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Bears - Canada
Many areas of Canada are blessed with an abundance of wildlife. Depending on what season and where you camp, you may see cougars, bears, moose, deer, sheep, goats, whales and many small animals as well as hundreds of bird species.
In some parts of Canada, bears are prevalent and can be dangerous. British Columbia for example has almost one-quarter of all the black bears in Canada and close to half the grizzlies. People and bear encounters are very rare, but if camping in an area inhabited by bears you should always be prepared and take the necessary precautions.
Often, camp sites and walking trails are off the beaten track so people can enjoy the wilderness, but this can bring people into conflict with the wildlife, particularly the black bear, the grizzly bear and the cougar. It is important to practice wildlife safety at all times.
Bears are omnivorous so will eat whatever is available. The food which is available will influence their habitat at different times of the year. They are very curious animals and may be attracted to human activity, investigating strange smells, noise and movement. Their drive to find food may lead them to your campsite if you are not careful.
When choosing site
- avoid bear feeding areas: floodplains, berry patches, wet meadows, water where fish are spawning
- Do not use a littered campsite where a bear may have visited
- Check area for tracks and droppings
- Avoid sites where surrounding terrain or vegetation affect visibility
- If unsure you can always check areas with the local authority
When camping
- Never pitch near heavy brush, waters edge or any animal tracks
- Never sleep in the open
- Keep tents away from where you cook and eat your food
- Never take food into your tent
- Keep food packed away in bear proof containers, ensuring as best you can to keep odours to a minimum
- Always keep a clean camp, burn any rubbish which can be burnt, dispose it in bear proof bins or take it away with you. Never bury it
- If fishing or hunting, keep catch stored away safely and minimise waste near camp
- Setting up an electric fence around your camp can deter a bear at night
When Hiking
- Travel in groups
- Stay alert
- Always tell someone where you are and when you expect to return
- Use binoculars to look ahead on the track
- Keep a lookout for tracks or droppings and avoid these areas
- Keep any food you take in airtight containers
- Making noise as you walk, talking etc may lessen the chance of you surprising a bear
- If you are walking with a dog, keep it on a leash at all times
- Always keep your distance if taking photos
- Carry a deterrent, pepper spray or a firearm
If faced with a bear
Grizzlies usually avoid contact with humans if possible. However if cornered, threatened, or surprised, the grizzly can be very aggressive, and will usually stand its ground or charge.
Black bears are often less aggressive and flee from danger, but because they are more curious and adaptable than grizzlies, they quickly become accustomed to human activity, and may develop aggressive food-seeking habits which make them dangerous. Therefore, treat all black bears with caution
From a distance
- Stand still
- Talk in low tones, slowly wave arms
- Don't run, the bear may chase and they will outrun you
- Always leave open an escape route for the bear
- Alert them of your presence, they may run away if they sense you are alerted
- Quietly walk back the way you came or take a wide detour around them
A close encounter
- Stay still
- Assess the situation
- Don't shout or make sudden movements
- Don't make eye contact
- If bear attacks, play dead, laying on floor in a ball, protecting your head, neck, chest and stomach
- If no retaliation is shown the bear may deem you dead and give up
- Wait until bear has completely retreated before moving
Remember you are in the bear�s natural environment so never feed, surprise or approach bears or come between a mother bear and her cubs