Learn about living with bears; creating bear smart communities; recreating in bear country; bear safety at work; and managing bears (for wildlife officials).

Camping

in Bear Country

bear safe camping do's and dont's

Reduce odours that attract bears

1. Store ALL food and wildlife attractants in the animal-proof facilities provided or, as a last resort, in a hard-sided vehicle/RV (not in a tent).  If no facilities exist, hang your food and garbage out of bear reach.  Use 100-feet of rope to hang your food between two trees well away from your tent/cooking area. Get detailed instructions here.

NOTE: in areas where bears have become accustomed to humans, they may have learned to look for food hanging in packages from trees and poles. The best advice, in this situation, is to either use a bear-proof/scent-proof container and hide it in bushes (100m from your tent), or put the food in air tight containers and put those inside two heavy duty black garbage bags and hide that bundle in bushes (100 m from your tent), taking care not to tear the bags while placing and retrieving the bundle.

2. NEVER take food or any drinks (except water) into your tent, not even a snack.

3. Use the designated grey water disposal grates; do not dispose of grey water near a human-use area.

4. Keep your fire pit clean and free of food residue.

“Bare Campsite” Rules

Follow these rules whenever your campsite is unattended for any length of time i.e. at night or when going for a hike, swim or to the washroom.

What Attracts Bears?

Anything that has an odour or could be considered food may attract wildlife to your site.

  • Coolers – full/empty
  • Food and Condiments
  • Garbage/Wrappings/Plastic Bags
  • Dishes/Pots
  • Pet Food/Bowls
  • Bottles/Cans: full/empty
  • Tablecloths
  • Toiletries/Suntan Lotion/Insect Spray
  • Camp Stoves & Barbecues
  • Containers of Gasoline/Oil
  • ANY items associated with food preparation or clean up (soap, dish clothes, towels, & clothing worn while cooking.
  • Grey Water Pails

Keep your pet on a leash at all times. Do not leave pets unattended outside especially at night. They may attract dangerous wildlife.