_keep Bears Away from Your Campsite: Practical Food Storage Tips for Bear Country

Camping in bear country can be a thrilling experience, but it requires knowing how to keep your belongings safe from these powerful and curious creatures. Proper food storage is crucial to ensure a pleasant and safe camping trip. Here are some effective tips to keep bears away from your campsite.

Using a Bear Box

One of the best ways to store your food and other tasty scents is by using a bear box. Most campgrounds and established locations in the US provide these boxes, so make sure to utilize them whenever available. When using a bear box, follow these steps:

Store all food items, as well as items with strong smells like toothpaste, deodorant, and other personal hygiene products, inside the box. Keep the box locked and secure at all times. Ensure the box is properly locked and cannot be easily accessed by bears.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of attracting bears to your campsite.

Alternative Storage Methods

Not all campgrounds will have bear boxes available. In such cases, you have a few other options to store your food securely:

Locked Vehicle: Store all food and smelly items in a locked vehicle. This is a reliable alternative when bear boxes are not available. Make sure to store your items as far back in the vehicle as possible. Bear Canisters: If a locked vehicle is not an option, invest in a bear canister. These canisters are designed to keep food and other scented items secure. Store your canister at a minimum of 100 feet (30 meters) from your campsite. It's also recommended to cook and prepare food away from your sleeping area to avoid attracting bears.

Bear Bags

Bear bags are another common storage method, but they do have a higher failure rate compared to canisters. Some campers prefer bear bags for their convenience, but it's essential to secure them properly. Always hang your bear bag from a sturdy tree branch, well above the ground (at least 10-15 feet or 3-4.5 meters) and away from dead branches that bears could use to climb down. However, bear bags may not be as reliable as canisters or bear boxes, so it's recommended to use them in conjunction with other safety measures.

Attracting Bears with Peanut Butter

Believe it or not, some creative campers use peanut butter or anchovy paste to spread in their campsite. However, this is not a recommended practice. It is likely to attract bears and create more problems. Instead, it's better to follow proper storage methods to avoid unwanted bear visits.

Conclusion

Proper food storage is not only about keeping your belongings safe but also about ensuring the safety of these magnificent animals. By following these tips, you can enjoy your camping trip without worrying about bear encounters. Remember, bear safety is everyone's responsibility, and taking the necessary precautions can help protect both you and the bears.