All About Denali Park | From The Denali Summer Times
Avoid Encounters Make noise. Keep talking, even if you're alone. Don't hike alone. Forget the bear bells. Don't walk into thick brush. Stay visible – where you can see and be seen. If you see a bear, don't try to get closer. If you see a bear ahead of you, plan a different route. If you see a bear and it doesn't see you, keep quiet and get out of there. If you come across a dead moose or a big pile of fresh brush and dirt – leave. Keep your food in bear proof containers. Make camp while it is still light, so you can check out an area before you camp. If you see fresh bear sign, (tracks or scat), find another spot to set up your tent. Use a tent. It gives the bear something to sniff, other than you. Don't cook in your tent. Put your food away from your tent. Far away. Maybe up in a tree. When A Bear Decides To Make You Their Business Don't run. Don't try to climb a tree. Get out your bear spray. Put on your backpack. Assess the situation - determine if things are likely to get out of hand. a. How close are you?
b. Do you see cubs?
c. Do you see or smell a moose kill?
d. How is the bear acting?
If the bear is standing up, just speak calmly (easier said than done.) Raise your arms, still holding the bear spray. Check how to get the safety off your bear spray. Tell the bear you were just leaving and back away. Bears can be pretty noisy, and sound really mad, but just hold your ground and let them talk all they want. If the bear starts coming for you - take the safety off your spray. If it is a grizzly – get ready to play dead, curled up, face down. If it is a black bear – get ready to fight. Pick up a stick. Don't pull the trigger of the bear spray too soon. It is a close range weapon. Hopefully the bear veers off into the brush at the last minute. Don't bother to take a picture -– you'll remember this forever.