How to be Bear Aware

Bears are everywhere.

We see them on the side of the highway, on logging roads, on the way to a campsite, near towns, or in the bush when hiking. Bears will usually hide from people, but remember: just because you don't see a bear, doesn't mean they aren't around.

Here's how to be Bear Aware:

Never feed bears
Report tame bears
Never get too close to bears
Be a noisy, open-area hiker
Keep a clean camping spot
Never explore bad-smelling areas and never play near garbage dumps
Learn more about bears

If a Bear Approaches You:

Talk softly to the bear so it knows what you are
Leave slowly - always face the bear, but don't stare directly at him
If the bear follows you or starts to circle you, slowly but calmly keep backing up towards help, or maybe into a lake
Go for help. Tell a parent, teacher, conservation officer or the RCMP that a bear is in the area. Do not return until it is safe.