ADVENTUROUS HIKE OR RELAXING IN A CAMPSITE.
For most people who have never spent anytime in the Canadian wilderness or even driving down our highways, a bear is either one of two things: as thirsty for man-flesh as a tiger who hasn’t had a decent meal in two weeks or as soft and fuzzy as a 3-year-old’s teddy bear. Both of these perceptions of bears are extreme exaggerations of the real thing.
Bears are neither as ferocious or cuddly as people seem to think they are.
Bears are omnivores; meaning that they eat both meat and vegetation. Their diet mostly consists of nuts, berries, fruit, leaves, and roots. They will also eat small rodents, fish, and sometimes large game animals, like deer.
Bear Spray
Bear spray works - although it is a last resort method. It is a non-lethal deterrent designed to stop aggressive bears without harming them. It is of the utmost importance that you carry this somewhere you can reach it easily, such as a holster. If its in your backpack, you may as well not have it!
When purchasing bear spray from a local gear shop, they will give you the rundown on how to use it properly but online research prior is a great idea. Check out the Parks Canada website for their tutorial on how to use bear spray.
Pro-tip: Bear spray can only be used within 9 meters away from a bear and should be used as a last resort.
MAKE NOISE
Bears don’t like to run into humans and humans don’t like to run into bears. They are animals of solitude and quiet. Bears are a lot less likely to approach loud, intimidating, groups of people. If you’re hiking with kids, tell them to be loud, sing, and ask questions. Trust us - the bears will want nothing to do with you.
If you don’t have the privilege of bringing live little noise makers on your trip, put your singing talents to the test with some ‘forest karaoke’. Chances are the bears will appreciate your vocal skills as much as a panel of American Idol judges. Once your vocal chords need a rest or you would prefer not to sing, clap your hands every once in a while or shout phrases like “Hey bear!” and “Ay-Oh!”.
Travel In Groups
Some hikes in Glacier National Park require you to hike in groups of 4 or more. Groups of people are much more intimidating to bears than lone hikers. These groups make a lot of noise and bears want nothing to do with them.
Groups of people also means more eyes on the lookout for bears and in an emergency, someone can get help. Travelling in groups is one of the best precautions hikers can take to avoid interactions with bears.
Pro-tip: Check with Parks Canada to learn which hikes require groups of three or more during the summer months!
Leash The Dog
Plain and simple, keeping your dog on a leash can prevent wildlife interactions. Bears are territorial, a dog in their space might not be the most joyful thing for them. Off leash dogs may provoke bears and potentially lead a bear back to you, which you really don’t want.
Canada’s national park hikes legally require dogs to remain on a leash that is less than 3-metres long. Consider leaving your dog at home if you plan to hike or camp in the backcountry.
Pro-tip: Dogs are not allowed at the summit of Mount Revelstoke National Park (including Eva and Miller Lake) due to increased interactions with wildlife.
Maintain Your Distance
Stay at least 100 metres away from bears, cougars, coyotes and wolves. Give other wildlife at least 30 metres of space. Approaching wildlife or allowing wildlife to approach you can lead to them no longer being wary of people and puts yourself, others and wildlife at risk.
Close Encounters
If you do run into a bear in close range there are a few strategies that can prevent you from participating in a human vs. bear showdown:
1) Stay calm and make no sudden movements. Running away is probably the worst thing to do. Speak in a calm, soothing voice to let the bear know what you are, (and that you “come in peace!”). Back away slowly and don’t make eye contact. Most likely the bear won’t be interested in your existence and everything will be okay.
2) Bears only become aggressive when they are protecting their cubs or food source. If you see a mother and her cubs while hiking, back away slowly and leave the area. You don’t want to turn your back.
3) Getting charged by a bear is very unlikely. Most attacks from bears are a bluff. If you are being bluff-charged by a bear, stand your ground and stay calm. After the bear bluff charges, back away slowly and give the bear space to exit (back away as you want to keep an eye on what the bear is doing). But if the bear is a black bear and continues to show aggression, fight back. If the bear is a grizzly stay in a tucked position (tuck knees up to chest and hands behind head).
Report Bear Sightings
In any case of a bear sighting, call the provincial government’s Conservation Officer Service hotline, at 1-877-952-7277. This is the 24 hour, “Report All Poachers and Polluters” (RAPP) hotline.
When you call the RAPP hotline you will need to provide the following information:
1) Indicate where you live, why you are calling, your name and telephone number.
2) You will be asked what type of bear you have seen, the location of the bear, and the time of the sighting. If the bear is on your property at the time of the call, they will instruct you on what to do.
3) In most cases, the RAPP centre or the Bear Aware Coordinator will pass the information on to the local conservation officer. He or she may contact you to ask more detailed questions. It is a good idea to write down the sighting information while it is fresh in your mind.
More Info About Bears In Revelstoke
For more information on bears and how to stay safe visit Revelstoke’s local Bear Aware Society’s website. The Revelstoke Bear Aware Society is the go-to expert on bears in the Revelstoke area for both locals and visitors alike.
Check out Parks Canada’s Information Bulletin for Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks up-to-date information on wildlife restrictions, trail closures, and more.
