Going camping means that you also need to be prepared to share the campsite with its regular wildlife residents. This includes one of the bigger residents, a bear. Lately, bears seems to wandering into campsite more often. Protect your family and your recreational vehicle with some of the tips below.
First, research the area you are going to go camping at so that you can find out what type of wildlife habitats there so you can take the proper precautions. And if the area includes bears, know which type of bear you will be dealing with as you will need to react differently to each type.
There are two main types of bears in the lower 48, the black bear and the grizzly bear. The black bear is smaller than a grizzly, weighing about 110-300, but a male can get up to 400 lbs. Black bears also have large pointed ears whereas a grizzly bear has short rounded ears. Another distinct feature is that the grizzly will have a hump on his back and a black bear will not. Personally I feel that the hump or lack of hump is the best indicator of knowing what type of bear you are dealing with.
The best way to keep bears away is to be proactive. You want to make your campsite uninviting to bears and that means keeping food and good smelling things like lotions and deodorants. Food should be kept in smell-proof containers if possible. Keep the area clean by washing the dishes, cleaning the tables and disposing of garbage in the proper reciprocals.
Should you have an encounter with a bear below is how to react to both a grizzly and a black bear as they greatly vary.
If You Encounter a Bear…
- Remain calm and avoid sudden movements.
- Give the bear plenty of room, allowing it to continue its activities undisturbed. If it changes its behavior, you’re too close so back away.
- If you see a bear but the bear doesn’t see you, detour quickly and quietly.
- If a bear spots you, try to get its attention while it is still farther away. You want it to know you’re human so talk in a normal voice and waive your arms.
- Remember that a standing bear is not always a sign of aggression. Many times, bears will stand to get a better view.
- Throw something onto the ground (like your camera) if the bear pursues you, as it may be distracted by this and allow you to escape.
- Never feed or throw food to a bear.
If a Bear Charges…
- Remember that many bears charge as a bluff. They may run, then veer off or stop abruptly. Stand your ground until the bear stops, then slowly back away.
- Never run from a bear! They will chase you and bears can run faster than 30 mph.
- Don’t run towards or climb a tree. Black bears and some grizzlies can climb trees, and many bear will be provoked to chase you if they see you climbing.
- If you have pepper spray, be sure that you have trained with it before using it during an attack.
If a Grizzly Bear Attacks…
- Play dead!
- Lie face down on the ground with your hands around the back of your neck.
- Stay silent and try not to move.
- Keep your legs spread apart and if you can, leave your pack on to protect your back.
- Once the bear backs off, stay quiet and still for as long as you can. Bears will often watch from a distance and come back if they see movement.
If a Black Bear Attacks…
- Be loud, waive your arms, and stand your ground.
- Fight back! Be aggressive and use any object you have.
- Only if you are sure the bear attacking is a mother who is protecting its cubs, play dead.
- If you have pepper spray, use it. Begin spraying when it’s within 40 ft so it runs into the fog. Aim for the face. {About}
Remember RVers, knowing about the wildlife in the area you will be camping at as well as taking the precautions to keep your campsite unattractive to bears is very important. It is very rare for bears to attack, but it is always better to be armed with knowledge. Before you head on out, check out any ExploreUSA RV Supercenter for all of your RVing needs!
