Thursday, September 1, 2011

Being Bear Aware


There are over 600 bears in the greater Yellowstone area, and lately they have been getting a lot of (bad) press. It's important to remember that bears are wild animals and that you can take some simple steps to keep yourself safe when in bear country. While you are planning your trip in West Yellowstone, we highly recommend you take in some of the lush scenery via hikes, so here are some safety tips on how to be "bear aware."

1- If you are hiking within the park, check with park officials/rangers for recent bear activity or trail warnings. Park officials will have the best information as to bear sitings in the area and can give you alternative places to visit if you want to avoid those areas.

2- Make noise! If bears are in the area it is important for them to be aware of you long before you enter their personal space. This is especially true when hiking through thick areas with low visibility. So talk within your group.

3- Travel with larger groups. Larger groups of people make more noise, already helping you with the last tip. Larger groups also appear more threatening to bears and are less likely to trigger an attack.

4- Learn the signs of black and grizzly bear activity such as droppings, feeding on berries and diggings. If you see any of these signs that appear fresh, it is best to leave the area.

5- Carry Bear Spray. Make sure your bear spray works and is easily accessible for emergency situations. You will only need to use bear spray if you have a close encounter with a bear and you should research more on how and when to use bear spray.

6- Most importantly - be alert! Remember you are in the wild west and animals are everywhere around you (not just bears). Most wild animals are not interested in causing you harm, but you should always stay alert and on the lookout. If you see a bear from a distance, use this to your advantage and steer clear!

Now go have fun and enjoy all the wildness Yellowstone has to offer. If you would like any advise on where to visit in the park, contact Faithful Street Inn and we would be happy to get you started on your day in Yellowstone.