You are hooked on outdoor adventure activities - but nervous for your first real backpacking trip in bear country. What should you know?

When it comes to preparing for a backpacking trip in bear country, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

Bear Awareness

- Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with bear behaviour and habits in the area you'll be hiking. Learn about the species of bears that are present and their typical activities during different times of the year.

Bear Safety Precautions

- Make Noise: Travelling in groups and talking or singing while hiking can help alert bears of your presence, allowing them to avoid you.

- Proper Food Storage: Store all food and scented items (including toothpaste and deodorant) in bear-proof containers. hang them from trees, or keep them in approved bear canisters.

- Stay Alert: Be attentive to your surroundings and use binoculars to scan for bears from a distance. Avoid areas with thick brush where bears might be hiding.

- Bear Spray: Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Bear Encounter Guidelines

- Stay Calm: Bears are more likely to attack if they feel threatened.

- Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Looking a bear in the eyes can be perceived as a challenge.

- Assess the Situation: Evaluate whether it's a defensive encounter (charging, lunging) or a bluff charge (false charge to scare you off).

- Back Away Slowly: Bears rarely chase hikers, but back away slowly while facing the bear.

- Play Dead: If the bear does charge, drop to the ground on your stomach, place your hands behind your neck and spread your legs. Remain motionless until the bear leaves the area.

Additional Tips

- Avoid leaving trash at your campsite.

- Check with local authorities or park rangers for any specific bear safety regulations or advisories in the area.

- If you're nervous, consider going with a more experienced hiking buddy or joining a guided backpacking trip.

- Be mindful of your surroundings and enjoy your adventure!