Ontario MNR: Be Bear Aware this Fall
Credit: David Webb
When enjoying Ontario’s campsites, lakes, forests and hiking trails, remember that you’re in bear country.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has some handy tips on how to avoid encounters with bears while camping:
Know Before You Go
- You are responsible for your own safety. Plan your trip with safety in mind. Before you go, learn about black bears to recognize signs of bear activity (like tracks and droppings), and how to prevent and handle encounters with bears.
- Think about how you will handle your garbage, and how you will keep your campsite clean and odour-free.
- Pack long ropes for hanging your food pack. Practice hanging a pack before you go.
- If you are bringing children, always keep an eye on them. When hiking, it is wise to keep children between adults.
- Consider bringing a whistle, air horn, long-handled axe or bear spray. If you bring bear spray, know how to use it.
- Before you leave home, discuss bears with children. Teach children simple things like making sure they can always see an adult; to never approach a bear or other animals; to never run from a bear and, if they see a bear, to stay calm and call for help.
- Keep dogs away from bears. The bear may follow the dog back to its owner.
- All odours attract bears. Pack all food, including dog food, with special care. Double- or triple-bagged food will reduce smells. Consider choosing meals that require minimal preparation.
- The Ministry of Natural Resources or Ontario Parks can provide general information about recent campsite or route closures due to bear problems. Keep in mind, however, that bear activity cannot be predicted.
At Your Campsite
- Look for signs of bear activity nearby. Consider moving elsewhere if it appears a bear has been active in the area.
- No matter where you camp, always pack out all garbage from the backcountry and use bear-resistant containers where available.
- Store food so bears cannot access it; in a bear-resistant location or container or hanging at least four metres (13 feet) above the ground and three metres (10 feet) from tree limbs or trunks that can support a bear.
- If you plan to camp in remote areas, you should take additional precautions to ensure your personal safety.
- If you are going to an Ontario Park or a private campground, follow advice provided.
- Eliminate or reduce odours from yourself, your camp, your clothes and your vehicle.
- Never feed or approach a bear.
- Clean fish away from your campsite.
- Store leftover food away from your campsite in sealed plastic bags and, if possible, in bear-resistant containers.
- Burn food scraps and fat drippings thoroughly in a fire. Drain dish water away from your campsite.
- Never cook, eat or store any food (including snacks), cooking equipment or toiletries in your tent.
- If you are sleeping in a tent, try not to sleep in clothes you have worn while cooking.
- Fishing tackle and bait, clothes worn while cooking, garbage, toiletries and all snacks should be stored in a bear-resistant manner and away from the site.
Visit ontario.ca/bearwise for more information on bears.
