Introduction
If you’re backpacking in grizzly habitat, it is important to take proper precautions and educate yourself to avoid any adverse interactions between yourself and these incredible creatures which, despite the progress made in their recovery, are still a threatened species. Being able to share space with these magnificent animals in the stunning landscapes they call home is an incredible opportunity for backpackers in North America. With this opportunity comes the responsibility to do everything we can to protect ourselves and these bears from the harm that can arise from conflicts between bears and humans.
This article is not intended to provide comprehensive instructions on how to properly execute various components related to safely backpacking in grizzly habitat, such as the use of bear spray or firearms or how to hang food properly. Rather, it is intended to provide an overview of what backpackers should be aware of and the general best practices recommended by land management and conservation agencies.
Our understanding of grizzly bears and our approach to safely engaging in outdoor pursuits in grizzly habitat continues to evolve. In the half-century since the Night of the Grizzlies there have been significant changes in management related to bears and visitors on public lands. As more humans venture into grizzly habitat for recreation, and as the bear population grows and they spread out from their current core habitats, we will undoubtedly learn more about these incredible creatures and how to be safe when visiting their homes.
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Discussion
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You can call your state wildlife dept, or the state you plan to be in. They generally have up to date info on bears in thier jusidiction.
@AK Granola didn’t say formal expertise. Perhaps more experience is better phrasing then?
@Kevin L, good idea. Thanks.
“Try your local library.”
As the director of a public library and an avid backpacker, this comment made my day : )
Public lands and public libraries are two of the greatest treasures, in my opinion. Sorry for the thread drift!
For what it’s worth from an experience stand point…I’ve cooked, eaten, and slept in the same clothing in brown/black bear country here in Alaska for 19 years and haven’t had any problems. That includes with my kids, who aren’t super pro-active in minimizing risk. Food is normally in bear bags about 100 yds away, sometimes less depending on where I can tie them to.
I have also hiked, camped and backpacked in Alaska for the last 30 years, and have fortunately had only benign encounters with bears, none involving food. My take is that bears have really good noses, and can tell if you cooked a while ago and have only a minor scent on your clothes, and smell the difference between that and a snickers under your pillow. That said, I don’t fish and if I did I’d probably change those clothes out before cozying up in my sleeping bag. I also don’t cook bacon when I backpack. I keep a clean camp, use a bear canister or Ursack (mostly the canister these days), and cook away from my sleeping area. As with everywhere else, once bears get human food, they tend to be problematic so the goal is prevention. Trying to educate outsiders who think they know best is one of my regular summer sports activities. I suppose they think we are all dumb hicks and they just google their questions instead of listening to locals (even after asking for advice).
There are bears in Alaska who occasionally just attack and eat people unprovoked and without “cause.” They’re rare, thankfully.
Hey Now. Really helpful to hear from those with experience. Thanks AK and Herman. I’m pretty sure I know the experts suggest 3 sets of clothes, 100 yard LNT triangle, and bear can. Im happy to do that and I want to know something from those with experience. And please keep the summer education sessions going! I do the same on trial when I can.
My thoughts on extra clothes
When I had a synthetic quilt I dud NOT have clean clothes. I just felt the food oder there was so small compared to my body funk and the smell of my stashed food 100 yards away that it didn’t worry me.
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