Recreation Safety

* Hike in a group

* Make noise/talk/sing as you walk

* Keep dog on leash

* Carry bear spray

* Do not store food items where you are sleeping

* Do not keep scented items on you or your camp

* Keep a clean campsite

* Tape a pair of "googly eyes" to the back of your helmet

* Remain on your bike as long as possible

*If needed, use your bike as a barrier between you and an animal

Use your bear spray as it approaches

Make sure you know how to use bear spray
Play dead or fight back
Defensive attack
Usually, bears charge or attack because they are feeling threatened. Use your bear spray. If you don’t have bear spray and the bear makes contact with you – roll on your stomach, cover the back of your neck, remain still and play dead, they will lose interest and leave. Do NOT run!
Predatory attack
In rare cases, a bear may see a human as prey and stalk you along a trail. In these cases, try to escape into a building, car or up a tree. If you cannot escape and the bear charges, use your bear spray, lacking that, use anything at your disposal to fight off the bear (rocks, sticks, hiking poles).

* If the bear sees you, talk in a low, calm voice and then regardless if it has seen you or not.

* Back up slowly

* Never turn your back on a bear, or run. Running could trigger an attack.

* Do not stare
* The bear will see a direct stare as a challenge.

* Give it space
* Make sure it has a way to get away, and that you are not blocking access to a bear’s cubs or its food.