One of the most important rules of camping and outdoor adventure is to keep your food safe from bears at all hours of the day. If you’re bulging backpack makes you think of delicious chili around a campfire, it probably makes the bear population in the area think of it too. The smart hiker understands this and comes equipped with ideas for bear safe camping!
Land management agencies, including the National Park Service, have no single food-defense strategy that they recommend. Each part of the park service establishes an individual policy appropriate for the wildlife in the area. The rules become particularly important when you’re camping in grizzly territory.
There are some guidelines, however, that do apply to all food storage situations:
- Leaving your food unattended is a bad idea, even if it’s still in your backpack.
- Anything aromatic — powder, ointment, toothpaste, sunscreen, bug spray, lotions, utensils — must be stored overnight. Bears aren’t picky; they’re drawn by any strange smells.
- Leaving items inside your pack overnight is another bad idea, its best to leave all pockets unzipped and empty. This allows any nocturnal bears to snoop around without tempting them to gnaw at your gear out of curiosity.
- Store your food downwind and at least 200 feet away from your sleeping area.
So, when you’re away on a day trip or sleeping, there are several great options for food storage. We’ll leave it up to you to decide which option is best for your next camping trip.
Bear Wires
Bear wires are cables strung high up between trees, enabling people to suspend food bags above the reach of a standing bear. This can be challenging to do correctly, and some parks have actually begun removing them.
Bear Boxes
Bear Boxes are large metal containers with hinged, latched openings. Yosemite is one of many bear-frequented national parks with many bear boxes within its limits. Most are conveniently placed in campgrounds and parking areas.
If they’re available, use them. At campgrounds, make sure your items are marked. Food coolers and grocery bags can be easily confused. Don’t use boxes as trash receptacles, even if others have done so in the past. Also make sure you properly close and secure all latches after each visit.
For more on bear safe camping, check out : How to Protect From Bears While Camping
Featured Image from Greg Rosenke/Unsplash
