Stay Safe in Bear Country!
It can be tempting to give into the adorableness of the black bear. Their fuzzy fur and huggable bodies create a false sense of adorableness. Black bears are anything but cute, they are deadly predators that attack when threatened. I have compiled a helpful guide on bear safety that will prepare you for your adventure into the wilderness surrounding Durango, Colorado.
When recreating outdoors or hiking in bear country like Durango, Colorado; you must take the extra steps to deter any unwanted interactions with our not so friendly neighbors, the black bear.
Understand Bear Behavior
Know Your Bears
Understanding bear behavior is really important for staying safe while you're exploring places like Durango, Colorado. Bears usually want nothing to do with people, but they can get aggressive if they feel threatened or if they’re protecting their cubs.
Never stand between a mama bear and her cubs. They are not like an angry neighbor yelling “get off my lawn” instead they are deadly creatures known for seriously harming humans.
Knowing what to look for and how to react if you see a bear can help you avoid dangerous situations. By learning simple things about bear behavior, you can enjoy your time outdoors more safely and make sure both you and the bears stay safe.
Identify Bear Tracks and Signs
Being Bear-y Careful
Identifying bear tracks and signs is essential for safety. Make sure you are alert of your surroundings while hiking and always stay on trail.
Look for large paw prints with five toes and claw marks. Other signs include overturned rocks, scratched trees, and scat (bear droppings). Recognizing bear behaviors like these can help you avoid bear encounters and recognize their activity in the area.
Practice Proper Food Storage
Keep Bears Away from Your Campsite
You don’t want Yogi Bear to crash your picnic!
Camping with bears can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper measures to ensure your safety.
First, ensure all food, cooking equipment, and scented items are stored in bear-proof containers or hung high in a tree, away from your sleeping area. Bears have an incredibly keen sense of smell, so even non-food items like toiletries can attract them. Refer to our previous blog on how to dispose of waste items properly. Some campsites will have bear proof garbage containers, dispose of your trash in these if they are at your disposal. Never leave your trash lying around. Cooking and eating should be done at least 100 yards from your tent to minimize the chances of bears associating your sleeping area with food.
The last thing anyone wants is an unwelcome visitor ruining your camping trip. Make your campsite less inviting to bears by keeping it clean. Wash dishes and clean up thoroughly after meals. Bears typically avoid humans so make noise around your campsite during the day to let bears know you're there. This could mean banging on pots or shouting.
Following these practices not only helps ensure bears stay a comfortable distance away from your campsite. By following these practices it also forces the bears to hunt and scavenge for their food instead of depending on stealing human goods, this instills safe and natural habits in the bears.
Hike Responsibly
Trails in Bear Country
When you're hiking in bear country, like in the wilderness areas surrounding Durango, staying safe is the number one priority. Always hike in a group—bears are more likely to avoid larger gatherings and will be jealous that you have friends. Make some noise along the trail by chatting or using bear bells to let bears know you're around and avoid startling them. Stick to well-used trails and avoid hiking at dawn or dusk when bears are most active.
Having bear spray and knowing how to use it is crucial. Watch out for those key signs that a bear has been in the area, and if seen stay alert in case the bear is still in the area. By taking these precautions, you can have a fantastic time exploring bear country while staying safe and respecting the bears' habitat.
Respect Wildlife
Give Bears Space
Giving bears their space is really important when you're out in their territory. If you come across a bear, stay calm and slowly back away while keeping an eye on it. Never try to approach or get closer, even for a picture—it's just not worth the risk. Keep a distance of at least 100 yards and give the bear room to move away on its own terms. Respecting their space keeps everyone safe and ensures we can all enjoy sharing the outdoors with these amazing creatures.
Use Bear Spray
Effective Bear Deterrent and Safety
One of the most effective bear deterrents in bear country, like around Durango, is bear spray. Bear spray is specially formulated to deter a bear if it charges or approaches aggressively. It's designed to temporarily irritate the bear's eyes, nose, and respiratory system, giving you time to retreat to safety. When using bear spray, it's important to aim at the bear's face and spray in short bursts. To make sure you know how to properly use bear spray check out videos on Youtube that demonstrate how to use bear spray and equip it.
Since the last grizzly bear in Colorado was killed in 1979 in the San Juan Forest just East of Durango the only bears still calling Colorado home are black bears. Most black bears will be hesitant to interact with humans. If you come across a black bear, pick up young children and deter your path around the bear. Do not drop your bag full of delicious granola bars and snacks. By being proactive with these bear country tips, you can reduce the likelihood of bear encounters and ensure a safer outdoor experience for yourself and the bears.
Conclusion
Enjoy Nature Responsibly
Bear Awareness is important for enjoying nature responsibly. Showing respect for wildlife, leaving places as we found them, and making sure we stay safe helps maintain our public lands. By learning about wildlife safety we can keep safely enjoying the great outdoors and respect the original inhabitants of the mountains. Our bear friends will appreciate it!