I grew up in a vast densely forested property in the middle of Vancouver island with lots of bears in my area, I never once had a up close encounter. Which is what you should aim for when you’re in their territory.

With that being said, FUN FACT, Vancouver Island has only black bears.

But first thing is first, how should you travel in the backcountry?  

AVOIDANCE #1

Truthfully, just knowing how to avoid an encounter with a bear is the best way to enjoy your time outdoors. Bears do not usually like running into people and will generally avoid people if they know you are there. With that being said the number one rule is to stay noisy! Sing, talk, clap, and going in groups is always safer. Staying noisy is important because the likelihood of a bear attack goes up greatly if you surprise/spook a bear. Always be aware listening to the sounds of nature, loud sounds such as running water, high winds, dense vegetation, all increase your chances of surprising a bear.

A bears sense of smell is phenomenal! My cousin bought a float house down the canal in Port Alberni, BC, access is by a 1 1/2 hour boat ride. She always takes all food and drinks back to town upon leaving, as it is bear territory and she already had to redo the entire deck floor due to a bear ripping up the floor boards to get the muscles under them. One trip recently she forgot an open bottle of wine in the house, upon returning back weeks later she was treated with a nice large hole in an exterior wall that a bear made to snatch that bottle of wine!.

So don’t test a bears nose! Bears are curious creatures and leaving a backpack unattended is not a good idea, they love the smell of all foods, toothpaste, lotions and sprays. keep your food packed up tight, don’t leave littering of crumbs and garbage along the trail and at camps, as this will attract bears to you and other campers coming after you.

Here are some other quick tips

  • Hike during the daylight hours if possible when its spring and summer. Bears are most active during morning and later afternoon hours.
  • Watch for fresh bear tracks, scat and markings on trees.
  • Never let children run ahead or stray far from the group.
  • Always carry bear spray and know how to use it when in bear territory. 

IF YOU STILL END UP SEEING A BEAR…

Most important is to not run, you will never be able to outrun or out climb a bear! If the bear sees you, stand your ground, raise your arms to look larger, and talk to it in loud monotone voice “hey bear, hey there bear….” Backing up slowly the way you came. Research bear behaviour, then you will know how to recognize behaviours and respond accordingly, knowing these things will significantly minimize the chance of a dangerous encounter.

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

To learn how to recognize bears behaviour and how you should respond accordantly. Watch this YouTube video. The entire video is highly recommended, the more educated you are the more equip you are to be in bear territory, however if you have limited time, skip ahead to either 13:00 or 17:00.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-zkGuh42l4&t=788s

And now with ALL this being said you should breathe, because FUN…ish FACT, experts say you are 250 times more likely to die from a lightning strike than a bear attack.

Great link. https://bearwise.org/bear-safety-tips/bear-encounter/