Prevention
Avoiding Encounters on the Trail
The best encounter is the one that never happens. Most bear attacks result from sudden, close-range surprise. These practices significantly reduce that risk.
The 55-Yard Rule
Most sudden encounters leading to injury occurred when the person was unaware of the grizzly until it was less than 55 yards away. The bear was apparently also unaware. Trail designers in Kananaskis Country use this distance as a sight-line design criterion.
Before Your Trip
Learn which bear species are present in the area. The correct encounter response differs by species.
Read agency pamphlets and check for current bear advisories or trail closures.
Ask park staff about food-conditioned or garbage-habituated bears in the area.
Carry bear spray, a first-aid kit, and a cell or satellite phone.
Check the TrailBear map for recent sightings on your route.
On the Trail
Make noise
Use your voice in a deep, guttural tone when visibility is limited. Small bear bells are inadequate near rushing water or in wind. Gas-powered boat horns are the most effective noisemakers. Low frequencies travel better around trees and obstacles.
Travel in groups
Larger parties make more noise naturally and appear more formidable to bears. There is no record in all North American national park history of a person on horseback being thrown and then mauled by a grizzly.
Be alert to wind direction
If the wind is in your face, bears ahead of you cannot smell you. Make extra noise in this situation. They may not know you are approaching.
Use binoculars
In open country, scan several hundred yards ahead. Watch suspicious objects for several minutes before approaching. A feeding bear can look like a rock until it moves.
Stay on marked trails
Cross-country travel, mountain biking, and running in bear country all increase the risk of sudden encounters because speed replaces caution and attention.
Watch for bear signs
Fresh tracks, scat, diggings, or claw marks on trees mean bears are active in the area. Be extra cautious and consider turning back.
If You See a Bear
At a distance, unaware of you: detour quietly, staying downwind so it does not detect your scent.
At a distance, aware of you: detour upwind at a slow to fast walk (never run) so it can smell you from a safe distance and identify you as human.
Nearby but not aggressive: slowly back away. Talk in a calm, even tone. Slowly wave your arms. Do not stare directly at the bear. Look for climbable trees.
Showing stress signals (snorting, jaw popping, swatting ground): you are too close. Retreat slowly. These are warnings, not attacks.
Sleeping in Bear Country
Data strongly suggest that people sleeping without tents are more likely to be injured or killed than people sleeping in tents. A tent provides a physical and psychological barrier. According to Herrero:
- -Always sleep in a tent in bear country.
- -Keep 1 to 2 feet between you and the tent walls.
- -Keep a flashlight and bear spray within reach.
- -Cook and store food at least 100 yards downwind from your tent.
A Note on Hearing
Research by Dr. Milo Fritz found that men aged 40 to 60 with high-frequency hearing loss are disproportionately represented among mauling victims. If you have reduced hearing, be especially diligent about making noise and travelling with others who can listen for you.
This guide is informed by Stephen Herrero's Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance (3rd Edition, 2018) and Parks Canada trail safety guidelines.