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Over recent years and especially this summer, bear populations have been continually increasing all over the country.
roundhill via Getty Images
Bear safety has been top-of-mind forcamping beginnersand connoisseurs and is reaching new highs from places likeWyomingtoMassachusettstoNorth Carolina.
There is a responsibility on yourself to be educated and aware about bears, says Thompson.
A common saying among bear educators is, a fed bear is a dead bear.
Predatory attacks are actually extremely rare.
Most bear encounters end without contact or injury.
Some other options include bear bells or air horns.
Either way, to avoid any surprise encounters, shouting, talking, and clapping is always recommended.
However, theres more to being in a group than just making noise.
In an informationalFacebook video, Gunther says, Groups of three or more are almost never injured by bears.
Larger groups will be less of a target for bearsand as they say, theres strength in numbers.
Bear spray is over 90% effective in stopping aggressive behavior in bears, says Gunther.
And that includes bears!
The canister has a screw-top lid thats easy for humans to get open but hard for bears.
The polycarbonate construction is super strong to hold up to a bears thrashing.
The canister also has approval from IGBC and is on the list ofaccepted bear canisters in Yosemite National Park.
The 2-lb., 8-oz.
Gear Aid 325 Paracord (50 in.)
This 50-foot nylon paracord is a slightly less expensive hanging rope option if youre looking to save on budget.
However, its still strong enough to hold your food in a tree.
Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray (8.1 oz.)
Bear spray is often the golden rule for bear safety gear, particularly with grizzly bears.
Do we hope you never have to use your bear spray?
Is it still worth having if you follow everything else and never end up using it?
Its like wearing ahelmetwhile riding abikeor bringing anumbrellawhen theres a chance of rain.
Id definitely promote the use of bear spray, says Thompson.
confirm its EPA approved.
Counter Assaults bear deterrent spray is one of the top options on the market.
Sabre Frontiersman Bear Spray (7.9 oz.)
This bear spray is equally EPA-approved for deterring a charging bear.
The main difference here is this option comes with a training unit.
Thats where a bear spray holster comes in.
Yeti Bear Proof Locks
Yeti
This pair of locks will ensure your bear-proof cooler stays bear-proof.
Most of these brands will offer specific locks to match their coolers, butmany are interchangeable.
As much information as we can give in this article, were really just scraping the surface.
Its a great book about the behavior of bears and that kind of information, says Thompson.
