The Bear Essentials

A short guide to black bear etiquette | Northeast USA

This is a follow up from my bear spray Instagram story. This is a “working post” since I will add/correct as time goes on. I am simply sharing what I’ve gathered over the past two years.

The below pertains to black bears on the east coast, but I invite feedback on all different bears/regions!

Disclaimer and why I purchased bear spray:

For the US: while this is necessary on the west coast, it’s not entirely necessary to carry in the northeast, since black bears are mostly not a threat to humans (unless they repeatedly come for food at a site, their cubs are nearby etc.) Since I often hike solo, my goal was to have it more for my sanity and peace of mind, not so much that I would actually have to use it.

However, here are a few tips for bear spray use, should you feel threatened or encounter an unusually aggressive bear within 12 feet of you:

↠ know how to use it! Read the bottle carefully. I have yet to actually have to use it, so can’t speak from experience.

↠ buy a holster to place it in so it doesn’t accidentally spray on its own. This is a potent spray and can be harmful- it is not like hair spray or other product. Be mindful of this.

↠ If deploying, be conscious of which way the wind is blowing; make sure the wind is to your back.

↠it will spray for about 7 seconds- that’s it.

↠aim at the snout or below at the bear’s feet (not high above.)

↠Bottle care: as with many items, refrain from storing in extreme temperatures (e.g sweltering hot car trunk.)

So you see a black bear, but don’t actually feel threatened: now what?

Make noise and act bigger than them. Don’t give them your food. Don’t run - back away slowly. They are often frightened and will probably be on their merry way to get away. When I hike alone, I use a bear bell (there is debate on this, but I personally have it with me.) You can easily find these at your local outdoors’ store for $3-$5.

My experience: I saw a bear on a hike in the Catskills last year on the trail to Panther Mountain. I don’t know if he or she saw me, (they probably smelled me!) but I slowly backed up for about one second and then ran for it. Whatever you do - don’t do this and don’t run!! I was wrong!
Bears will also be super protective of their Cubs if they are nearby; be sure to assess the situation and move away slowly so Mama B doesn’t feel like you’re a threat.

But MOST importantly, remember to always #leavenotrace and store your food and toiletries properly when camping. I read somewhere that “a fed bear is a dead bear.” There is no coming back once a bear has a continuous food/ trash source and he or she will most likely have to be removed or euthanized. This is incredibly heartbreaking, so hopefully as a collective we can work to prevent this from happening no matter which lands we roam.

Sources: all of my wonderful Instagram community (thank you!) and some light internet reading - please correct me if anything is inaccurate/add on anything missing!

Photo below is from my rental car in Jasper, Alberta.