You are hooked on outdoor adventure activities - but are nervous for your first real backpacking trip in bear country. What should you know?

Answer 1

First, realize that the odds of running into a bear are remote - even in "bear country", so don't freak yourself out too much. To stay safe however, keep two things in mind: 1. bears don't like surprises, 2. they might investigate anything that smells interesting, especially if it smells like food. To avoid surprises make noise as you walk in areas where your visual distance is less than a half mile or so. This could include wearing "bear bells", and talking or singing as you walk. As for number 2 above, take pains not to smell too interesting to a hungry bear. Don't use hygiene products with strong aromas, such as deodorants, perfumes, or fruity shampoos. Never eat or prepare food within 100 feet of where you will sleep. Keep your food, and nice smelling items - like toothpaste - in a separate bag or container that you hang in a tree overnight. When you camp set up what has been called the "bear-muda triangle". Your tent, food and waste disposal areas are the three points of the triangle, separated by at least 100 feet each.