Over the past several weeks, a string of high-profile incidents has put bears back in the national conversation.A hiker was killed in Glacier National Park — the park's first fatal bear attack in nearly three decades.
Another hiker survived a grizzly mauling on the popular Grinnell Glacier Trail just weeks later.Yellowstone visitors also found themselves on the wrong end of an encounter with a protective mother bear and her cubs near Old Faithful.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE FROM OUTKICKFrightening, yes.
But before you swear off hiking forever, let's add some perspective.A brown bear stands in a forest landscape.(Getty Images Creatives)Millions of people recreate in bear country every year without incident.
Most bears want nothing to do with humans, and most negative interactions are the result of surprise encounters, improperly stored food or people who are wildly unprepared for the environment they're entering.But a little knowledge goes a long way.So before you lace up your boots and head into bear country, here are a few things every hiker and camper should know.Most bear encounters happen because neither party knew the other was there until it was too late.That's why the No.1 rule of hiking in bear country is simple: make noise.You don't need a bear bell.
In fact, many wildlife experts will tell you they're largely ineffective because they aren't loud enough to alert a bear until it's already nearby.Instead, use your voice.Your outside voice, as they taught us in kindergarten.GRIZZLY BEAR MAULS HIKER, DRAGS HIM DOZENS OF FEET ON GLACIER NATIONAL PARK TRAILCall out "Hey bear!" from time to time.
Chat with your hiking partner about where you’ll get beers afterward.Complain loudly about the incline.
Whatever.The goal is to let the bear know you're coming so it has plenty of time to leave the area before you arrive.This is especially important near rushing water, around blind corners and in dense vegetation where sound and visibility are limited.
In fact...