Expert Advice on How to Avoid Bear Attacks

Nowadays it seems that grizzly bear attacks are on the rise. As a result of this and because of a recent deadly grizzly bear attack in Yellowstone National Park, discussions about bear safety and how to avoid becoming a victim of them are on the increase.

In Colorado wildlife experts are stressing the importance of bear spray as a vital component for hikers to have on them when they decide to take a hike. However they also stress that Colorado black bears are not generally aggressive compared to Yellowstone ones. In most cases black bears are distrustful of humans and are more likely to climb a tree or run away if they can sense danger.

Residents in Colorado face plenty of tests when it comes to living with black bears, seeing as the state population consists of 8,000 to 12,000. As a result of people and bears living together in Colorado’s bear country, bear-to-human encounters are seeing a steady rise.

Of course prevention is the best way to avoid a possible attack. In most cases bears are generally attracted to humans because of what they bring with them. This usually consists of food, and as bears are looking for food, they find themselves stumbling upon unsuspecting humans in the process.

Not only that, but as a bear’s nose is 100 times stronger compared to a humans, a bear has the ability to smell food up to five miles away.

Furthermore, bears have amazing memories and are extremely smart. This means that when bears come across food in a campground or on trails they will connect these areas with food and will sooner or later come back again.

Because of this it is important for hikers and campers to clean up thoroughly before they leave an area in order to avoid bears coming back. Items that come with an odor, for example food, beverages, gum, toothpaste, candles, insect repellent, scented toiletries and sunscreen, shouldn’t be brought into a tent. And make sure that you don’t sleep in the clothes that you cooked in.

By storing any sweet smelling items away from where you sleep or eat will help to avoid bear attacks. However in the event that a bear does continue to approach you, it is a good idea to think about utilizing your bear spray. This self defense spray will effectively deter the bear away, and will play as a reminder to the bear who may consider visiting that area again.