I love encountering bears in the backcountry. They’re magnificent creatures—powerful, surprisingly quick, intelligent, and resilient. Their presence signifies a thriving ecosystem, a wild place large and healthy enough to support a top predator. But being in bear country also brings a sense of caution. Bear encounters can turn dangerous, especially with protective sows. More importantly, bears are resourceful omnivores, always seeking calorie-rich meals. My food sack, filled with energy-packed goodies, is a tempting target. Losing my food to a bear would drastically alter my trip, forcing me to shorten it, ration remaining supplies, or even go hungry. This article explores effective techniques to protect your food from bears, ensuring a safe and enjoyable backcountry experience.
Protecting your food isn’t just about preserving your meal plan. It’s also crucial for bear conservation. A bear that becomes habituated to human food often becomes a problem bear, leading to its removal or even euthanasia. By safeguarding your food, you help protect bears and future backcountry visitors. A bear that successfully raids food is more likely to repeat the behavior. Let’s all be responsible stewards of the wilderness and learn how to effectively “Food Bear Me,” protecting both ourselves and these incredible animals.
Alt: A lone black bear foraging for food in the Alaskan wilderness, highlighting the importance of proper food storage techniques in bear country.
Black bears, once widespread across North America, are now primarily found in less populated forested regions like the Appalachians, Rockies, and Cascades. Grizzly bears, with a historically broader range, are now limited to specific areas: the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Northern Continental Divide, the Selway-Bitterroots, northern Idaho and northwestern Montana, and the North Cascades. Knowing where bears reside is the first step in understanding when and how to protect your food.
You should consider protecting your food whenever you’re in bear country. If there are signs of a healthy bear population—sightings, scat on the trail—take food protection seriously. In areas with known problem bears, it’s essential to implement protective measures. The exception is winter in some regions when bears hibernate, reducing the need for food protection.
A “problem bear” is one that has lost its natural fear of humans, often due to accessing human food and garbage. These bears frequent campgrounds, dumpsters, and even cars, seeking easy meals. Problem bears are more common in heavily used areas where hunting is prohibited and food storage practices are lax. Yosemite, the High Sierra, Yellowstone, and the Adirondacks are known for problem bear activity due to a combination of factors: abundant bears, high human traffic, readily available human food, no hunting, and inconsistent food protection by visitors. Fortunately, mandatory and enforced food protection measures have significantly improved the situation in these areas. Sections of the Appalachian Trail, particularly in the Southeast, have also seen improvements thanks to the installation of bear cables and fences around shelters.
There’s a range of food protection methods, varying in effectiveness, safety, cost, and ease of use. The best approach depends on the specific area and the potential for bear encounters. In low-risk areas, simpler methods may suffice. In high-risk areas with frequent bear activity, comprehensive measures are essential.
Beyond relying on specific food storage techniques, practicing bear avoidance is paramount. Avoid camping where you cook, opting for a separate cooking area downwind and away from your sleeping site. Avoid strongly scented foods and toiletries. Camp in less frequented areas, away from established sites and popular trails, reducing the likelihood of encountering bears habituated to human presence. Utilize odor-proof bags for food storage, burn trash regularly to minimize enticing smells, and hike during times when bears are less active. Whenever possible, try to camp and travel in areas where bears are less likely to be found, avoiding their known feeding grounds.
Designated campsites in bear country often provide food protection infrastructure. Utilize these resources whenever available. Bear cables, found along the Appalachian Trail, allow you to suspend food bags from a wire strung between trees. Bear poles, common in Shenandoah National Park, offer a similar elevated storage option. Bear-proof food lockers, present in areas like Rocky Mountain National Park and the High Sierra, provide secure storage containers.
The traditional bear hang, involving suspending food from a tree branch, can be effective if executed correctly. Finding a suitable tree and branch is often the biggest challenge. The PCT Method, detailed in Backpacking Light Magazine, provides a comprehensive guide to proper bear hanging techniques. However, improper execution renders this method ineffective, as bears can easily access poorly hung food.
Bear canisters are rigid containers designed to prevent bears from accessing food. Their durable construction and secure lids make them highly effective. Required in some areas like the High Sierra and Adirondacks, canisters are a reliable but often heavy and expensive option. While effective, they add weight and bulk to your pack. Their necessity often stems from the need to compensate for careless food storage practices by some backcountry users.
In rocky terrain, natural formations can offer food storage solutions. Securely placing food in a rock crevice or on a high ledge, out of a bear’s reach, can be effective. However, never underestimate a bear’s climbing ability. Simply covering food with rocks is ineffective, as bears can easily move them.
In low-risk areas or when other methods are impractical, sleeping with your food can be a last resort. This isn’t recommended in high-risk areas but can deter opportunistic bears in areas with minimal bear activity. This is not a foolproof method and should only be used in specific circumstances.
