Proper Storage Of Food In Bear Country
If the idea of camping in bear country appeals to you, remember that camping and hiking rules in bear country differ from that of other regions. This is an area where a large number of bears have been sighted. If bears enter camping territory, they can cause damage to life and property. Bears are attracted to humans by the scent of the food that they carry with them. Therefore, it is essential to know how to properly store your food in bear country.
Most national parks and camping sites have their own rules on storing food in bear country. The infrastructure in designated bear country camps is designed so that your food is well protected. Some parks advise people to carry their food in special bear resistant food containers. Other parks have food poles from where food and cooking gear have to be suspended while not in use. Some parks also have bear cables to help protect food in bear country. These comprise of wire cables which run between two trees. You can put your food in a bear bag, suspend it from the cable and secure it with a lock.
Store your food in metal storage boxes or air tight containers in order to prevent odor from emanating. In case you do not have proper storage boxes, you can keep food, ice chest etc in the trunk of your vehicle. When you go camping in bear country, make sure you purchase bear bags just in case the park or camp site does not have sufficient food security infrastructure. These bags are made of nylon. You can toss in your food, waste and other scented or odorous items in the bag. These bags come with nylon ropes. Tie one end of the rope to the sack and tie a rock at the other end. Throw the rock over the branch of a tree, about 20 feet from the ground. Hoist the sack up over the tree such that the sack is at least 10 feet off the ground. This method can be used if you do not have quick access to your vehicle or you do not have proper storage boxes. However, keep this as the last resort since large bears can reach foods which have been suspended in this way.
A clean and tidy campsite is required at all times in national parks and other campgrounds in bear country. As soon as you are done cooking, clean up the mess. Make sure trash goes in bear proof containers. Do not burn your food waste or garbage in the fire pit. Insure that camp stoves are put away in bear proof storage or the trunk of your vehicle. Make sure uncooked food is put away again into bear bags or proper storage containers. Walk around your campsite and look for dropped scraps of food, particularly if you have kids.
Do not cook near the place where you have set up tent. Cook at least a hundred yards away from the place where you stay. The place where you choose to do your cooking should be airy and breezy. Never bring your food to the tent. Make sure there is no food in the tent. Check bags for foods like candies, cookies or chewing gum. These can be easily overlooked. If bears get whiff of these, they may even rip off the tent and bags to check for the food. Remember not to sleep in the clothes in which you have done your cooking. Clothes can carry smells and you may end up as bait for the bears.
Camping in bear country can be fun and even safe if proper measures are taken to ensure that food storage is properly done and the campsites are kept clean. Always check with park staff for bear sightings & updates, as well as specific instructions for the area you are in.
I hope you enjoyed these camping tips provided by Noah’s Ark Resort. Noah’s Ark Resort is a fantastic place to Camp in Revelstoke.



