Page 13 - 2020 May/June Outdoor Oklahoma

BearWise

Outdoor Safety Tips

Hiking Camping Hunting & Fishing
z Be aware of your z Keep a clean camp. Hunters and anglers are
surroundings. z Don’t burn food scraps more likely to encounter
z Try not to hike alone. or trash in your fire ring or grill. bears because they move quietly
z Keep kids within sight and close by. z Do not store food, trash, clothes and travel during early morning and
z Make noise periodically so bears worn when cooking, or toiletries in late evening hours when bears are
in the area can avoid you. your tent. Store in approved bear- most active.
resistant containers OR out of sight
z Keep dogs leashed at all times, in a locked vehicle OR suspended
or leave them at home. z Follow tips for hiking and camping
at least 10 feet above the ground
z Double bag your food and pack and 10 feet from any part of the tree. safely.
out all food and trash. z z Know that carcasses, gut piles, and
In the backcountry, set up camp bait may attract bears.
Leaving scraps, wrappers or even away from dense cover and natural
“harmless” items like apple cores food sources. z If a bear beats you to your catch or
teaches bears to associate trails z Cook at least 100 yards from your kill, don’t try to reclaim it; leave the
and campsites with food. tent, downwind if possible. area when it is safe to do so.

Carry Bear Spray & Know How To Use It

Keep bear spray accessible; it’s proven to be the easiest and most effective way to deter a bear that
threatens you. It doesn’t work like bug repellant, so never spray your tent, campsite or belongings.

If You Encounter a Bear Precautions for Dog Walkers,

Black bears are seldom aggressive and Cyclists and Joggers
attacks are rare.
z If you see a bear before it notices you: stand still, z Keep dogs leashed. Letting dogs chase or
don’t approach and enjoy the moment. Then move bark at bears is asking for trouble; don’t force
away quietly in the opposite direction. a bear to defend itself.
z If you encounter a bear that’s aware of you: don’t run; z Leave earbuds at home. Cyclists and joggers
running may trigger a chase response. Back away slowly traveling quickly and quietly can easily
in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave. surprise bears. Be aware of
your surroundings
Visit BearWise.org/bear-safety-tips/ to learn what to do and make noise
if a black bear approaches, charges or follows you. periodically.

Learn More:
BearWise.org

Helping People
BearWise® – Created and Supported by State Wildlife Agencies and Bear Biologists • © 2019 Live Responsibly with Black Bears

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