Bear Smart

Bear essentials covered in this session:

Mama Grizzly bear and cub  Source: christinestephens Flickr

Identifying Bears

In North America, there are three common bears; brown bears -- or grizzlies, polar bears and black bears. You might recall that Anthony Hopkins once battled a grizzly to a bitter (successful?) end in the movie, The Edge. As for what species Winnie-the-Pooh, Paddington and The Berenstain Bears belong is further reading not covered in this session.

Our British Columbian backyard is proudly home to nearly half of Canada's grizzly bears as well as a sizable portion of the black bear population. Black bears are widespread throughout western Canada and the northern states from Montana to Alaska. In the south coast of BC, black bears are king while grizzlies are far less common. Manning Park, for example likely has less than ten remaining as populations continue to decline.

Being able to easily identify the right bear species could mean the difference between a safe encounter and one that ends miserably.

• Grizzlies -- or brown bears show a prominent shoulder hump, shorter "teddy bear" like ears and long claws approximately 2-4" when mature. When looking at a brown bear foot print, the toe indentations will appear in nearly a straight line from smallest to biggest toe. They are not strong climbers. However, if provoked or feeling threatened, they will climb. Grizzlies and brown bears tend to be more aggressive than black bears.
  
  
• Black bears have no shoulder hump, tall pointed ears and short claws approximately 1-2" long when mature. As well, the toe indentations from their paw prints will have a distinctive curve around the pad -- rather than the straight line as seen on brown bears prints. Unlike grizzlies, they are strong climbers.

Both brown and black bears will typically hibernate during the winter months from November to April when food is scarce and temperatures drop. During the weeks leading up to hibernation, they will consume significant amounts of food from fish, berries, plants and insects -- potentially doubling their weight compared to when they awake in the spring.  As a result, bears tend to congregate wherever food is -- a la All You Can Eat Sushi restaurants on Friday nights.. or streams and meadows.

Preparing for a Hike in Bear Country

Below are a handful of ways you can prepare prior to heading out:

• Purchase a bottle of bear spray (a form of mace) -- most are commonly sold at outfitters such as Atmosphere or MEC. However, while they are acceptable on a hiking trail, many public areas and private buildings ban the possession of bear spray on premise. Be sure to know the rules and familiarize yourself with the specific spray before heading out.
  
  
• As a harmless alternative, consider "bear bangers." These are also sold at many of the same retailers as bear spray. Bear bangers are small gun powder caps that screw on to the tip of a pen-like tool and produce a loud bang when activated.
  
  
• Pack an air tight bag or zip-lock to store any food, leftovers and open packaging that accompany your hike.
  
  
• Stow a bear-bell, whistle or other device that can produce loud noises.

Bear Safety While on the Trail

Wherever possible, go in groups and stick to frequently used trails. Tie the bear-bell to your pack so that it can jingle as you walk, occasionally whistle or clap your hands, or turn on music. Any audible noise will queue potential bears in the area that there are others nearby and limit the risk of being caught off guard or feeling threatened. Got a song stuck in your head? Sing it.

Encountering a Bear

It's only a matter of time until you eventually encounter a bear in the back country. More common than actually running into a bear is walking upon their scat. Bear scat tends to appear in darker coloured, large clumpy droppings with noticeable, partially digested vegetation such as berries and grass. How damp the scat is will be an indication of how recent the bear was in the area.

When you finally encounter a bear, be sure to keep your distance and gauge their response to your presence. Look for signs of aggression or agitation.  Typically, agitated bears respond by swaying their heads, making distinct huffing sounds or popping their jaws.  To gain a better view or smell, bears may stand up on their hind legs and could understandably be misread as signs of aggression.

• Stay together in your group
  
  
• Remain calm and pace your movements
  
  
• Respect their desire for personal space
  
  
• Prepare your bear spray or bangers
  
  
• Determine if there are other bears present -- such as cubs or a mother
  
  
• Determine if it is a black or brown/grizzly bear
  
  
• If a black bear: Stand tall, make yourself and your group appear large. Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms to let the bear know you are there. If there is a wide enough distance -- for example the bear is on the opposite side of the road, you may be able to slowly detour around the bear and continue on your way. Do not look away or turn your back to the bear.
  
  
• If a grizzly bear: Avoid eye contact, remain silent, back away slowly (do not run) and retreat the way you came.
  
  
• Contrary to many blogs or recent news articles, the United States' National Park Service suggests that you do not drop your back as it could provide valuable protection if attacked.
  
  
• If the bear approaches within 25 feet or 8 meters, use the bear spray or bear bangers. Do not aim the spray directly at the bear. Rather, spray it to create a cloud between you and the bear. When activating a bear banger, aim at the ground in front of the bear. The pen will launch the bear banger out several feet before producing a loud bang. Avoid aiming the pen so that the bear bangers launch past the bear. Otherwise you may end up encouraging the bear to run towards you.
  
  
• Should a bear charge towards you, use any means of defense -- whether rocks, sticks, sand.
  
  
• If attacked, play dead and protect your head and neck.

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