Welcome to Bear CountryWhether you hike, camp, river raft, mountain bike, enjoy riding forest trails on horseback or just like to go for a picnic in the woods, there are certain precautions you should take when traveling through bear country.
That's right: BEAR COUNTRY
It's not a joke told to tourists by locals to scare them or for a good laugh: the bears live here. It has been their home since long before humans came to live in the high country. They were here fist.
They are fascinating creatures and, to observe them in the wild is an experience not soon forgotten but don't think they are tame just because they appear gentle. They are not domesticated animals or pets. They are wild animals, with an emphasis on WILD.
Above all, don't try to make physical contact with bears. They are powerful and quite agile, as well as unpredictable. BEARS ARE NOT PETS. For the safety of you and your loved ones, as well as the bears, leave them alone.
The following suggestions are provided by the U.S. Forest Service and will help make your time in bear country safer for you, your companions, and the bears. (No joke!)
· Inquire about recent bear activity in the area.
· Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Travel in groups and only during daylight hours.
· Make your presence known to bears! Call out, clap your hands, or sing loudly, especially around loud streams, on windy days, and in areas of low visibility.
Editor's Note: Avoid yodeling: bears really don't like it because it hurts their ears and it can have the same effect on other people in the vicinity.
· Stay extra alert near food sources such as berry patches, and spawning fish.
· Watch for wildlife on the trail ahead of you. Stay on trails to reduce the chance of sudden encounters and to protect habitat.
· Be aware of your surroundings. Look for bear-activity signs: tracks, scat, diggings, torn-up logs, and turned-over rocks.
· Keep children close to you and within your sight at all times.
· Carry a bandanna, shirt, or hat to drop to distract an approaching bear. Do not drop your backpack! Leave it on for added protection.
· Avoid taking pets on hiking trails--it is not advised and often not allowed. If dogs are permitted, keep them on a leash to minimize conflicts with wildlife.
Please Don't Feed Bears: You're Not Doing Them Any Favors
There is a saying in the high country: "To feed a bear is to kill a bear."
Feeding wildlife can put you and those with you in danger and is harmful to animals. Bears, especially, should never be allowed to obtain human food or garbage.
Giving animals near roads food encourages them to frequent roadways and greatly increases the chances of vehicle-animal accidents.
Feeding animals may entice them to eat aluminum foil, plastic, or other wrappings. These make animals sick, and may even kill them.
Eating human food can make wild animals malnourished and cause other health problems and result in reproductive problems that can affect the survival of the species.
Feeding by humans disrupts animals' natural migratory patterns, makes them more vulnerable to predators and diseases, and may decrease their chances of surviving a severe winter.
