
# Bear Safety Checklist

_WildRove printable guide_

Prepare for bear encounters by planning ahead and keeping a tidy campsite.

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## Before You Go
- [ ] Confirm which bear species inhabit your destination.
- [ ] Review recent wildlife advisories and trail closures.
- [ ] Pack food in odor-proof bags and store it in bear lockers or canisters.
- [ ] Carry bear spray where legal; Yosemite National Park prohibits it. Check expiration dates.
- [ ] Practice using an inert spray before your trip.
- [ ] Hike in groups of three or more and keep conversations going.
- [ ] Plan daytime hikes; bears are most active at dawn and dusk.
- [ ] Note the nearest ranger station in case you need help.

## At the Campsite
- [ ] Keep food, toiletries, and scented items out of your tent.
- [ ] Do not cook or eat in your sleeping area.
- [ ] Clean up thoroughly and pack away cookware after each meal.
- [ ] Store food in bear boxes or hang it 10 feet high and 4 feet from tree trunks.
- [ ] Dispose of trash promptly in bear-resistant bins.
- [ ] Keep pets leashed and children within sight.

## Identifying Bears
- **Black Bear** – Straight face profile and shorter claws; colors range from black to cinnamon.
- **Grizzly Bear** – Large shoulder hump, concave face, and long front claws up to 4 inches.
- **Polar Bear** – Large white body and long neck; mainly along Alaska's coast. Report sightings immediately.

## If You See a Bear
- Stay calm and group up; never run.
- Back away slowly while facing the bear and speak in a firm voice.
- Prepare bear spray. If the bear comes within 30 feet, aim low in front of it.
- If a black bear attacks, fight back with any object.
- If a grizzly bear attacks, lie flat on your stomach and protect your neck.
- If a polar bear attacks, defend yourself aggressively and seek immediate shelter.
- Report all encounters to rangers as soon as possible.

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## Field Notes
Observation: __________________________
Location: _____________________________

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## WildRove Explorer Tip
Store your food before doing anything else at camp. Bears can smell granola bars from a mile away. Check wildlife advisories for your destination (Yellowstone posts updates daily). More safety printables at [wildrove.com/freebies](https://wildrove.com/freebies).


A printable safety guide for staying safe in bear country.