Going camping in the bear country presents unique challenges, especially regarding the protection of food and items with distinct smells, collectively known as ‘smellables’.

The stakes are high: if a bear raids your camp, the consequences could be dire for both you and the bear. So, how do you stay safe? Let’s dive in.

Understanding Smellables

‘Smellables’ are food items or other products that can attract a bear due to their distinctive aroma. Bears, being opportunistic feeders, are drawn to the smell of human food, which offers higher calories than their natural food sources. Other smellables that could lure bears include:

  • Bottles containing drink mixes
  • Lotions and creams
  • First-aid items
  • Toiletry items
  • Clothing stained with food spills.

The list of smellables can vary, so consult with local land managers for a comprehensive checklist.

Utilizing Bear Bags for Food Protection

Bear bags provide an effective method to safeguard your food and smellables from bears. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Take a 100-foot rope (thick cordage or clothesline rope would suffice) and throw each end over a high tree branch. Aim for branches about 40-50 feet above the ground – the higher, the better.
  2. Attach your bear bags close together to the rope using a clove-hitch or girth-hitch knot.
  3. With people at each end, pull the rope taut, hoisting the bags into the air. The bags should ideally be 20-30 feet above the ground.
  4. Finally, secure the rope ends to separate the trees.

Employing Bear Canisters for Food Storage

Bear canisters serve as another viable option to protect food from bears. These sturdy, small plastic barrels fit into your backpack and are virtually indestructible for bears. While they eliminate the need for hanging ropes, their storage capacity may be insufficient for more than a few days’ worths of food, particularly for large groups.

Smart Campsite Setup to Discourage Bears

Choosing a smart campsite setup is an effective deterrent for bears. Erect your shelters several hundred feet away from your cooking area to decrease the likelihood of a bear invading your tent at night.

Also, position your bear bags or canisters several hundred feet away, but in the opposite direction. Imagine a triangle: your shelter, camp area, and food storage should each occupy a different corner.

Checking for Bear Activity Prior to Hiking

Prior to embarking on your trip, touch base with the local land manager to gather current information on bear activity and behavior in your intended area. For example, Yellowstone National Park provides visitors with detailed guidance on bears and the necessary precautions. Inquire if there are facilities for hanging bear bags, such as poles or cables, or storage boxes for food.

Improper storage of food and smellables can lead to a bear becoming a ‘problem bear’, one that poses a risk to other campers by getting into their food supplies. In severe cases, the bear may need to be put down. Non-compliance with food safety regulations can lead to fines.

Therefore, by taking these simple measures, campers and hikers can contribute to preserving this magnificent creature and its habitat.