Bear Safety

Allowing a bear to obtain human food, even once, often results in aggressive behavior. The bear then becomes a threat to human safety and must be removed or destroyed. Help keep park bears wild and safe. Do not feed the bears for any reason! Failure to follow park regulations is a violation of federal law and may result in citations and fines.

Keep a Clean Camp
After eating and before leaving camp or sleeping, check to be sure you have a clean, bear-proof campsite:

All food, containers, and utensils must be stored in a bear box or in a closed, locked vehicle with windows rolled up. The only exceptions are during the transport, preparation, and eating of food.

Trash and garbage must be stored in the same manner as food, or placed in bear-proof trash cans or dumpsters.

Treat odorous products such as soap, deodorant, sunscreen, and perfumes in the same manner as food.

For your safety absolutely no food, foodstuffs, garbage, or odorous products may be stored in tents or sleeping bags.

Ice chests, thermoses, water containers, barbecue grills, stoves, dishes, and pans must be stored in the same way as food — inside a locked vehicle or bear box.

Bear Etiquette
If you encounter a bear, do not run. If the bear is unaware of you, detour quickly and quietly away. If the bear is aware but has not acted aggressively, back slowly away while talking in an even tone.

Never approach a bear for any reason.

Never allow a bear to get human food. If approached while eating, put food away and retreat to a safe distance (100 yards/91 meters).

Never abandon food because of an approaching bear. Always take it with you.

Never throw your pack or food at a bear in an attempt to distract it.

Never bury food scraps, containers, or fish entrails. Put them in trash cans.

Never leave food, containers, or garbage unattended in camp. Bears are active both day and night.

You Can Make a Difference
Since 1996, seven bears have been destroyed in this park due to irresponsible human behavior that led to the bear’s habituation to human food. Please help to ensure that similar situations are not repeated. Your actions while on park trails and in the campground will affect the chances of these bears survival.

If you encounter a bear, do not approach it for any reason. Bears are unpredictable and should be watched only from a safe distance of at least 100 yards (91m). Report all bear sightings to a ranger.

Wildlife Viewing Article