PROTECTING YOUR FOOD FROM BEARS
Careless food storage spells death for bears. These intelligent animals learn quickly. When a bear repeatedly obtains human food and garbage, it becomes destructive and dangerous, and may have to be killed. Federal regulations require proper food storage and prohibit feeding of any National Park animals. Violations of these regulations can result in a fine of up to $500. But even stronger that legal obligation is the moral responsibility to respect the wilderness you have come to enjoy. You have entered the bears' territory; don't let your carelessness destroy them in their own homes.
Before your trip
Avoid taking odorous foods; they attract bears. Decide what method of food storage you will use. Check the list of locations of metal food storage boxes. Keep in mind that you must share these food boxes with other hikers; locks are not permitted on them. Carry rope for hanging food in case the box is full or you don't camp where you intended. If you need to hang your food, plan to camp and eat before nightfall; it is difficult to properly hang food in the dark. Better than hanging food are the portable bear-resistant food canisters available for sale or rent at many Ranger Stations. Many areas now require that you carry a bear-resistant food canister with you, be sure to check the regulations when you get your backcountry permit.
Don't leave food and containers (ice chests, bags, cans) in cars at the trailhead. You must use trailhead food storage boxes where available. If there are none, contact a ranger for alternatives. Bears can break into vehicles if they see or smell signs of food.
On the trail
To keep food from bears and other animals during breaks; never leave your backpack unattended-even for a short time.
Around camp
Share food storage boxes with other campers. Use the counterbalance method to hang food from trees only when food storage boxes are not available. Hanging food in a tree does not guarantee it will be safe, but any method other than counterbalancing will probably not protect it. Store soap, sunscreen, deodorant, toothpaste, and garbage in the same way as food. Bears are attracted to anything with an odor.
By making loud noises and throwing objects, you can often scare bears away before they get your food. Be bold, but keep a safe distance and use good judgment. Never attempt to retrieve food from a bear. Never approach a bear or get near a cub.
Breas are active both day and night. At night and any time you are away from camp, remove all food from your pack and store it properly. Leave your pack on the ground with flaps and pockets open.
When you leave an area, clean out the storage box and take all your garbage with you.
If a bear does get your food, you are responsible for cleaning up and packing out all debris, and for reporting it to the nearest ranger.
After your trip
Report all injuries, property damage, or unusual encounters with bears to a ranger.
This article is from the "Backcountry Basics" printed by the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.