Spring and summer are prime time for getting out into California’s backcountry — and they’re also prime time for bears to be on the move. The Bureau of Land Management recently put out a reminder for public lands visitors to brush up on bear safety, and given how much time I spend out exploring (and how much time I hope you do too), it seemed worth passing along and bookmarking for the season.
As bears come out of winter dens, they’re searching for food, moving through new habitat, and in some cases protecting cubs — all of which can increase the odds of a surprise encounter on the trail. As BLM’s Acting Director Bill Groffy put it, “Public lands managed by the BLM are wild places, and wildlife safety is visitor safety.” Simple precautions go a long way toward keeping both you and the bears safe.
Core bear safety reminders:
- Never approach a bear, no matter how far away or how good the photo opportunity looks
- Stay alert on the trail — skip the headphones so you can hear what’s around you
- Hike in groups when possible
- Make noise near streams, dense brush, and blind corners where visibility is limited
- Store food, trash, and anything scented (toothpaste, sunscreen, etc.) properly — in a vehicle, bear box, or bear-resistant container
- Carry bear spray where it’s recommended and allowed
- Never run from a bear
- Remember that bear spray and firearms are tools, not substitutes for good judgment and awareness
If you do encounter a bear:
Stay calm, speak in a steady, low voice, and back away slowly. No sudden movements, no running. If it’s safe to do so afterward, report the encounter to the local BLM field office so they can track activity in the area.
Bottom line: California’s wild places are also home to wildlife that was here long before any of us, and a little preparation means everyone — bears included — gets to enjoy the season. Keep this one bookmarked, and I’ll be linking back to it from upcoming hiking and off-roading posts as a quick refresher.
More info: BLM California
See you out there — and don’t forget the bear spray…