Do you really need a bear canister?

Protecting your food from bears is recommended in any area that is inhabited by bears, and using a bear canister is required in many state and national parks, national forests and wilderness areas, and a number of other public lands.

Do you need a bear canister while hiking?

The food lockers exist in case you have overflow food. Using them doesn't mean you should hike without a canister. Hikers may be able to get away with using food lockers in SEKI if they are also hanging food in those areas where bear canisters are only 'recommended'.

Why are bear canisters required?

A fed bear is a dead bear.

The bear can become aggressive with people in the pursuit of food. Rangers are obliged to kill such “problem bears” for the safety of humans. Thus, storing food and waste in an approved canister is the most effective method for preventing bears from getting your food, and saving them.

Can bears smell through ziplock bags?

Bears can smell through Ziploc bags. They do so because scent molecules escape through the thin plastic.

Do you need a bear canister in winter?

In places like Yosemite, bear canisters are required year-round. At lower elevations, I've been known to get up for a stretch and tromp in the snow for a bit before going back under. If you're nearby, and I smell accessible food, it's possible that I'll go ahead and indulge. The chances are minimal, but still there.

How to Choose Bear Canisters || REI

Can bears smell food in a cooler in a car?

Many bears have discovered that coolers, bags and boxes are full of food; never leave them in your tent or anywhere a bear could see, smell or reach. If no other options, lock food and trash in your vehicle's trunk or in your RV. Keep A Clean Tent.

Can bears smell canned food?

Bears have an insatiable appetite and an amazing sense of smell, and they consider anything with a scent to be "food." This can include canned goods, bottles, drinks, soaps, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, ice chests, sunscreen, bug repellant, fuel, items used for preparing or eating meals, etc.

Are bears attracted to human poop?

Human waste

Both urine and feces are known to attract bears so it is best to set up the bathroom a little way away from camp and make sure waste is stored in an odor-proof bag where possible.

Can bears smell vacuum packed food?

Bears don't see well, especially at night, so as long as there's no food odor (there must be none), they'll leave things alone. As an added precaution, I vacuum-seal foods in plastic. Some grocery stores will vacuum-seal foods at no charge. Medical grade OPSAK bags are 100 percent odor proof and waterproof.

Are bears attracted to coffee grounds?

Scattered around the space were coffee grounds from Caffé Vita. Why coffee grounds? Since the bears have a strong sense of smell, such a pungent treat is extremely attractive and stimulating to them. The bears roll around in coffee grounds like a cat in catnip!

Why dont parks let you feed bears?

Sadly, bears that obtain human food may lose their natural fear of humans. Over time, they may become bold or aggressive in their attempts to obtain human food and become a threat to public safety. When this happens, the bear pays the ultimate price–it is destroyed.

Do I need a bear canister for Olympic National Park?

Bear canisters are recommended throughout Olympic National Park and required in many backcountry areas, including the entire wilderness coastal strip and Sold Duc / 7 Lakes Basin Area. Wildlife safety depends on the proper storage of all food, garbage and scented items while you are enjoying your backcountry adventure.

Can you use a dry bag as a bear bag?

To be completely safe, hang smell-proof and dry bags. The bag should be 12 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from the tree trunk.

Are bears attracted to beer?

“Pretty well anything that has an odor and digestible calories, bears will be attracted to,” says Stephen Herrero, a Professor Emeritus at the University of Calgary and the author of Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance. “Beer—once it's open—has its own odor, and that odor could certainly attract bears.”

How much food fits in a bear canister?

How many days of food fit into a bear canister? A general rule of thumb is that one day's worth of food takes up about 100 cubic inches or 1.6L. A BV 450 can typically fit about 4 days of food and smellables for one person, and a BV 500 fits up to 7 days. Now, we'll give you a heads up, this can vary A LOT.

Are bears attracted to sunscreen?

Bears have never been observed showing interest in sunscreens either—but they might if it smells unusually tasty. Bears are naturally curious and almost always hungry, but it is not likely a bear that found insect repellent or sunscreen interesting stuff to sniff would then follow up with an attack on the wearer.

Are bears attracted to human urine?

Stephen Herrero's book Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance, considered the definitive work by many authorities, says “human excrement/urine attracts bears and should not be near your campsite.” The National Park Service promotes that belief as well, adding that the salt in urine attracts wild animals (including ...

Does sealed food need to go in a bear canister?

Are the dehydrated meals you can buy in REI odor proof or do they really need to go in a bear canister/bag? Yes. Even a chipmunk can smell them – and will rip them open for you. That was a good question, and good to know they aren't odor proof.

What smell do bears hate?

Bears also dislike the strong scent of pine-based cleaners, but avoid using anything with a fresh, lemony or fruity smell. And never mix bleach and ammonia; the combination produces fumes that can be deadly to both people and bears.

Do wind chimes keep bears away?

Wind chimes do not have any effect on bears. Bears are more than capable of hearing the wind and rain all around them, so they will ignore your wind chimes, whether they're made from metal or plastic.

What to do if a bear comes in your tent?

If you encounter a bear on the trail, or in your campsite, stop what you are doing and evaluate the situation. Identify yourself by speaking in a calm, appeasing tone. Back away slowly, preferably in the direction you came. Walk, don't run, and keep your eye on the bear so you can see how it will react.

Can bears smell deodorant?

In fact, bears can detect smells over a mile away. That's why you should store your food away from your camp when staying in bear territory. You should also take proper precautions with your personal care products.

Does grilling attract bears?

Grease and food caught in barbecue grills or burn barrels can attract bears. Clean grills and barrels regularly; dispose of grease as you would garbage. Do not bury, pour out, or discard grease and food particles in your yard, as they will eventually be detected.

What scents attract black bears?

Bears are attracted to anything that smells; it doesn't even need to smell good. Garbage, compost piles, dirty diapers, pizza boxes, empty beverage cans…to a hungry black bear, it all smells like something good to eat.