Bear Safety For Hiking And Camping This Summer

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“But what about bears?”. One of the first questions that concerned friends and family ask me when I tell them I’m planning a hiking or camping trip in Canada where I live. Bear safety in Canada is no joke. Although encounters are rare, they are not unheard of. Especially when hiking and camping in remote areas.

Last summer I really got into hiking. At first bears weren’t something I was too worried about. I’ll never meet one, I thought. In fact the wildlife on my trips was so sparse that my friend and I often joked that bears probably don’t exist.

But they do. And this guide will give you some basic facts and tips when it comes to bear safety anywhere, but especially western Canada.

Will I see bears in Canada?

If you’re on a road trip out of the cities then I’ll say, with any luck you will. If you’re going hiking/camping I’ll say, with any luck you won’t. But just because you don’t see bears doesn’t mean they’re not there. Usually noise will scare them away before you see them.

Canada has around 500,000 bears. A quarter of them live in British Columbia, and a good number are in Alberta, the neighboring province. So it’s always best to know what to do if you do see a bear and remember the bear safety guidelines.

What types of bears does Canada have?

In Canada there are three types of bears. Here’s a little more about them and how you can identify them (this might be important later).

American Black Bear

Black Bears are the most common bear, accounting for about 380,000 of Canada’s overall bear population. They are also the smallest of the bears in Canada (although still big enough if you run into one). Their faces are longer than other bears and their ears are more prominent.

Grizzly Bear

The next most common bear in Canada. Bigger, stronger and meaner, you don’t want to come across a Grizzly. There are around 25,000 in Canada, 15,000 of which live in British Columbia. They are identified by the hump on their shoulder which the black bear does not have, and their rounder face. Oh yeah, and they have gigantic claws!

Polar Bear

If you need me to tell you what a Polar Bear looks like we might have problems. They’re big and white and you’re not going to see them on your average hike. They can be found in Northern Canada, especially around the world famous Polar Bear capital of Churchill, Manitoba. If you visit, take a polar bear tour on a tundra buggy!

Bonus bear – The Spirit Bear

Sounds made up and mythical, but it’s actually a subspecies of the American Black Bear. The Spirit Bear is rare. Due to a recessive gene some Black Bears are pale and almost white instead of darker colors. A popular misconception is that they are albino. The Spirit Bear is found exclusively in Northwest BC’s Great Bear Rainforest.

How big is a bear, really?

Bears look cute and cuddly (there’s a reason they inspired one of the most popular children’s toys), but consider how big they really are. The average Black Bear is about 300 lb. They can be smaller but they can also weigh up to 600 lb. A Grizzly Bear averages 300-800 lb. They can weigh up to 1700 lb! Now that’s a pretty big animal to stumble across in the woods, and it’s why bear safety is really important.

8 Important tips for bear safety

Don’t worry, we’ll get to what you do if and when you see a bear. But first here are some things you can take with you (or leave behind) that might help with bear safety while camping or hiking. Remember that bears usually only become a problem when we habituate them to us by feeding them, intentionally or unintentionally.

Carry a bear bell

Sure, they’re annoying, but if there’s a chance it works, it might be worth it. The idea is that they will alert animals you’re in the area as even the chattiest of people don’t want to talk 24/7 on a hike. I attach one to my backpack when I hike.

Pack bear spray

It won’t deter a bear, it’s not like mosquito spray. But bear spray is the ultimate bear safety tool. It’s a strong pepper spray that will either scare off the bear or distract it enough for you to leave. Bear spray isn’t cheap (about $40-$50 with a shelf life of 2-4 years) but I wouldn’t hike without it now. Just remember to aim it the right way.

Check trail reports before a hike

Popular hikes in bear country might have bear reports, or post notices of bear issues. Last summer we wanted to do a hike on Vancouver Island and for weeks there was a report of a “problematic bear” at the start of the hike forcing hikers to plan an alternate route. Bonus tip: Join local Facebook groups for the trail in advance so you are aware of any bears in the area.

Look for signs of bears

Gross as it sounds, keep an eye out for bear poop. How do you identify bear poop you might ask? Well do you know what bears eat? A lot of berries. So if you see poop with red or purple looking berry seeds in it, there’s a good chance this is bear poop. Also look out for bear paw prints and how fresh they are. If you see either of these things make a lot more noise as you walk until you clear the area.

Join a bear safety class

If you’re in a hotel close to a lot of hiking, you might be surprised to discover they often have helpful info about bears. On a recent trip to the Canadian Rockies, the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel we stayed at had a bear awareness session you could join. Check your hotel or local tourism office for wildlife information.

Stick to marked trails

It’s tempting to take the road less traveled, but sometimes the more popular route is safer. If bears know a lot of people walk along a route, they’ll probably stay clear. Bears are naturally curious so they aren’t just lying in wait for tasty humans. They’re more likely to keep out of your way. Make it easy by taking the main path.

Let people know where you’re going

If you’re going hiking or camping in bear country it’s safer not to go alone. But alone or with others, hiking safety 101 is to let someone else know where you’re going. If the area has had recent bear activity that’s even more essential.

Pay attention

Make noise, talk or shout every now and again to let wildlife know you are coming. Even more so if you see signs of bear activity. Take a look around every so often in case you suddenly became the Pied Piper of bears. And don’t wear headphones.

Pack away food when camping

Think of the bear like your mother, you don’t want it to see you’ve made a mess of your room (camp). Before bed, pack all food, garbage and anything else with a scent (toiletries included) into a secure bear bag or canister. Hang bear bags 100 meters or more from camp. Same for bear proof cannisters.

You can read more about hanging bear bags in my wilderness camping post here. But hanging a bear bag sucks and is difficult so I recommend a bear proof cannister. It weighs more, but it’ll save you a 45 minute bag hanging ritual each night.

