Camp in Bear Country

Proper food storage is critical to protecting both people and bears. When not in use, food should be stored in bear-proof food storage boxes provided at campsites.

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Encounter a Bear?

If you’re involved in a conflict with a bear, regardless of how minor, call the park Wildlife Hotline at [phone], or report it to a park ranger as soon as possible. If cell service is available, dial 9-1-1. 

 

Bears are smart and learn new food sources quickly. Allowing bears to obtain human food even once often leads to them becoming aggressive toward people when they come back looking for more. Aggressive bears threaten human safety and eventually must be removed from the park or killed.

Keep a Clean Camp

Store all food, garbage, or smelly items so that bears cannot access them. The following items should be properly stored when not in use (even if clean and empty):

• Water and beverage containers
• Cooking or eating utensils
• Stoves and grills
• Coolers and ice chests
• Garbage—bagged or not
• Food and condiments (even if in containers)
• Cosmetics and toiletries
• Pet food and bowls
• Pails, buckets, and wash basins

Store these items in vehicles or the bear-proof storage lockers available at many campsites. Do not store these items in tents or truck beds, or leave them unattended on picnic tables. After every meal, pick up food scraps or garbage that fell to the ground.

If a bear enters your camp, grab your stuff, especially food, and move to the safety of a car or building. Do not run. Food can also be safety stored in bear boxes.

 

In The Backcountry

It is important that food is kept properly stored in backcountry sites as well as developed campgrounds. Bears learn to associate human scent with food. Proper storage limits the human food available to bears and encourages them to forage for natural foods.

If camping in the backcountry hang your backpacks and bear-resistant food containers. Find two trees approximately 30 feet apart with limbs 15-20 feet above the ground. Throw a rope across the limbs, and allow enough slack to attach your container. Once the ood containers are secured to the rope, pull the rope tight and the pack should stabilize high enough where a bear cannot reach it. Containers should centered between the two trees in case the bear climbs the tree and reach for the food. Any food not in use should be stored in this manner while in the backcountry.

Do not sleep in clothes you have cooked in, as the food odor is left on your clothes and may attract a bear. It is also a good idea to cook some distance from your sleeping area. Plan your meals carefully so that you do not have excess food left over.

 

Click here for an informative video on proper food storage in the backcountry

NPS