Keeping Bears Away From Your Campsite
Keep your campsite clean. Some forests in Wyoming have mandatory food storage orders specifying that all foods must be kept unavailable to bears.
- It is best to always store food, garbage, and anything with a scent in bear-resistant containers.
- If you don’t have a bear-resistant food storage container, hang all food; garbage; and other attractants, such as livestock or dog food, toothpaste, and fuel, in a bag, pack, or pannier at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet away from the tree trunk.
- Deposit garbage in a bear-proof container when one is available or, better yet, pack it out when you leave.
Sleep at least 100 yards away from your cooking area and food storage site.
- Keep sleeping bags and personal gear clean and free of food odors.
- Don’t sleep in the clothes you wore while cooking.
Don’t use perfumes or deodorants.
- Women are often warned that they should not travel in grizzly country during their menstrual period. There is no evidence that grizzlies are overly attracted to menstrual odors more than any other odor.
- Proper personal hygiene, such as the use of unscented cleaning towelettes and tampons instead of pads, is recommended.