Loud And Proud: Try This Tip To Avoid Bears During Your Next Outdoor Jaunt

Although bear viewing continues to rise across North America, not everyone who ventures into the great outdoors is hoping to see one of these massive mammals. In fact, some are so afraid or fearful of being attacked by a bear, they have severely limited their outdoor recreational activities. As bear encounters become more and more common throughout the United States, some have even begun avoiding outdoor excursions altogether. However, it is quite possible to take full advantage of your favorite trail or campsite and still avoid bears during your next outdoor jaunt.

Before heading on your next outdoor adventures, be sure you know how to avoid mistakes that can attract bears, such as leaving food out in the open. You also may want to consider planning any big trips during a time when bears aren't as active. For instance, you are more likely to run into a bear during summer, at dusk, or during the early morning hours. You may also want to avoid visiting spots that are known as likely places to see a bear. However, regardless of where you are or what time of day, one of the best things you can do to make sure you avoid seeing a bear is so simple it is actually typically considered a beginner's blunder.

One of the most common mistakes made by beginner birders and wildlife viewers is being too noisy. Inadvertently jingling change in your pocket or accidentally kicking rocks on the trail can send birds and critters scurrying just when you're getting close enough to finally snap that picture. Well, it certainly stands to reason that if noise scares off animals you want to see, it will likely scare off those you hope to avoid as well. According to the National Park Service, that rationale certainly applies to bears. Bears, like most wild animals, will avoid humans if given the choice. The NPS also advises that surprising a bear is one of main things that will lead to a bear charging or attacking.

So, simply put, one the best ways to avoid bears during your next outdoor adventure is to let them know you're there before you bump into them. Walk or hike with others, talking in a regular voice. Yell or talk louder when you approach an area you think a bear may be –- such as a berry thicket. You can also clap, sing songs, or clang together pots and pans. In areas where bears are very common, hikers will often use noisemakers, whistles, or airhorns as well.

While you are trying to alert bears to your presence in order to attempt to avoid an encounter, some things you think may spook them can actually attract them. Chief among these is bright clothing. While wearing bright, neon garments may seem like a way to keep all wildlife away, bears are actually drawn to it. Theories on why vary. Some believe the ultra-bright colors are so out of place in the natural world that they appeal to the bear's sense of curiosity. Others believe bears associate bright colors with humans and they associate humans as a source of food — not as prey but as purveyors of snacks, picnics, and camp supplies. So, when choosing clothing, tent, or camp and hiking gear colors, go with natural, muted tones, or camo patterns to avoid catching a bear's eye.

One other thing that will alert bears to your presence, but possibly in a bad way, is your scent. Wearing cologne or perfume or bathing with strongly scented soaps, bath washes, and shampoos can cause bears to seek you out. Again, the theories vary. It is presumed by some experts that sweeter smelling scents may be reminiscent of berries, a favorite food of bears, and cause them to track down the source of the smell. Other scents are thought to pique their curiosity. In any event, it's best to stick to unscented toiletries before and during outdoor excursions into bear territory.