Camping can be a fun and exhilarating experience, but at the same time it can be very dangerous. One of those dangers is bears. This article will explain some of the most important precautions for exercising so you can have a safe and fun camping trip.
Rule number one to follow is never, under any circumstances, store food in or near your tent. This also includes any items that may smell like food. Toothpaste, lozenges, and breath mints are known to attract bears. And don’t forget that when you cook, your clothes can absorb food odors.
You will need to set up a kitchen area that is at least 50 yards from your tent. Also pay attention to the wind direction when setting up your kitchen area. You will need to make sure this area is downwind of your sleeping area. And just remember to cook, clean, and hang out in the kitchen area. I like to designate a set of nightwear and change in this area.
Always make sure items that smell like food are stored properly. If your car is nearby, it is a good idea to store these items in the trunk of your car. Many campgrounds now offer storage containers to safely store items that smell like food. When you’re deep in the field camping and don’t have access to a storage container or car, all you’ll need is a tree and about 25 feet of rope. This way, you can hang your gear safely on the tree overnight.
If for some reason there are no trees in the area where you plan to camp, there are bear-proof boats you can buy to store items that smell like food. These typically range from $ 25 to $ 75 and can be found in most outdoor stores. This is also an easier alternative to hanging food from a tree. Note that you still want to leave the container in your kitchen area and not in your sleeping area. While the container may be bear proof, it is not an opportunity you want to run for.
So next time you decide to camp in bear country, just use a little caution and you have a safe camping trip!