What to do if you encounter a bear

You’ve done all the above and you still ran into a bear? Lucky you! But, now what? Well, chances are you scared the bear and he wants to leave just as much as you do. But let’s first identify what state the bear might be in. That will impact how you react to the situation.

Did the bear see you?

You might have seen the bear but before you start clapping away consider that if he has no idea you’re there, it might be easier to just back away slowly. Don’t turn your back on the bear, calmly walk back the way you came or give a VERY wide berth. That’s right, not all bears are immediately nostrils-flared fuzzy mean machines.

I once came across a bear in Whistler. I was about to start hooting and hollering and then realized he was busy following a berry trail. He had no idea I was there. So I backed away to a safe distance and let him get on with his dinner.

He definitely saw me

If your new friend clocked eyes on you, remain calm and talk to him. Keep talking in a low voice, in a calm soothing (but confident) tone. Don’t make eye contact. Whatever you do, DO NOT RUN and DO NOT TURN YOUR BACK on the bear. Either of these could trigger an attack.

Most likely the bear will look for an escape and try to get away so give it space to do so. Do not stand between the bear and its cubs (or delicious food). Always make sure you bear spray is accessible. Be ready to use it in case the bear decides to attack.

What to do if you encounter a bear?

There are usually two types of attacks. In a defensive encounter the bear is usually trying to protect its cubs or its food. It might see you as a threat to either. A defensive attack will likely start with the bear trying to intimidate you. There will be some snorting, or some fake charges. Your play here is to use your body language to explain to the bear that you are not the threat it thinks you are.

A non-defensive, or aggressive/predatory encounter, is very different. Here the bear might want to look dominant in front of his lady bear friend, might be a little too used to humans, or could see you as a tasty snack. Whatever the reason for his bad bear day, show the bear you are not easy prey and act as aggressively and as big as you can.

What to do in a defensive bear attack

Remember your calm soothing talking to the bear: “nice Mr. Bear, good Mr. Bear, please just leave me to my hike Mr. Bear”. You get the idea. Ready your bear spray and keep slowly backing away without turning or running. If this isn’t working and the fake charges turn to real charges here are some tips.

Use your bear spray

Remove the safety pin and aim the spray. Make sure you’re not standing downwind or you’ll only spray yourself. Spray small bursts as the bear approaches. As it gets close aim for the eyes, nose and mouth and spray more. Leave as soon as its safe to do so (without running).

Do I play dead?

This should not be your go to and is a last resort with Grizzly Bears but you shouldn’t play dead with a Black Bear. Black Bears are less likely to get to the attack stage though, the bear spray should work. But if you surprised the bear and can’t get to your spray (or don’t have any), try to identify why the bear is being defensive.

The bear is protecting its food – If food is the issue, you lying down in the middle of the dinner table won’t help. Do not play dead in this case and do not act aggressively (imagine how Joey from Friends gets about food). Try to get away from the food area before resorting to playing dead.

The bear is protecting its young – Cubs are a different matter. Without spray you might want to try playing dead, if (and only if) the bear makes actual contact with you. Until then, keep backing away and acting calm. If playing dead is your only option with a Grizzly Bear, keep your backpack on and get on your stomach covering the back of your neck and head with your hands. Spread your elbows and legs wide so the bear can’t flip you over. Wait for the bear to leave even if you have to wait a very long time.

Non-defensive/aggressive bear attack

The talking didn’t work, the backing away didn’t work, even the playing dead didn’t work (if a bear is aggressive from the outset playing dead isn’t a good idea). So now what?

Act big and threatening

Spread your arms (better still, your coat if you have one on) and shout loudly. Stomp towards the bear to get it to run away. Do all you can to intimidate the bear.

Get indoors or climb a tree

If there’s a building (or outhouse) or a car, get inside it. Or if there’s a sturdy tree, climb it. Basically do what you can to get away from the bear. Remember that bears can also climb trees so it might be good to weigh the odds of this size bear following you up the tree before you resort to this.

Fight back

If the bear attacks use whatever you have to fight it off. Trekking poles will be useful should you have them. Sticks and rocks are your best bet. Aim for the bear’s face. Try to keep hold of the stick and swipe at the bear rather than launching the stick at the bear. If a bear attacks in a predatory manner you need to fight as much as you can.

My most recent bear encounter

While hiking the High Rim Trail in British Columbia’s Interior last year my friend and I did some wilderness camping. Our first night, after a long day of hiking we heard a noise outside the tent. Alone in the woods we were scared as we heard it get closer. Knowing we’d hidden all the food in a bear bag a distance away we knew it must just be a bear passing through. But that was a scary moment. It sounded big.

Remembering some key bear safety rules, we started by making a LOT of noise and shone a flashlight to scare it. We heard the animal move through the camp and into the woods. He could have just been passing through anyway. Or it could have been attracted by the campfire smell. Either way we had fortunately cleaned everything up before bed so there was nothing to keep it interested in our camp.

Through the four day trail we saw a few bear footprints and bear poop so just made lots of noise when we came across them and carried on moving. We never actually saw a bear while walking.

Be bear smart and hike with confidence

If you take all the necessary precautions when hiking or camping you are unlikely to even encounter a bear. Should you see a bear, it is very rare for them to attack. At the most they will likely come a little closer out of curiosity (especially if a younger bear) or try to intimidate you.

Bears don’t really want to fight with you and more often would prefer to just get on with their day. Just remember that the first thing to do when encountering a bear is NOT to grab your camera. Make sure you’re at a very safe distance before you start snapping away. Preferably inside a car with the windows rolled up.

If you’ve enjoyed this post or found it useful please share using the social media buttons below or leave a comment. Does bear safety concern you when hiking? Have you encountered a bear while hiking or camping?