Grizzly Do’s and Don’ts

Grizzly bears have long been the subject of stories and legend, some of which are based in truth, many of which are exaggerations. The myth of the bloodthirsty grizzly has evolved from American frontier times. After the Lewis and Clark expedition in the early 19th century, settlers began coming west, first in small numbers and later in droves. Early settlers found the western United States to be amply populated with grizzlies and set to work to make room for themselves. As more and more Americans moved west, hunting and trapping practices drove the grizzly toward extinction. Today, the grizzly bear is listed as threatened in the 48 continental United States under the Endangered Species Act.

Encounters with the bears are infrequent because grizzlies do not naturally behave aggressively toward humans. A small grizzly is often difficult to tell from a large Black bear.

• Grizzlies are solitary creatures and tend not to wander beyond their home range, much less seek out interaction with people.

• The number one reason for a bear attack is crowding. A human has invaded the grizzlies “space”.

• Grizzlies do not attack people unless surprised, protecting their food or young, or provoked by aggressive human behavior.

• Since being placed on the threatened species list, grizzly bears have been carefully managed within the National Parks. This has involved removing bears that have exhibited a lack of fear of humans and aggressive behavior. The resultant population is on the whole more wary of people and less likely to be involved in confrontations.

• Grizzlies are most likely to attack when they are surprised. Hikers that make noise on the trail or converse normally within a group will alert a bear to their presence long before they get close enough to frighten it.

• Wilderness users should be alert for any sign of bear activity, such as fresh tracks, droppings, or a carcass. If you do come across such a sign, it is wise to turn back or take an alternate route so as to avoid confrontation.

• Grizzly females are very protective of their young. Despite their cuteness, travelers should recognize grizzly cubs as a sign of danger and avoid them at all times.

• Most importantly, be sure to store food and garbage properly when in grizzly country. Place all foodstuffs in commercially available, bear- proof containers or suspend it out of reach of bears. Campers should also cook away from their campsite and sleep in different clothes than those they cooked in, as grizzlies have an acute sense of smell.

• Backcountry travelers who feel uncomfortable in grizzly country can carry pepper spray for use in the event of a chance encounter with a bear. These sprays are non-lethal irritants and have proven effective in the field at repelling grizzlies.

The importance of keeping grizzlies out of human food and garbage cannot be overemphasized. Bears that become habituated to these items do present a danger to people because they lose their natural fear of civilization.

Do’s And Don’ts When Camping

In Bear Country

DO

1. Locate cook area at least 100 yards downwind of tent.
2. Camp where trees allow for proper food storage, at least 100 yards downwind of camp--or, if there are no trees, store food well away from camp in ABS cylinders or in airtight plastic bags.
3. Camp near a possible escape tree in grizzly country--or camp in open, well away from any cover for bears.
4. Leave pack outside with flaps open.

DON’T

1. Camp near a bear trail or seasoning feeding ground.
2. Cook near your tent.
3. Camp in places where food or garbage has been left.
4. Camp where bear sign (droppings, tracks, etc.) exists.

Positions If Being Attacked By A Bear

1. Lying flat on the ground, face down, with hands locked behind neck and arms protecting face and side of head.
2. Fetal Position: curled into a ball, lying on side, head buried into knees and arms around legs with wrists locked together.

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