Bear Country Hiking: How to Hike Safely Where Bears Live¶

Hiking in bear country requires specific knowledge and preparation. This guide covers the three bear species hikers encounter (black, grizzly, polar), prevention strategies, bear spray use, proper food storage (bear canisters and hang methods), encounter protocols, and the critical differences between defensive and predatory bear behavior.

Introduction¶

Living with Bears¶

Know Your Bears¶

Black Bears — Behavior and Range¶

Grizzly/Brown Bears — Behavior and Range¶

Polar Bears — Arctic Hiking¶

Prevention Strategies¶

Making Noise on the Trail¶

Hiking in Groups¶

Avoiding Surprise Encounters¶

Bear Spray¶

How Bear Spray Works¶

Carrying and Deployment¶

Practice Draws¶

Food Storage¶

Bear Canisters¶

Hang Methods — PCT and Counterbalance¶

Cooking Distance from Camp¶

Bear Encounter Protocols¶

Defensive Encounter — What to Do¶

Predatory Encounter — What to Do¶

Black Bear vs. Grizzly — Different Responses¶

Campsite Selection in Bear Country¶

The 200-Foot Triangle¶

Bear Country Checklist¶