Conservation Northwest updates
8 Summer 2016 conservationnw.org
Recreating in bear country should rarely create con-
flicts between humans and bruins when proper precautions
are taken. By knowing how to avoid conflicts and defuse en-
counters with bears, you not only keep yourself safe but also
teach bears to be wary of people. Here are some important
things to keep in mind the next time you're out adventuring :
• Before you hit the trail, research trip reports or check in
with a forest ranger or Fish and Wildlife official for the most
recent news on bear activity in the area.
• Carry bear spray in an accessible spot, and know how to
use it! Bear spray is proven to be more effective than firearms
at stopping bear charges.
• Avoid packing odorous foods or scented toiletries, and be
sure to bring the proper storage equipment in order to hang
your food—100 feet of rope, air-tight storage bags, and cara-
biners are recommended. Hang your food from a high branch
at least 100 yards from your camp, and cook your food the
same distance away from your tent.
• If you can't hang your food, buy or rent a bear-resistant
container. National Park ranger stations oen rent them, as
do some Forest Service offices and outdoor gear stores. ese
containers have been bear-tested and are approved for use by
the International Grizzly Bear Committee.
• Whether you're hiking, hunting, or fishing, it's best to do so
in groups. Maintain some level of noise by talking or singing, es-
pecially in sight-restricted areas like dense timber or tight corners.
Mountain guide Jenni Minier says, "e human voice is the most
effective noise you can make. Bears don't want to be surprised by
a human any more than we want to be surprised by a bear."
What you need to
know in bear country
bear awareness 101
Black bear or grizzly?
Washington state is home to over
25,000 black bears and about 40-50 grizzly
bears in the Selkirks, with some individual
grizzlies in the North Cascades. It's impor-
tant to know the differences between the
two bear species.
Color is not a good indicator, for exam-
ple. Black bears range from black to brown to
blonde, and grizzly bears can be a very dark
brown that's nearly black. e best indicators
between black and grizzly bears are these:
• Shoulder hump: Grizzlies have a large
muscular hump between their shoulders.
• Face and ears: Grizzlies have a dished
snout and small, round ears, while black
bears have straight noses and upright ears.
• Claws: Grizzly bears have long claws
(about 3-4 inches long ), used for digging.
Black bears have short, 1-2 inch-long claws.
For more information on recreating safe-
ly in bear country, using bear-resistant
containers, and how to use bear spray,
visit igbconline.org.
A Park Service ranger conducting a bear spray demonstration. Photo courtesy: NPS Diane Renkin
"The most important tools for staying safe
in grizzly bear country are knowledge
and awareness. Understanding how
bears perceive the world and our actions
can help us anticipate where and when
conflicts might arise, de-escalate them
when they do, and develop a greater
appreciation for the beauty of these
complex creatures we share the world
with." –David Moskowitz, biologist and
wildlife tracker
Living with grizzly bears
alaina Kowitz Communications and
Outreach Associate, alaina@conservationnw.org
