Be Bear Aware
North America’s most common bear species is the black bear. At home throughout Oregon, black bears are common omnivores and have a diverse diet including berries, fruit, grasses and plants. Although they will consume small mammals, insects and amphibians, these bears are not usually active predators.
Are you ready to camp in bear country? Camp safely by following these tips!
A fed bear is a dead bear. Bears should never be allowed access to human food or garbage; it habituates them to people and increases the chance of bear/human conflict. Once habituated to finding food near homes or campgrounds, bears may become a threat to human safety. If you witness a bear acting aggressively or entering campsites, tents or structures, please get to a safe location immediately.
- Keep campsites and campfire areas clean, don’t attempt to burn food scraps in campfires.
- Store food in airtight containers in the trunk of your car, in bear boxes, bear canisters, on platforms, or hang bagged food 10-12 feet high and 6-10 feet from tree trunk or side support.
- Do not leave food items or pet food outdoors or in tents. Clean all food preparation and eating utensils immediately after using them, and place them in vehicles or other sealed, bear-proof containers.
- Don’t leave soap, suntan lotion, candles, scented items outdoors or in tent.
- Dispose of garbage in bear-proof cans or in provided centralized receptacles away from your campsite or pack it out
- Do not bury garbage ― bears will dig it up.
- Do not feed ANY wild animals.
- Keep dogs on leashes.
- Use a flashlight at night.
- Teach children about bear safety.
Hike Safely
- Avoid trails with bear tracks or bear sign.
- Make noise when hiking so as not to surprise a bear.
- If you see a bear, leave the area.
- Stay far away from cubs―mother is nearby.
- Leash dogs. A loose dog may lead a bear back to you.
- Don’t hike after dark.
- Consider carrying bear spray in areas known to have bears
Angler, Hunter Guidelines
Fishing or hunting in bear country, brings some additional challenges, so take extra caution.
Manage food and refuse
- Keep food in bear-proof containers.
- Place all garbage and fish refuse in sealed, bear-proof containers.
- Keep campsites, campfire sites clean.
- Do not bury garbage or fish refuse; bears will dig it up.
Be safe while fishing
- Fish with at least one other person
- Talk loudly around a stream – carry a whistle to use to alert bears of your presence.
- Avoid berry patches
- If you see a bear or fresh bear sign, leave the area
- Clean fish at designated cleaning stations.