clothes in your tent.  Never use tent or sleeping back stuff sacks to store food, it could transmit food odors to these items.

Pack out your garbage (don’t bury or burn it) and used feminine hygeine products.

Horse and dog food must be stored with the same care.  A free ranging dog may lead a bear back to you, keep ‘em on a leash. 

If you’ve got to wander at night (nature calls), carry a good flashlight - it just might enough of an irritant to move Mr. Bear away.

More to come….

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Tags: Skills: Bear Safety