Camping In The Great Outdoors ...continued

Copyright © March 1998 K. Myers

Bears ... if you aren't familiar with them maybe these bear safety tips will be of help.

They say you are more likely to get struck by lightning or killed by a bee sting then being attacked by a bear - here we'll list a few bear facts to introduce you...

Bears can be found in almost all areas within the temperate zones of the earth - the region between  Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle, and between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antartic Circle. Biologists estimate the current polar bear population to be 20,000 and there may be up to 500,000 black bears left (seems like a lot more than that where I live).

Black bears (Ursus americanus) originated in Asia. They migrated to North America over time. They are extremely territorial.

The average female bear is 5 years old before she has cubs. The average male is 4 years old before he breeds. There is a bond between the male and the female during mating season and an even stronger bond between the mother and her cubs.

Most bear cubs weigh .2 kilograms at birth (.5 pounds). They usually open their eyes when they are 40 days old. At this time, they typically weigh 1.8 kilograms or 4 pounds.  They stay with their mother a full year after birth (in Jan. or Feb.), plus for their first full winter.

Each bear has a different temperament... almost like humans. Some bears will attack, others will not. Some bears are scared of humans, others have a natural curiosity. (But still don't try to get too friendly with a bear that seems nice, just like people it can have a nasty streak).

Black bears come in different shapes and sizes... and colors! While they were named for their color, they can also be brown, cinnamon, and black with white patches on their chest.

The black bear is the smallest bear in North America. The average adult weighs 300-400 pounds, has 42 teeth, and can climb trees - they have been recorded running at speeds up to 50 km/h (30 mph).

Black bears are carnivores, however they act like omnivores, with only one quarter of their diet being meat. They mostly eat plants and other vegetable matter. Contrary to popular belief, black bears do not hibernate during the winter. They do remain dormant however. They have poor eyesight, good hearing, and a great sense of smell.

DO NOT leave your food, waste, or other scented objects within reach of a bear. Bears can smell anything from far distances, and will taste it... even if it is something inedible! If you think they can't smell the food (eg unopened pop) think again... The only smell black bears aren't interested in is that of humans. I watched one tear into a thick heavy duty plastic cooler with safety straps once. Meanwhile, his buddy attempted the metal one and it was a long hike for us to get it back from where he dragged it.

DO NOT sleep in clothes worn while cooking as clothing absorbs food odours.

Some national parks have food storage facilities. If there are none, it's recommended to store food in your vehicle or camper (not a softsided camper) - if tenting/backpacking it's recommended to tie it up between two trees (9 feet up) in mid air (since bears can climb trees).

Burn all waste and bury ashes at least 60 feet from the campsite or if in a park use their facilities. Use their outhouse facilities too - never store a port-a-pottie in your tent!

Never feed the bears!!!

If you happen to meet any bears during your trecks through the wilderness, avoid coming between a mother and her cubs. She will attack if she feels her cubs are in danger. (Been there - this is one I'll save for our True Stories section.)

When encountering humans some bears will run away, others become curious and will observe. (I have another great story on the curious types that is soooo funny!) For the curious type bear make loud and unusual noises - this will usually scare them off.

If a black bear comes uncomfortably close, or if it starts approaching you, back away SLOWLY, always watching the bear. Speak in a LOUD, DEEP voice.

DO NOT RUN AWAY FROM A BLACK BEAR. They can run faster than you.

DO NOT PLAY DEAD WITH A BLACK BEAR. It is curious, and will rip you open just to see "what's inside"!

Sometimes black bears will still approach, or even attack (VERY, VERY UNLIKELY). The next step is a difficult one to believe but FIGHT BACK! Get angry with a black bear. Throw your arms up in the air, yell and scream in a deep voice, throw something at it. Throw a pot at it, or a big rock. You want to show the bear that you are in control. This sounds futile, but it works. The black bear will get scared and run away.

Respect the black bear. Remember, you are in it's home. It may look cute and cuddly, but don't try to pet it. Let the black bear be and it will usually let you be.

Alrighty then... let's move on to some more fun stuff!