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Campsite Reviews
Camping Tips
MN State Parks
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Tips for Camping in Black Bear Country |
When planning for a camping trip in black bear country, it’s important to be properly prepared. Black bears have a sense of smell that is seven times greater than that of a dog, and can smell food from a mile away. This has implications for the way you store, prepare, and even cook your food while camping! |
Preparation
- Pack your food and odorous items (such as chap stick) in bear-proof containers or in doubled plastic baggies.
- Bring extra bags for packing out garbage.
- Bring a set of clothes for cooking in as these will retain cooking odors.
- Be sure that your tent, clothes, sleeping bags, and skin are free of any food-like odors.
- Avoid setting up camp in an area that contains bear sign, such as scat, scratch marks on trees, bear tracks, or torn-apart logs.
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Black bear prints look similar to human foot prints, especially when they are slightly melted
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Travel
- Clap your hands, talk loudly, sing, or wear a bell to alert bears to your presence. Black bears are naturally fearful of humans and will usually flee the area when they hear you.
- Be on the lookout for circling birds, particularly turkey vultures, as they may indicate an animal carcass. Steer clear of the area.
- Pay extra attention on windy days and near noisy areas such as next to a fast-moving stream. The extra noise impairs bears’ hearing and makes it easier for you to sneak up on them.
- Keep your dogs on a leash or avoid bringing them altogether: they may provoke a bear to attack or bring a bear back to you.
- Keep your children close, and travel in groups.
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Keep your dog on a leash when camping
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Food
- Do not sleep in the same clothes you cook in. Black bears have a fantastic sense of smell and may be attracted to the lingering scent of food on your clothes.
- Hang your food and any odorous items, including your “cooking clothes” in a tree at least 10 feet up and hanging out on a limb, about 5 feet down.
- Cook in a separate area of your campsite, at least 100 feet downwind from your tent to avoid getting cooking odors on your tent.
- Properly dispose of food waste.
- Never leave food or your backpack unattended.
- Double-bag your garbage and hang it from a tree along with your food.
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Bears have an excellent sense of smell; be sure to take the proper precautions.
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In case of an encounter
- Stay calm, and do not run!
- Pick up small children, and gather everyone, including dogs, into a group and raise your arms up to give the impression of larger size.
- Talk to the bear in a soothing voice, slowly back away, and avoid direct eye contact.
- Make certain to leave an escape route for the bear.
- If the bear lunges toward you, snaps her jaws, or slams a paw on the ground, keep backing up and talking in a soothing voice.
- If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground and make loud noises to scare him away.
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Never run from a black bear!
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